• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Chef Dennis
  • Recipe Index
  • My Recipes
  • On the Road
  • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Cookie Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Recent Recipes
  • Holiday Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Ask Chef Dennis » Recipes » Starters » Seafood Appetizers » How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller

    How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller

    Published: May 20, 2020 · Modified: Jun 27, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley · 65 Comments·This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    3.2K shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    4.89 from 42 votes
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    pinterest image for oysters rockefeller

    During my career as a restaurant chef, Oysters Rockefeller was one of the more popular appetizers on my menu.

    oysters rockefeller with a slice of lemon on a bed of rock salt on a white platter

    As with most restaurant-style dishes, Oysters Rockefeller is not difficult to make and with a little prep you’ll be amazing your friends with this ah-mazingly delicious dish.

    What do I need to make Oysters Rockefeller?

    ingredients to make Oysters Rockefeller in glass bowls on a wooden cutting board

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Oysters Rockefeller. In Chef Speak this is called the Mise en Place which translates into Everything in its Place.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    live oysters on a white platter with the Pancea Pearl logo

    You can’t make Oysters Rockefeller without the oysters. And ordering oysters couldn’t be easier these days. If you can’t find oysters locally, you might want to look online. I’ve been ordering my seafood online for some time now .

    24 oysters open on the half shell on a sheet pan

    Start by opening the oysters and place them on a sheet pan. I saved the excess liquid for my next recipe, Oyster Stew.

    How do I open oysters?

    The way any true oysterman or chef would open the oysters is with an oyster knife. This is referred to as shucking the oyster.

    Lay the oyster flat in your hand and hold it in place. Insert the tip of the oyster knife into the “hinge” at the back of the oyster and gently twist the edge of the knife to pry it open. Carefully cut the muscle away from the shell by sliding the knife horizontally along the inside top of the shell. This method is really not difficult if you happen to have an oyster knife and a cut-resistant glove.

    The second method used to shuck an oyster is using a paring knife. 

    Start at the front or side of the oyster (not the hinge) and gently insert the knife between the line where the top and bottom shells meet. Once it starts to open, twist the knife 90 degrees and cut the adductor muscle that connects the top and bottom shells. I tried this method and although some folks think its pure genius I see it as a way to get some pretty nasty cuts on your hands. I don’t recommend this method unless you have a cut-resistant glove.

    The third method to shuck an oyster uses a flat head screwdriver. 

    A flat-head screwdriver works pretty much the same way an oyster knife will. And since just about everyone has a flat head screwdriver it makes it the perfect replacement for an oyster knife. 

    Find the shortest thick-bladed screwdriver you have and wash it thoroughly. 

    Lay the oyster flat in your hand and hold it in place. Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the “hinge” at the back of the oyster and rotate the handle to pry open the oyster. At this point, you’ll need a pairing knife to cut the muscle away from the shell by sliding the knife horizontally along the inside top of the shell. Using a cut-resistant glove is recommended.

    How do I make Oysters Rockefeller?

    finely chopped shallots browning in a large saute pan

    Start by melting the butter in a large saute pan. Add the shallots and saute for 3-5 minutes.

    wilted spinach in a large saute pan

    Add the fresh spinach to the saute pan and cook until it’s wilted.

    **If you want to add Pernod or white wine, add it after the spinach has wilted.

    Oysters Rockefeller topping of spinach and cream sauce

    Mix in the lemon juice, cream, Romano cheese and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat and allow the mixture to cook down (reduce) by one-half.

    The mixture will thicken and somewhat solidify while it cools off in the fridge.

    oysters topped with Rockefeller topping on a sheet pan

    The last step before cooking is placing a tablespoon of the spinach filling on each oyster, then sprinkling panko bread crumbs on top.

    Place the oysters in your preheated oven and bake until golden brown.

    8 oysters rockefeller on a bed of rock salt with lemon slices  white oval platter

    Once you see how easy it is to make this classic restaurant style dish, it will become one of your favorite appetizers. Can you imagine how impressed your friends and family will be when they see the deliciousness you created?

    Kitchen Tools I use to make Oysters Rockefeller

    • Dexter Oyster Knife
    • Cut Resistant Glove
    • Rock Salt
    • 12-inch Tri-Ply Saute Pan

    Recipe FAQ’s

    Can you freeze Oysters Rockefeller?

    Oysters Rockefeller will freeze very nicely. After adding the topping, place the sheet pan in the freezer allowing the oysters to freeze. After the oysters have frozen solid place them in a container or Ziploc bag for storage. The oysters Rockefeller will hold up frozen for 4-6 weeks

    Why are the oysters called Rockefeller?

    The dish was created and named after John D. Rockefeller, the richest American at the time, for the extreme richness of the dish.

    Are Oysters Rockefeller fully cooked?

    Yes, they are. After topping the oysters with the sauce, they are baked or broiled, which fully cooks the oyster.

    Do I have to use fresh spinach?

    No, you don’t. You can use frozen chopped spinach. Make sure to fully defrost the spinach and squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible.
    Fresh spinach is a better choice, but when you’re in a bind frozen will work.

    More Seafood Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Garlic Oysters – A Restaurant Classic
    • Clams Casino Recipe – Restaurant Classic
    • New Zealand Mussels Served 5 Ways
    • Jersey Shore Deviled Clams

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    oysters rockefeller with a slice of lemon on a bed of rock salt on a white platter
    Print Recipe Save Saved!
    4.89 from 42 votes

    Oysters Rockefeller

    When it comes to restaurant classics, Oysters Rockefeller is the king of seafood appetizers. You can still find it on many restaurant menus, but it's slowly disappearing from the culinary scene. The truth is it's easy to make and you'll amaze your friends and family with this ah-mazing appetizer.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 24
    Calories: 82kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    • 24 oysters live in shell
    • 4 tbsp butter
    • 2 shallots finely minced
    • 10 oz baby spinach
    • 12 oz heavy cream
    • ½ cup Romano cheese
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Rinse and clean the oysters
    • Carefully open the oysters and using a paring knife cut under the oyster releasing it from the shell. Place the open oysters on a sheet pan and refrigerate until needed.
    • in a large saute pan or wide bottom pot, melt the butter.
    • Add the shallots to the melted butter and saute over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Do not let them burn.
    • Add the spinach and saute until the spinach is wilted.
    • **If you want to add Pernod or white wine, now is the time to add the wine to the pan.
    • Add the lemon juice, heavy cream, Romano cheese and black pepper to the spinach. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Allow the mixture to continue cooking until the cream has reduced by half.
    • Place the finished mixture into the refrigerator. Allow the spinach mixture to completely cool and solidify.
    • Place one tablespoon of the spinach mixture on top of each oyster.
    • Top each finished oyster with the panko bread crumbs.
    • Place the oysters in a 375 degree F. oven for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
    • Serve the oysters on a bed of rock salt with lemon slices.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1384IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!
    « Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
    Coffee Shop Style Blueberry Muffins »

    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine

      November 04, 2020 at 1:42 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for the recipe! We picked up fresh oysters from Marshall, California and made this dish. Fantastic!

      Reply
      • Dean Klear

        December 06, 2020 at 12:38 am

        Picked up the best oysters on planet Earth Apalachicola Florida the world’s best smack them down with some homemade sweet dream baby spinach shallots.. Dasha. And lo and behold Walla the world’s best Oyster Rockefeller

        Reply
      • Lauren Rogers

        December 14, 2020 at 10:56 pm

        Can you make the mixture the day before you plan on cooking the oysters?

        Reply
        • Chef Dennis Littley

          December 15, 2020 at 8:24 am

          yes you can.

    2. Karen Bl.

      July 04, 2020 at 3:20 am

      I live on the Pacific Coast and get fresh oysters any time from Oysterville, Washington. . So very fresh. I’m anxious to try your recipe.

      Reply
    3. Agnes

      May 24, 2020 at 6:59 am

      There is this one restaurant I go for baked oysters and I miss going there! I love this version and will try the recipe!

      Reply
    4. Swathi

      May 24, 2020 at 1:47 am

      5 stars
      This oyster dish looks delicious. I am fan of oyester this is so simple yet perfect for family meal.

      Reply
    5. Rosey

      May 23, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      Oysters are surely a favorite of my second oldest son. I have never made them, but it would be nice to try. Perhaps I will.

      Reply
    6. Debra

      May 23, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent for when you can’t go out to the restuarants.

      Reply
    7. Rosemary

      May 23, 2020 at 2:38 pm

      This does look delicious and something that is sure to impress. Finding good oysters is a challenge, though I’m curious to check out the co-op in Florida. Can’t wait to give it a try 🙂

      Reply
    8. A.Rrajani Photographer

      May 23, 2020 at 11:22 am

      NICE POST!
      THANK YOU FOR SHARING…

      Reply
    9. Leslie

      May 23, 2020 at 9:41 am

      5 stars
      This does look like an amazing appetizer! My friends would be so impressed if I made this!

      Reply
    10. Catalina

      May 23, 2020 at 4:46 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness! These oysters look so fancy! These will be perfect for our romantic dinner!

      Reply
    11. Daynia

      May 22, 2020 at 11:38 pm

      I’m really afraid of oysters, but I do really appreciate the detail you gave in this post! I will share with known oyster fans.

      Reply
    12. Saif

      May 22, 2020 at 9:35 pm

      I love the recipe of this oyster. It is easy and looks absolutely delicious. Can’t wait to give it a try in my kitchen.

      Reply
    13. Lathiya

      May 22, 2020 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      I never cooked oysters but this one sounds fun to cook around.

      Reply
    14. Maren

      May 22, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve always wanted to learn how to make this oyster recipe! Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    15. Heather

      May 22, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      This is one thing I have never tried to make at home! It looks so intimidating.

      Reply
    16. Sue

      May 22, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy! Thanks for the tips on how to open the oysters. Looking forward to the Oyster Stew recipe!

      Reply
    17. Christie Gagnon

      May 22, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      So flavorful!

      Reply
    18. Jennifer Van Haitsma

      May 22, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      I’ve never had oyster’s rockefeller, but I love seafood in general. You can never have too much in my opinion 🙂 Another delicious looking recipe!

      Reply
    19. Marina

      May 22, 2020 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      I love oysters and never know what to do with them. This recipe gave me confidence in buying them and making them at home. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    20. Amanda Marie Boyle

      May 21, 2020 at 9:48 pm

      5 stars
      I am not an Oyster fan, except for Oyster Rockefeller. I wish it was easier to find, but I guess if I learn to shuck oysters I can do my own now! Great looking recipe!

      Reply
      • Kori

        February 14, 2021 at 12:14 pm

        Excellent will make it again and again and so easy
        I also think I’ll try and make this with scallops

        Reply
        • Chef Dennis Littley

          February 14, 2021 at 12:24 pm

          that could be a very interesting and delicious dish with scallops

    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar


    I'm Chef Dennis and Welcome to my Culinary Journey where I share my Restaurant-Style Recipes & Travel Adventures. My goal in sharing my recipes and cooking tips is to make you feel more comfortable in your kitchen, and help you find the joy of cooking! 

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fan Favorites

    • Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe : Restaurant Style
    • Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
    • How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
    • German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe
    • How to make Restaurant-Style Seafood Soup
    • Restaurant Style Veal Parm Recipe
    • Best Restaurant Style Chicken Salad
    • Cannoli Cream Filling Cake

    Featured In

    logos of all the places chef dennis has been featured

    Popular Posts

    • Authentic Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
    • Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial
    • German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe
    • How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
    • How to Grill a Steak House Style Ribeye Steak
    • Oven Roasted Rack of Pork – Restaurant Style Dinner

    Most Popular Posts

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up Today and start getting my easy-to-make restaurant-style recipes!

    CONTACT

    • About
    • Contact

    © 2009-2022 · Ask Chef Dennis · Privacy Policy · Accessibility Statement

    Proud Member of:
    Mediavine Publisher Network
    3.2K shares
    • 938