What Is Needed For An Oyster Roast?

Here’s the oyster roast equipment you’ll need:

• Large pot and steamer basket
• High-powered propane burner
• Large newspaper-lined table
• Shucking knives
• Protective gloves
• Buckets/trash cans for discarded shells
• Paper towels and/or a garden hose for washing hands
  

Key Takeaways

• An oyster roast is a communal dining event most commonly enjoyed throughout the coastal regions of the Southeastern U.S.
• Contrary to the name, the oysters are steamed, not roasted.
• The right oyster roast supplies depend on whether you’re using the modern method (pot over a propane burner) or the traditional method (piece of sheet metal over an open fire).
• We recommend using modern oyster roast equipment for convenience and precise temperature control.

The Low Country oyster roast is a popular communal dining event typically enjoyed throughout coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina. Oyster roasts are also popular throughout the Southeastern United States, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay areas of Maryland and Virginia.

You’d be forgiven for expecting roasted oysters when attending an oyster roast, but the oysters are actually steamed. The “roast” in the title stems from the open fires that are traditionally used as the heat source.

Like most culinary traditions, the oyster roast has evolved with time. While some folks still use open fire pits, large pieces of sheet metal, and water-soaked burlap sacks for steaming, modern oyster roast equipment is often preferred for convenience and precise temperature control.

In this guide, we’re going to explain how to throw an oyster roast using modern cooking equipment. While we respect the traditional approach, it’s not always practical, and it’s easy for the oysters to get overcooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an oyster roast?

An oyster roast is a communal event where people get together to steam, shuck, and eat oysters. Piles of steamed oysters are dumped onto a newspaper-lined table so everyone can eat together while catching up, cracking jokes, sharing stories, and having a great time.

How many oysters do I need for an oyster roast?

When buying oyster roast equipment, it’s important to consider the typical number of guests you’ll be expecting. Each guest should get around 1-12 oysters, although you might not need as many if you’re serving side dishes.

Check the following guides to make sure your pot can accommodate your crowd. If you need help choosing oyster roast supplies, get in touch for personalized recommendations.

• Tips for Selecting a Pot Size for Seafood Boils
• Cooker Selection Chart
• Pot Capacity and Use Chart

What is the R rule for eating oysters?

The “R” rule says you should only eat oysters during months that contain the letter “R” (September-April) because the colder water helps to prevent spoilage. This rule has been followed for over 4,000 years, although it’s no longer as crucial because of modern refrigeration.

With that said, oyster roast equipment still tends to get the most use during September through April because people naturally enjoy eating the freshest possible oysters.

What sides go well with oyster roast?

For an authentic Low Country oyster roast, serve traditional Southern sides, like coleslaw, mac and cheese, hush puppies, shrimp and grits, collard greens, cornbread, and potato salad.

Sides aren’t mandatory! Basic accompaniments like saltine crackers, cocktail sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and lemon wedges are all you need if you have enough oysters.

Are unshucked oysters cheaper?

Yes, unshucked oysters tend to be cheaper because you don’t have to pay for the labor. Not only are unshucked oysters more affordable, but shucking the oysters is part of the fun, and the shells are required to steam them properly.

What Oyster Roast Equipment Is Needed?

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, read on to learn about the oyster roast supplies you’ll need and get tips on how to throw an oyster roast that goes off without a hitch.

1. Start With a Heat Source

As mentioned, you can dig a fire pit if you really want to stick with the traditional approach, but there’s a high risk of accidentally overcooking the oysters.

A high-powered, outdoor propane burner provides precise temperature control so you can cook the oysters just right. Plus, you can bring your rig on the go.

We recommend the Boil Boss Triple Jet Burner or a High Performance Cookers powered pot. Not only are they great for oyster roasts, but you can use them for other outdoor events, like Low Country boils and Louisiana crawfish boils.

2. Get a Large Stock Pot & Steamer Basket

The other most important oyster roast equipment is a large stock pot. For optimal temperature control, go with an HPC pot. Our patented Tunnel Tube Technology gives our pots superior heat conductivity and prevents hot spots, so your oysters get steamed perfectly every time.

To further prevent your oysters from getting overcooked (and waterlogged), make sure you choose a stock pot that comes with a steamer basket. The basket holds the oysters above the boiling water so they get gently steamed, not boiled.

While you’re welcome to buy your propane burner, stock pot, and steaming basket à la carte, we offer powered cooker kits with all necessary components. These bundles are guaranteed to work together flawlessly, and they can be used for frying, slow cooking, and boiling, too.

3. Set the Table

Once you have your oyster roast equipment, the last step is to get set up for the event. For a proper Low Country oyster roast, you’ll need a long table lined with newspaper. The steamed oysters will be poured on the newspaper so the whole group can start to shuck and dine together.

Other important oyster roast supplies include extra shucking knives, protective gloves, receptacles for discarding shells, and a garden hose and/or paper towels for washing hands.

Order Your Gear at High Performance Cookers

Now that you know how to throw an oyster roast, you’re ready to buy the cooking equipment required for a successful event. Contact us if you need one-on-one help with your setup.

Shop the industry’s best oyster roast equipment, and enjoy your feast!