This simple recipe features plump Gulf of Mexico oysters on the half shell, topped with a rich and flavorful blend of spinach, parmesan cheese, garlic butter, panko, and Pernod, then baked or roasted until they are golden brown.
Prepare a rimmed baking sheet or dish by covering it with about a half-inch thick layer of rock salt. Nestle the oysters on the half shell in the salt to steady them. Set aside.
Melt four tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds or until it is fragrant. Pour half of the garlic butter into a small bowl and set aside.
Add the minced shallot, chopped spinach, and parsley to the remaining garlic butter in the skillet and sauté for about three minutes or until the spinach wilts. The key is not to overcook the spinach; you do not want it to be mushy.
Add the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil to the bowl with the garlic butter. Mix well. Season a half teaspoon of kosher salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper.
Add the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil to the bowl with the garlic butter. Mix well - season with the remaining salt and pepper.
Top each oyster with one to two heaping teaspoons of the spinach mixture, followed by a spoonful of the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake the oysters for 10-15 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the oysters start to curl around the edges.
Serve the baked oysters on the rock salt and optional, garnish with lemon wedges and chopped chives.
Notes
Oysters are tricky to open. If you don't know how to shuck them, I recommend that you have your seafood market do it for you or buy them already shucked. Shucking oysters or removing their shell requires a special oyster knife and a certain amount of skill. If you are interested in learning how to shuck them, check out this video by America's Test Kitchen.
If you buy oysters that are already shucked without shells, you can use small ramekins, a muffin pan, or a Madeline pan to hold the oysters and the other ingredients. The dish won't look as fancy, but the oysters will still be delicious.
Another option is to make an Oyster Rockefeller casserole by layering the oysters in a baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, adding the topping, and baking. If you choose this method, you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.