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If you are a fan of oysters, then you will want to try this delicacy in as many ways as possible. Whether it is on the half shell, served raw, or in a creamy sauce, you want to taste everything that oysters have to offer.
If you haven’t tried oysters Rockefeller yet, then you are missing out! These are oysters served on the half shell with a delicious green sauce on top, garnished with tasty breadcrumbs for a packed flavor and a little crispy crunch!
This mouth watering dish is native to America, and was first created and served in New Orleans, Louisiana. Since then, it has become a popular menu staple, served as an appetizer all across the globe, but is still particularly beloved in the South states of America.
So, what is it about this dish that makes it so loved and special? That’s what we are here to find out. With our guide, you will know exactly what oysters Rockefeller is, who invented them and how to serve this rich, creole cuisine specialty.
What is Oysters Rockefeller?
Oysters Rockefeller is a dish that is served with oysters on the half shell, and topped with a rich, creamy, green colored sauce consisting of parsley, sometimes spinach or other green herbs, butter, garlic, green onions, and served with a layer of breadcrumbs on top. This is then baked or broiled, and garnished with a few lemon wedges.
The dish was originally a staple of New Orleans cuisine, but has since travelled across America and has become a highly sought after appetizer in many restaurants! You can now find this dish in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and all across the country.
Who Invented Oysters Rockefeller?
Oysters Rockefeller was invented by Jules Alciatore, the son of Antoine Alciatore, who owned the New Orleans based restaurant, Antoine’s. This restaurant is considered the birthplace of oysters rockefeller, and was where the dish was first created and served.
It is said that Jules Alciatore invented the dish and named it after the wealthiest man in America at the time, John D. Rockefeller, due to the oyster’s extraordinary richness and full flavor.
Jules’ recipe of Oysters Rockefeller is considered the family’s top secret, and the recipe is still unknown today.
However, most chefs attribute its flavor to the puree of green vegetables, such as watercress, green onions, scallions, and parsley mixed with butter, herbs and garlic to create a rich, mouthwatering flavor.
The dish became so popular that other restaurants have tried to duplicate the recipe, but none have hit the nail on the head yet.
It is said that the Alciatore family took the recipe to the grave, and would never divulge the original recipe with anyone. However, chefs of the restaurant have repeatedly stated that there is no spinach in the dish, and it mainly consists of pureed scallions, chives, parsley and celery.
Finally, the oysters are topped with crispy breadcrumbs that are baked and broiled for a truly bursting flavor.
The dish is now served all across the states, and in some places around the world, but none have come close to Antoine’s original creation.
When was oysters rockefeller invented?
Oysters rockefeller were invented sometime in 1889, in the New Orleans restaurant Antoine’s, after a shortage of escargot, combined with a dwindling interest in snails on the restaurant’s menu.
This dish was invented due to the fact that there were lots of oysters available locally, and quickly became one of the most desired dishes in the area. Even President Franklin Roosevelt tried the oysters rockefeller at Antione’s!
Antoine’s restaurant in Louisiana is widely considered ‘New Orleans Oldest Restaurant’, responsible for creating world renowned French-Creole dishes loved by the world since 1840. If you can't make it to New Orleans and want to try it at home, you can purchase oysters via our guide and try it with a specialty Oysters Rockefeller seasoning blend!
How many calories in Oysters Rockefeller?
How many calories there are in Oysters Rockefeller really does depend on where you have eaten them, and how much butter and other ingredients or fattening products are used in the dish.
However, the average single oyster served up in the style of Oysters Rockefeller would have about 134 calories, with 8.1 grams of carbs, 7.9 grams of protein, and 7.3 grams of fat.
With such a rich and rounded flavor, the dish can be calorific, especially if you have a plate of Oysters Rockefeller to yourself. It is best to enjoy this delicacy as a treat, and in moderation.
What to serve with Oysters Rockefeller?
Most restaurants serve oysters Rockefeller with a garnish of sliced lemons. In addition, some serve oysters rockefeller with a helping of caviar on the side for a sumptuous, luxurious and lavish meal.
Oysters Rockefeller is most often served as an appetizer. That being said, if you wanted to serve Oysters Rockefeller with other dishes, then it would best go with bread and butter, so that you can let the flavor of the oysters speak for themselves.
If you are a wine drinker, then you know that pairing the perfect wine with your food can make all of the difference to the flavor of the meal.
When it comes to eating Oysters Rockefeller, you are going to want to serve them with a wine such as Muscadet. This is a French, bone-dry type of white wine that is very light bodied, and is the most popular combination for oysters.
On the other hand, some may enjoy a delicious Chablis, Pinot Grigio, or even Champagne. As a very rich, full bodied dish, you will love pairing it with a very dry white wine to balance out the flavor entirely.
