Oysters kilpatrick

Oysters kilpatrick: A dinner party staple

Finished with crispy bacon bits, a splash of Worcestershire sauce and grilled until heated through, kilpatrick oysters are a gourmet appetiser, perfect for your next dinner party or Christmas entertaining.

Served as an entree, no-fuss finger food or as part of a larger seafood spread, this delicious oysters kilpatrick recipe can be whipped up at a moment's notice. If you’ve never tried fresh oysters before, this simple recipe is a great introduction for those wanting to try out something new. It’s also a perfect choice for oyster lovers as the flavours of the bacon and Worcestershire sauce enhance the naturally salty, briney and creamy flavours of oysters.

Also sometimes referred to as oysters kirkpatrick, the dish is believed to have been created by the chef of the Palm Court Restaurant in the Place Hotel in San Francisco who named it after Colonel John C. Kirkpatrick, the manager of the hotel. Despite its American origins, these seafood bites have become an Aussie classic, served in restaurants and kitchens across the country. 

How to make oysters kilpatrick

The sauce is made by simply adding crispy bacon bits, Worcestershire sauce and chopped chives to fresh oysters. There’s no need to make kilpatrick sauce in advance or combine the ingredients – be sure to cook the bacon until crispy and drain it on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. 

Other sauces you can use to dress fresh oysters include a cucumber and lime granita, a boozy vodka and cherry sauce or a classic mignonette.  

Choosing the best oysters for kilpatrick sauce

Choose Sydney rock oysters as they have a rich mineral flavour with an underlining creamy taste. Grilling oysters brings out the natural saltiness and softens the texture. If you prefer, you can also make this dish with Pacific oysters, however, they have a saltier profile so you may need to balance this with a squeeze of lemon. Whichever variety you choose, opt for fresh oysters over frozen. 

When purchasing fresh oysters, look for intact and clean shells. They should have a neutral, mineral-like fresh smell with a plump and glossy flesh. If you can, buy your oysters the day you plan on eating them or no more than 24 hours in advance. Store them in the fridge covered with a damp tea towel in an airtight container. If you’re unsure of how to prepare oysters, simply ensure the shells and flesh are clean by rinsing them under cold water. 

How to cook oysters

How long you cook oysters kilpatrick will be determined by the size of your oysters. This should take roughly one minute for Sydney rock oysters with the grill set on high.

Prevent them from moving around by adding a layer of rock salt or resting them on pieces of scrunched foil. Depending on how hot your grill gets, keep an eye on the oysters so the tops don’t burn. 

The best way to serve oysters with bacon

There are many different ways you can serve your oysters depending on the occasion. Keep it rustic by adding crushed ice to a serving platter, scattering the oysters around the plate and filling in any gaps with lemon wedges. For a romantic dinner at home, portion out the oysters across two plates atop a bed of rock salt garnished with finely chopped chives. 

If you’re preparing these bites as part of a larger seafood platter, pair them with favourites like easy prawn skewers, crunchy crumbed barramundi fingers or spiced basa fillets with raspberry salad.