Skip to main content

Hog Island Oysters with Ginger Mignonette, Cucumber, and Wasabi Tobiko

It’s easy to overwhelm oysters with a topping that’s too bold or too rich, but chef Rick Moonen knows just when to stop. His hors d’oeuvre, served at the 2008 Workshop, elevates the oysters’ briny flavor, and frankly, it’s just fun to eat. Each oyster makes a tangy splash in your mouth, with cool, warm, brisk, and sweet elements in perfect balance.

Cooks' Note

Enjoy with Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc or another white wine with lively acidity.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 8

Ingredients

MIGNONETTE

1/4 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced shallot
1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
2 dozen Hog Island Sweetwater oysters or other fresh oysters
1/2 cup peeled and finely diced Armenian or English (hothouse) cucumber
1 ounce (about 2 tablespoons) wasabi-flavored tobiko (flying fish roe)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    For the mignonette: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, shallot, ginger, sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

    Step 2

    Shuck the oysters and place them, on the half shell, on crushed ice. Top each oyster with about 1 teaspoon of the diced cucumber. Whisk the mignonette, then spoon about 1/2 teaspoon over each oyster. Top with a small spoonful of tobiko and serve immediately.

The Cakebread Cellars American Harvest Cookbook
Read More
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Like Greek lemon potatoes and gochujang chicken stir-fry.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.