She Strengthens

Elevate Your Appetizer Game with Oysters and Caviar

Are you ready to impress your dinner guests with a luxurious and refreshing starter? Look no further! This elegant oyster dish, paired with caviar, mirapoix, and coriander, is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.

The Perfect Ingredients

To create this masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 dozen oysters
• 1 cucumber
• 3 shallots, minced
• 2 cups rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, whole
• 3 ounces American sturgeon caviar
• 2 ham hocks
• 1 cup mirepoix (celery, carrots, onions), finely minced

Preparation is Key

Before you begin, make sure you have your oyster-shucking tool handy. You’ll also need a generous amount of ice or salt to serve this starter on a bed of ice or salt for a dramatic presentation.

Pickling Perfection

To start, peel and julienne the cucumber into 1-inch strips, then mince the shallots. Next, bring the rice wine vinegar, coriander, and sugar to a boil. Pour the mixture over the cucumber and shallots in separate bowls, allowing them to cool completely.

Mirepoix Magic

In a small saucepan, combine the mirepoix and ham hocks, covering them with water. Bring to a boil, skimming off any impurities from the surface. Simmer gently for two hours, then pour the mixture through a coffee filter and chill in an ice bath until cool.

Assembly and Presentation

To serve, shuck the oysters and place them on a bed of ice or salt. Garnish each oyster with the pickled shallots and cucumbers, followed by a spoonful of the hock broth. Finally, top each oyster with a generous dollop of caviar.

Tips and Variations

For an added touch, consider serving this dish with a side of crusty bread or crackers to mop up the flavorful hock broth. You could also experiment with different types of caviar or vinegar to create a unique flavor profile. Whatever your choice, this elegant oyster dish is sure to impress!