Shelly's Recipe

BAKED GULF OYSTERS AND SHRIMP WITH GARLIC, LEMON BUTTER, AND CRABMEAT - Emeril

Category: Casseroles - Seafood

1 stick unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp minced shallots
1 tbsp freshly minced parsley leaves, plus more for garnishing
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
Essence, to taste, recipe follows
1 pint shucked raw oysters, drained well and patted dry on paper towels
1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 lb crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage
1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving

In a small bowl combine the butter with the garlic, shallots, 1 tbsp of the parsley, salt, pepper and Essence, to taste. Stir to blend thoroughly, then transfer to the refrigerator while you prepare the oysters.

Preheat the oven to 500 and set the oven to the broil setting. Position the top oven rack in the upper third of the oven.

Divide the oysters and shrimp evenly between 8 individual gratin dishes just large enough to hold the oysters in 1 layer. (We used shallow gratin dishes approximately 4 by 6 by 1-inch that have a volume capacity of about 8 oz.) Sprinkle the crabmeat evenly over the oysters and shrimp in the ramekins. Using a small spoon, place dabs of the compound butter over the tops of the dishes, dividing the entire amount of butter evenly among the ramekins. Transfer the gratin dishes to a large baking sheet and place in the oven. Broil for about 5 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the oysters and shrimp are just beginning to firm up slightly.

While the ramekins are in the oven, in a small bowl combine the bread crumbs, 3 tbsp of the Parmesan, and the olive oil. Stir until thoroughly combined.

Remove the ramekins from the oven and sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the crabmeat, dividing the crumbs evenly among the dishes. Return to the oven and bake until the crumbs are golden brown and the oysters and shrimp are just cooked through and curled around the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes longer.

Remove the ramekins from the oven, garnish with the remaining Parmesan, and serve immediately, with lemon wedges for guests to use according to taste. Serves 8

ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
2 1/2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup