Garlic oysters are a simple yet luxurious dish that brings out the best in fresh oysters. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these oysters are the perfect balance of briny, sweet ocean flavor and rich, garlicky goodness.
To make garlic oysters, start with fresh oysters, either shucked or in their shells. If you’re using oysters in their shells, it’s easy to shuck them at home with a sharp oyster knife, or you can ask your fishmonger to do it for you. Once shucked, the oysters are ready to be transformed into a delectable treat.
The key to garlic oysters is the sauce. Begin by melting butter in a pan, then adding minced garlic and sautéing until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. You can also add a dash of white wine or lemon juice to the butter for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a little heat, and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme brighten the sauce. Once the garlic butter is ready, spoon it generously over each oyster, ensuring they’re well-coated.
After the oysters are topped with the garlic butter, they’re ready for baking. Bake at a high temperature (about 400°F or 200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the oysters are bubbling and golden on top. If you like, you can sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy, crispy finish.
These garlic oysters are perfect for serving as an appetizer or as a main course. Pair them with a crisp glass of white wine or champagne to complement the richness of the dish. They’re also great served alongside a fresh salad or a simple pasta dish.
Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or new to this delicacy, garlic oysters will elevate any meal. Rich, garlicky, and satisfying, they’re an indulgent yet easy way to enjoy the best of what the sea has to offer.

Ingredients
- 12 oysters fresh
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Carefully shuck the oysters, keeping as much of the oyster liquor inside the shell as possible.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the shucked oysters on the grill grate and spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over each oyster.
- Grill the oysters for about 5-7 minutes, until the edges start to curl and the oysters are cooked through.
- Remove the oysters from the grill and serve with lemon wedges.
- Enjoy!
Yuck! I don’t know why anyone would eat those slimy things. 1 star for the butter tho.
I did it on the stove tho. Still turned out good! 😋
Why would anyone eat raw oysters? They’re gross! Looks appealing grilled tho.
I totally agree! Raw oysters are a big no for me, but grilled with garlic butter sounds amazing!
Super easy recipe! My kids even liked them! #winning
Too much butter for my taste, but decent overall.
I don’t like oysters, so I don’t know why I tried this. They tasted weird. No offense.
I tried but they turned out too salty. Maybe I put too much salt? I’ll reduce it next time.
Could you add chees? A pizza version maybe? 🤔
Garlic is too much! Should’ve added less.
I actually think garlic is what makes these oysters pop! Too much garlic? Nah, never!
I love this recipe! My mom used to make them this way. Thanks for reminding me!
My husband said they were good, but honestly, I think they were too salty. Maybe less salt next time?
Isnt this just grilled snails? I think they taste the same honestly.
I didn’t have oysters on hand so I used mussels and it worked. Still tasty!
That’s awesome! Mussels are a great substitute. Glad it turned out tasty! 😊
These garlic oysters were to die for! The butter and garlic combo is amazing. Definitely doing this again!
I totally agree! The butter and garlic combo takes it to another level. Best garlic oysters I’ve ever had!
I donno, oysters really ain’t my thing. They look slimy and stuff. But I guess if you like em, that’s cool.
Loved this! My friends thought I was a chef after making it! So easy!
These were amazing! The garlic butter is life!!
Luv it! My hubby can’t stop asking for more! 🍽️
So glad to hear that! Garlic and oysters are a match made in heaven! 😍
Grilling oysters? Sounds complicated… I just stick to steaks.
These garlic oysters were amazing! I loved the buttery flavor and garlic combo.
Garlic butter is good on anything, even bread! Great recipe!
Yum, but do oysters need cleaning? I want to be sure!
This is not how you cook oysters! You don’t grill them, that ruins the flavor. Real chefs wouldn’t do this.
Yucky! My oysters were gritty and not fresh. I followed the recipe but still gross.
So simple but packed with flavor! I added a bit of cheese on top and it was a game changer! Yum!
Surprised at how easy this was! I just used my grill on the balcony, and it worked great! Would make again.
That’s awesome! I love grilling! Can’t wait to try this recipe myself.
Grill?? For oysters?? I thought they were better raw… not sure I would like it grilled…
Followed this recipe to the letter, never had oysters like this. Shocking!
Didnt like it, oysters just taste like ocean to me. 👎
I have never shucked oysters before. Scared to try! Anyone got tips?
Can you use store-bought oysters? Or does it have to be fresh? I’m not really sure.
Is glassy wine good with this or no? I’m confused.
I dunno, isn’t glassy wine too sweet? I think a red would be better for this. Just my opinion though.
Glassy wine can actually pair well with seafood! It’s light and refreshing. You should give it a try!
I tried this recipe but my oysters didn’t cook well 🙁 I think I overcooked them. Can someone help?
Garlic and butter? What more u need, bro? 5 stars definitely!
Tough to shuck the oysters, my hands are sore. But the result was worth it. Yum!
So simple and so good! Perfect for summer BBQs. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know… oysters are kinda slimy. Wouldn’t it be easier to just BBQ some chicken instead?
Totally agree! These are a hit at every BBQ I go to. Love how easy they are to make! 😍
These are the best oysters I’ve ever made! Super garlicky and delicious! Will definitely be making them again.
I messed up the grilling part. Can I bake these instead? Not really a grill person.
Best garlic oysters I’ve ever had! Can’t believe how easy they were!
I don’t see how people eat oysters. This seems gross.
Really good recipe. Just make sure to get fresh oysters! I used frozen and they were mushy.
These were amazing! I’m definitely making them again!
I totally agree! These are the best! Can’t believe how simple they are to make!
Eh, I don’t know. Isn’t garlic a bit too strong for oysters? I prefer them with just lemon.
OMG, garlic and butter together is life! These oysters are like a party in my mouth.
Easy to make! But my grill is broken lol. Had to use oven instead, still good tho.
Glad it turned out good! Oysters in the oven? Bet they still taste great. Will try it myself!
5 stars for flavor! But can someone tell me how to get the oysters out without tools?
1/4 tsp of salt? Felt like not enough, maybe I used more.