An Insider’s Take on How to Host a Killer Oyster Roast

Each October, the NC Oyster Trail, North Carolina Sea Grant, the N.C. Coastal Federation, and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources partner to “shellebrate” the start of North Carolina’s oyster season which runs from October through March. Although area oyster farms produce oysters year-round, wild-caught oysters must be harvested during this time.

Ana Shellem, founder of the boutique shell fishing company, Shell’em Seafood Co., harvests wild shellfish and other marsh edibles for restaurants across the state, and her bounty can be found locally at Seabird, Catch and Olivero, among others.

For Shellem, hosting an oyster roast is one of the highlights of the season. For those who may be new to the game, we talked with Shellem about how to host a killer roast.

Where do you suggest people go to buy oysters locally, and what should they ask for?
Shellem: I love to go to Seaview Crab Company, Mott’s or Eagle Island for wild-caught oysters. If you’re shopping for a larger group that loves oysters, get a full bushel. For smaller groups, a half bushel or even a peck might be enough. You can choose between single oysters or clusters – the clusters are great for steaming and are usually less expensive, but if you’re serving them raw or grilled I would go for the singles.

If you’re interested in trying different types of oysters, you can explore options from N. Sea. Oyster Co. or Middle Sound Mariculture. It’s fun to compare wild-caught versus farmed oysters!

Do oysters need to be cleaned before cooking or serving?
Shellem: Some oysters come pre-cleaned, but you can ask your fish market to give them another wash. If you’re cleaning them yourself, a basic garden hose on jet mode will do the job. It’s especially important if you plan to eat them raw or steam them, but not as critical if you’re grilling.

How do you store oysters safely until you’re ready to serve or cook them?
Shellem: Bring a cooler with ice at the bottom and place the oysters on top. Leave the drain open so the water doesn’t build up because it will kill them. If you need to store them overnight, keep them in the harvest bag and add more ice as needed. They’ll last around three to four days, but I’d suggest eating them sooner if they were harvested more than a week ago – they will all be sold with a harvest date tag for reference.

What tools and equipment do you need to cook oysters?
Shellem: For steaming I’d suggest a Bayou Classic steamer pot, which you can get locally at Ace Hardware. A propane burner is ideal for outside steaming, though smaller batches can be done in the kitchen. Make sure to avoid overcrowding the steamer to ensure even cooking. Grilling is also a great option because you can see when each one pops open and is ready to eat. You’ll also want oyster shuckers for raw oysters – Dexter-Russell is a great brand. We like to pour the steamed oysters out on a picnic table with lots of paper towels – it’s a casual and slightly messy affair!

What accompaniments do you serve with oysters?
Shellem: I like to serve raw oysters with a mignonette, which is a mixture of red wine vinegar and shallots, cocktail sauce, fresh lemon, and chow chow. For steamed oysters is it’s great to have a mix of hot sauces, butter, and saltine crackers. When I host a roast I like to have a few sides for those that don’t like oysters – maybe chili and some grilled veggies, or even clams and mussels.

Are there any specific beverages that pair well with oysters?
Shellem: I love Picpoul and Sancerre – both are dry and clean, which pairs well with the salinity of the oysters. If you prefer beer, Lighthouse Beer & Wine in Wrightsville Beach has great local recommendations, but people often stick to classic choices like Budweiser or PBR at roasts.

What should people do with the oyster shells after a roast?
Shellem: Oyster shells should never go in the landfill! In fact, it’s illegal to dispose of them this way. Many fish markets will take them back, and there are oyster shell drop-offs in the community, like the one at Wrightsville Beach. You can also return the shells to the marsh.