Oysters on the half shell grilled with crispy bacon, lemon zest, parsley, freshly ground black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. These surf and turf oysters are a perfectly briny, bright, smoky and savory appetizer that is perfect for enjoying with guests anytime of year. Grill these oysters on the grill, or over the campfire – either way will be fabulous!
When it comes to elevating a classic dish, there’s something magical about the combination of surf and turf—especially when it involves oysters, smoky bacon, and a fresh pop of lemon zest. Grilled oysters with bacon and lemon zest bring together the briny flavors of the sea and the savory richness of crispy bacon, all topped off with the brightness of citrus. This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress with a simple yet indulgent appetizer.
Why Oysters?
As a registered dietitian and seafood enthusiast, I’m always excited to showcase oysters in my recipes. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a powerhouse of nutrition. Oysters are packed with essential nutrients like zinc, which supports immune health, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for brain, eye and heart health.
Now, let’s talk about how to take these beauties to the next level with this surf-and-turf twist!
What ingredients do you need for these surf and turf oysters?
- Fresh oysters, shucked (be sure to not spill the liquor inside!). The oysters we purchase are from the Damariscotta River in mid-coast Maine.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (we like a thicker cut bacon here)
- Fresh parsley (adds freshness and grassiness)
- Lemon zest and lemon wedges (adds great acidity)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
How do you make these grilled oysters?
- Prepare a wood fire in your fire pit and place a grate overtop the fire. You’ll want to do this ahead of time, so the fire has a chance to settle down before you begin grilling. You don’t want large flames when you’re grilling these, you want glowing coals and a low fire. If the fire is too hot, the shells will start shattering. Alternatively, you can cook the oysters on the grill over medium low heat. Crumpled up tin foil serves as a great dish for the oysters while they are on the grill and will help prevent the liquor from spilling out.
- Shuck your oysters.
- Place oysters on the grill.
- Add the bacon. Cook until the oyster meat on the edges begins to curl inwards and the oyster meat is opaque and cooked through.
- Add the parsley and lemon zest. Add freshly ground black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.
Frequently asked questions:
How do you buy and store oysters?
This post on oysters takes you through how to purchase fresh oysters, how to store them, and how to shuck them. You should always inspect oysters prior to and after shucking and avoid eating any oysters with cracked or partially opened shells, hollow sounding shells or any that have an off smell or taste. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can you skip the bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon if need be. The lemon zest and parsley add a lot of flavor to the oysters, while still letting the flavor of the oyster itself shine through.
Can you use a gas grill for grilling these oysters or do you need to grill over an open flame?
You can absolutely use a gas or charcoal grill. Instructions for using a gas grill are included in the recipe card below.
Are these oysters fully cooked?
Yes, these oysters are fully cooked, so the risk of food borne illness is minimal when compared with eating raw oysters (as long as you purchase your oysters from a trusted purveyer, store them properly and inspect them prior to eating!). So, even those immune compromised groups that are typically advised to avoid raw oysters should be able to enjoy these grilled oysters. Lexi (my 7 year old) gobbled these up!
Are oysters good for you?
Yes! Oysters are rich in zinc, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids are beyond. Oysters are a nutritional powerhouse that support immune function, brain, eye and heart health. Oysters also provide an excellent source of iron.
Looking for more oyster recipes? Try these:
- Grilled Oysters with Garlic Butter
- Oysters on the Half Shell
- Oyster Platter with Wild Blueberry Granita
- Cranbery Seacuterie Board
Surf and Turf Oysters
Ingredients
- 12 oysters
- 2 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 1 lemon zest of
For serving
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges from lemon above
Instructions
- Prepare a wood fire in your fire pit and place a grate overtop the fire. You’ll want to do this quite a bit ahead of time (about an hour), so the fire has a chance to settle down before you begin grilling. You don’t want large flames when you’re grilling these, you want glowing coals and a low fire. If the fire is too hot, the shells will start shattering. Alternatively, you can cook the oysters on the grill over medium low heat. Crumpled up tin foil serves as a great dish for the oysters while they are on the grill and will help prevent the liquor from spilling out.
- Place oysters on your grill grate. After a minute or so, add the bacon. Cook until bubbly and the oyster meat on the edges begins to curl inwards and the oyster meat is opaque, this is usually a total of 4-6 minutes. Add the parsley and lemon zest. Remove from heat carefully. Add freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
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