Oyster Stew

4.7
(268)

This oyster stew is elegant and satisfying. I serve it hot, alongside some toasted homemade bread. Try adding a drop or two of hot sauce if you like — it's delicious!

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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4

Oyster stew is a Christmas Eve tradition in many households, but you'll want to make this easy recipe for a hearty meal all year long.

Oyster Stew Ingredients

Though this oyster stew recipe is full of flavor, it comes together with surprisingly few ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

  • Vegetables: This easy oyster stew starts with sauteed celery and shallots.
  • Butter: The celery and shallots are sauteed in butter, ensuring a rich base.
  • Half-and-half: Half-and-half (or heavy cream, depending on what you prefer) creates a rich and creamy stew.
  • Oysters: It wouldn't be oyster stew without fresh shucked oysters! Make sure not to drain the liquid.
  • Seasonings: The easy oyster stew is simply seasoned with just cayenne pepper and black pepper.

How to Make Oyster Stew

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this hearty oyster stew:

  1. Saute the celery and shallots in butter.
  2. Heat the half-and-half, then stir in the sauteed vegetables.
  3. Add the oysters and their liquid. Season to taste.
  4. Cook until the oysters curl at the ends.
overhead shot oyhster stew with metal spoon
Jennifer Michels Kirby

How to Store Oyster Stew

Allow the oyster stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Can You Freeze Oyster Stew?

Allow the oyster stew to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold before transferring to the freezer. Freeze in serving-size portions for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This was very easy and foolproof," raves one Allrecipes community member. "The taste was surprisingly delicious even though there were so few ingredients. We added a few oyster crackers before serving and it was exceptional."

"My dad usually always has to 'add' something extra to suit his taste, but with this he didn't touch anything," says LHDougherty. "I did add potatoes and just a splash of Worcestershire sauce."

"This has become my family's new recipe for the traditional Christmas Eve Oyster Stew," according to Laswill. "We have even made new converts with the new members of the family."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • ½ cup butter

  • 1 cup minced celery

  • 3 tablespoons minced shallots

  • 1 quart half-and-half cream

  • 2 (12 ounce) containers fresh shucked oysters, undrained

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    an overhead shot of all ingredients for Oyster Stew

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add celery and shallots; cook and stir until shallots are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.

    an overhead shot of celery and shallots in a saucepan

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Heat half-and-half in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add celery and shallot mixture, and stir continuously until just about to boil. Add oysters and their liquid, and season with cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

    an overhead shot of oysters added to celery milk mixture in a saucepan

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Cook, stirring continuously, until oysters curl at the ends. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.

    close up on a large bowl of oyster stew
    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
394 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

555 Calories
51g Fat
14g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 555
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 51g 66%
Saturated Fat 32g 159%
Cholesterol 163mg 54%
Sodium 309mg 13%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 13g 25%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 292mg 22%
Iron 6mg 32%
Potassium 546mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.