Canned plain oysters are a versatile ingredient
Consuming canned or jarred plain oysters can be a bit underwhelming, as they tend to be softer and less briny compared to fresh ones. However, they excel in terms of convenience. Simply purchase a few cans, store them in your pantry, and forget about them. When the craving for pan-fried oysters strikes or you need them for a soup, they save you both time (no shucking required) and money. A standard can of oysters, such as Bumble Bee whole oysters packed in water, costs around four dollars and provides roughly the equivalent of half a dozen large oysters or over 40 small ones. Alternatively, you can opt for a can of MW Polar oyster pieces, which require no chopping at all.
So, what can you create with them? Since most canning companies steam or boil the oysters before packaging, these bivalves have a milder flavor and a softer texture than live oysters, making them particularly delicious in a classic oyster and egg skillet—definitely worth trying for breakfast if you haven't already. Oysters canned in water are also easier to pat dry compared to their "slimy" fresh counterparts, making them ideal for air-frying. Additionally, canned oysters are a fantastic addition to autumn soups, whether you're making a traditional oyster soup or a hearty chowder.
Tinned smoked oysters are a delicacy on their own
Smoked oysters, found in flat, oval cans, are a world apart from the plain canned oysters previously mentioned. These tinned delicacies are shucked, smoked, and then packed in oil, resembling tinned sardines or anchovies. Many would argue that they are among the finest canned meats to keep in your pantry. Each can typically contains about a dozen oysters, each offering a smoky, chewy explosion of flavor. They can be savored on their own or used in appetizers—imagine pairing them with crackers or cucumber slices, cream cheese, and a smoked oyster topped with fresh dill. While standard grocery store options are acceptable, it’s worth indulging in something more upscale, like Ekone smoked oysters from Washington state.
However, their versatility extends beyond simple appetizers. For instance, smoked oyster cornbread dressing is a Southern delicacy that deserves to be enjoyed year-round, not just during the holidays. Finely diced, they can also serve as a sophisticated substitute or complement to bacon in pasta carbonara. The savory, smoky chunks of oyster enhance a variety of dishes, from a Niçoise salad (a favorite of Martha Stewart) to a classic muffaletta, where they elevate the chopped olives. The key takeaway is that canned, jarred, or tinned oysters should not be dismissed as cheap or inferior options. Instead, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both fresh and canned oysters.
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