Oysters Danish Style with Cucumber and Pickled-Shallot Relish

Recipe Photo: 
Recipe Author: 
Daniel Boulud
Recipe Serves: 
8
  • 1 cup distilled vinegar
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup shallots, cut into 1/8-inch dice
  • 24 oysters (Recommend Malpeque, Winterpoint, or Glidden Point)
  • 3/4 cup cucumber, cut into 1/8-inch dice
  • 2 Tablespoons sliced chive
  • 4 tablespoons chopped dill, plus fronds for garnish
  • Salt and ground white pepper
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
Recipe Instructions: 
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine the distilled vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a simmer.
  2. Remove from the heat, add the shallots, and set aside for 1 hour. Scrub the oysters well, and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 2 minutes, and remove immediately.
  3. Open the oysters, remove the top shell, and run a knife under the oyster to cut the muscle, taking care not to spill the juice. Set the oysters on a flat tray covered with crumpled aluminum foil to keep the oysters level and hold their juices. Chill until ready to serve.
  4. Strain the shallots, and mix with the cucumber, chives, and 2 tablespoons dill; season to taste with salt and pepper.
  5. Mix the yogurt with the remaining dill in a small bowl, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  6. To assemble, top each oyster with a spoonful of cucumber-shallot relish and finish with 1/2 teaspoon of the yogurt-dill sauce. Garnish with a dill frond. Serve 3 oysters per guest.