How to Shuck an Oyster

It can be intimidating to shuck an oyster, as it needs to be done carefully to protect your hands. Look for gloves made specifically for shucking, or use a heavy kitchen towel or an oven mitt to hold the oyster. Choose an oyster knife that is slender and long, with a pointed tip rather than a broad, stubby version.

1. If using a kitchen towel, fold the towel into a square just large enough to hold the oyster, cupped side down and with the pointed end toward you. With a firm grasp of the knife, insert the tip into the hinge of the shell at the pointed end, using a side-to-side motion.
2. Once the tip has slipped in, turn the knife handle to pry the shells apart.
3. Run the blade against the top shell of the oyster to separate the muscle from the shell.
4. Discard the top shell and slide the knife blade under the oyster to free the muscle and fully separate the oyster from its shell.