How To Host An Oyster Roast
Learn from the pros how to host a do-it-yourself oyster roast! Coastal Caterers has over 25 years of experience hosting oyster roasts for groups ranging from 12 to 500. Find out everything you need to host an oyster roast like a professional. These are instructions for a South Carolina-style roast, but they can be held wherever you may be!
Follow the easy step-by-step instructions provided. Check out our helpful videos and shop for what you need for your roast!
Everything You Need For An Oyster Roast!
The first, and most important thing you will need is delicious oysters! If you live in an area where you can get fresh local oysters, that would be best. Farm-raised oysters will also work.
Cooking and setting up are the same for whichever type of oysters you like best. You can always put your favorite condiments for eating oysters that you use, too.
How Many Oysters Do I Need?
How many oysters will I need for my oyster roast? If you are ordering oysters by the bushels, you can expect to feed from 8 to 10 people. If you prefer to use farm-raised oysters, you will need about 8 pounds of oysters per person.
What You Need To Cook The Oysters
The next thing you will need is a propane burner, a 10-gallon pot, and a drop basket to steam the oysters. You will only need to fill the pot with a few inches of water; we are steaming the oysters, not boiling them. Always make sure there is water in the pot, so it does not get burned and ruined.
You will need a propane tank to run your burner. A 20# propane tank will do and can be purchased at most gas stations.
Making An Oyster Table
After you have your cooker set up and ready to steam, you will need an oyster table. We recommend a plywood table with openings cut into the plywood. Two 32-gallon cans will go under the openings in the table, and this is where guest will throw their shells while eating. The cans also allow for easy recycling of shells. Remember to only throw shells in the cans.
Please note that any waterproof table may work. The shell receptacles can be placed near the table if it does not have openings.
How To Dress Your Oyster Table For Service
What you need to dress your oyster table.
- Oyster Knives. Although the oysters are steamed open, you will need an oyster knife to finish them all the way. Shop Oyster Knives
- Hand Towels. You will need a hand towel to handle the warm oysters.
- Saltine Crackers. Many people enjoy eating oysters on a saltine cracker.
- Cocktail Sauce. Cocktail Sauce is the staple condiment for oysters.
- Hot Sauce. Tabasco or Texas Pete is recommended.
- Lemon Wedges. Freshly squeezed lemon gives oysters a little zing!
- Melted Butter. Melted butter is an optional condiment.
Traditional Sides For Oyster Roast
Traditional side dishes served at oyster roasts include Shrimp Boils, BBQ Pork, Chili, and Cole Slaw.
Now you are ready to have a great time socializing with family and friends at your very own oyster roasts!
Check out our video on how to steam oysters. How To Dress A Table For An Oyster Roast.
Learn about oyster shell recycling.
Shopping on Amazon Through Our Links Helps To Keep This Helpful Page Operating! Thanks For Your Support!!
Charleston Oyster Roast Catering 