Oysters with Brown Sugar–Chipotle Butter

Ingredients

8 Servings

  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • ¼ canned chipotle chile in adobo, finely chopped (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1½ teaspoons bourbon
  • 1½ teaspoons light brown sugarKosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 2 dozen oysters (such as Blue Point, Well Fleet, or Malpeque), freshly shucked, on the half shell, with liquor

Preparation

Step 1

Mix garlic, chile, butter, bourbon, and brown sugar in a small bowl until smooth; season with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Heat broiler. Spread a layer of kosher salt on a rimmed baking sheet (about 2 cups) and arrange oysters on top (the salt will prevent them from tipping over). Place about 1/2 tsp. butter mixture on each oyster.

Step 3

Broil oysters until butter is melted and sugar is beginning to caramelize, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

DO AHEAD: Butter can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.