Skip to main content

Pedro’s Oyster on the Half Shell

For many years a professional cook who specialized in seafood dishes prepared the meals at my parents’ house. Pedro Rocha would go to the fish market with my dad, bring home whatever had been caught that day, and turn it into an incredible meal for the family or for my father’s friends (who often came just for the food). Many of my seafood dishes are inspired by or derived from dishes Pedro taught me to make. This is one of them, and it’s always a favorite with my friends. As soon as we figure out how to get Pedro a passport, we’re opening a fish restaurant in the United States!

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

12 fresh oysters, shucked and resting in their bottom shell
3/4 cup minced white onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons clam-tomato juice (such as Clamato; optional)
4 teaspoons Maggi seasoning sauce (see opposite)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon minced seeded serrano chile
1 teaspoon bottled hot sauce (such as Huichol)
Salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Arrange the oysters, preferably over crushed ice, on a platter.

    Step 2

    Mix the onion, cilantro, lime juice, clam-tomato juice if using, Maggi sauce, Worcestershire sauce, serrano chile, and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Season the salsa to taste with a little salt. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the salsa over each oyster, and serve immediately.

Fresh Mexico
Read More
With a crisp crust, garlicky mayo, and a juicy slice of tomato.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Punchy, make-ahead chimichurri adds a bright, fresh finish to this easy summer dinner.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.