This oyster stew recipe is rustic and comforting with loads of plump, juicy oysters simmered in a soup made with a creamy, buttery roux base and the perfect blend of seasonings.
Easy Oyster Stew Recipe
We're cooking up a big pot of delicious Oyster Stew in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen, my friends. Would you care for a bowl?
Oyster stew is made in various parts of the country where oysters are readily available. You'll find variations in the New England area, but also down south, particularly in Louisiana, where it is traditionally served as a light Sunday supper during chilly winters, or as a holiday favorite and Christmas Eve tradition.
This is a southern version, more of a New Orleans oyster stew, with a simple blend of Cajun seasonings.
Let's talk about how to make oyster stew, shall we?
Oyster Stew Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour - Use white, all-purpose flour
- Vegetables - Onion, celery, garlic, green onion
- Oysters with reserved oyster liquor
- Seasonings - Cajun seasonings, salt, black pepper
- Fresh Herbs - Parsley
- Extras - Hot Sauce, extra chopped parsley, pads of butter (optional), chili flake, extra hot sauce, soda crackers or oyster crackers
How to Make Oyster Stew Step by Step - the Recipe Method
Make the Roux. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat to medium high. Stir in the flour to the melted butter to make the roux.
Cook stirring constantly to cook the roux for 5 minutes to make a blonde roux, which is light brown in color.
See my post on How to Make a Roux for tips and a video demonstration.
Cook the Vegetables. Stir in the onion and celery. Cook for 2 minutes.
Milk and Seasonings. Stir in the milk, and add the oyster liquor, Cajun seasonings. Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Cook at medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Cook the Oysters. Stir in the parsley, green onions, garlic, hot sauce and oysters.
Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the edges of the oysters curl and cook through.
Garnish and Serve. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs (parsley), small chips of extra butter (if desired), chili flakes and a dash of hot sauce (if desired).
Don't forget the crackers!
Boom! Done! Your oyster stew is ready to serve. I do like mine with some extra hot sauce stirred in, along with crushed crackers for a bit of a crunch. Looks wonderful, doesn't it? So delicious. I love this recipe.
Recipe Notes & Tips For Success
- The Oysters. Raw oysters are best for making oyster stew. Reserve the oyster liquor (oyster liquid) from the freshly shucked oysters, as the liquor adds a lot of flavor. If using cooked canned oysters from the grocery store, add them into the stew 1-2 minutes before serving, just to warm them through, as canned oysters are usually cooked before canning.
- The Roux. A light blonde roux is key for this recipe. See my post on How to Make a Roux for roux making tips and a video recipe.
- The Milk. 2 percent milk thickens up in the roux very nicely, though you can use whole milk or cream for a thicker, more decadent version.
- The Seasonings. I'm using my favorite Cajun seasoning recipe for my oyster stew, though you can use your favorite brand, or use Creole seasonings. You can also use a simple blend of cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
- Crackers. Oyster stew is great with soda crackers or oyster crackers. As an alternative, crushed or crumbled saltine crackers or club crackers.
- Other Ingredients. Add in other seafood such as shrimp or crawfish. Try it with crumbled sausage or boudin. Patty really likes it with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and oyster stew with potatoes for more of a chowder version. Very tasty.
Storage Information
Store oyster stew in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat to enjoy again.
I do not recommend to freeze oyster stew it because of the dairy content.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this classic oyster stew recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you and I hope it becomes a new family favorite!
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy Louisiana cooking, including Cajun and Creole cuisine, I have found this book very informative with lots of great recipes and techniques.
- Louisiana Real and Rustic, by Emeril Lagasse (affiliate link, my friends!)
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Oyster Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped use jalapenos for a spicier version
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasonings
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup oyster liquor reserved from the shucked oysters
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Dash of hot sauce
- 2 dozen oysters shucked and drained (you can use canned oysters)
- For Serving: Extra chopped parsley pads of butter (optional), chili flake, extra hot sauce, soda crackers or oyster crackers
Instructions
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large pan or pot over medium high heat. Stir in the flour to make the roux. Stir constantly to cook the roux for 5 minutes to make a blonde roux, which is light brown in color.
- Stir in the onion, peppers and celery. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the milk, oyster liquor, Cajun seasonings and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the parsley, green onions, garlic, hot sauce and oysters. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the oysters cook through and their edges curl.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley, small chips of extra butter (if desired), chili flakes and a dash of hot sauce (if desired). Don't forget the crackers!
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This post was updated on 12/22/23 to include new information and video. It was originally published on 3/31/21.
Chris says
love this recipe...it's my favorite
butttttt
how do you get the oil slick on top??????
I just can't ever consistently get that...
10/10 my favorite oyster stew recipe
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Chris! I have a thin spout on my oil bottle that pours a thin stream. Very helpful! Glad you love it!
Tamorah Isaak says
I made this for me And my husband it was a hit just fabulous! Thank you!
Mike Hultquist says
Tamorah! Thanks! I'm super happy you both enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing this!
Beverly Mae Nisbeth says
Delicious. A perfect comfort food. I boil cubed potatoes to make it more chowdery. A keeper recipe.
Mike Hultquist says
I love it with potatoes! Thanks, Beverly Mae! So good.
Charlie says
Wonderful flavors and taste I doubled it and simply love it will make again thanks for sharing
Mike H. says
You are very welcome, Charlie - enjoy!
Donnell says
Made this recipe as written, with fresh oysters, for Christmas Eve supper and it was delicious! Will definitely make again. Thanks for sharing!
Mike Hultquist says
Great!! Glad you enjoyed it, Donnell. Thank you!
Angela says
Spectacular !! ! Wonderful blend of flavors, only wish, ... I had doubled it! Thank you
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent! Glad you enjoyed it, Angela!
Allyssa says
My first time making an oyster stew and this was great! I subbed full fat oat milk and vegan cream for the milk and used some oyster oil and vegan butter for the roux. Used 3 of the 4 oz tins of smoked oysters. I probably added an extra cup of milk to balance out my excess of oysters 🙂 look forward to trying again with some of the other commenters suggestions. Thank you!
Mike H. says
You are very welcome, Allyssa!