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How to Shuck an Oyster

Learn how to shuck an oyster with our How to Shuck an Oyster Guide. Presented by oyster shucking expert & co-founder of SoPo Seafood, Lucas Myers.

How to Shuck an Oyster with SoPo Seafood

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to safely shuck an oyster.

Lucas is a co-founder of SoPo Seafood and the proud owner of mobile oyster bar, O'Oyster. Lucas has shucked thousands of oysters over the years and is excited to share his knowledge with you.

We are now offering Virtual Oyster Shucking Classes! These master-classes are with Lucas Myers. Click here to book your class.

Step By Step Guide on How to Shuck Oysters

Photos by The Briny Babe

Step One  

Make sure you purchase fresh oysters from a seafood market that you trust. At SoPo Seafood, we source our oysters directly from local Maine Oyster Farms.

Step Two

Prepare to shuck! Shucking oysters can be dangerous if you do not use the correct equipment. A proper oyster shucking knife should be used and a towel or puncture resistant oyster glove. 

Step Three

When you are ready to start opening your oyster, place the tip of the blade in the hinge of the oyster. You do not want to push hard with your knife. Instead, you can wiggle the knife and pull the oyster toward the blade. Once you are into the hinge, you should be able to twist your knife and pop the oyster open.

Step Four

Once you have popped the top shell open, you then need to slide your knife underneath the top shell. Make sure to keep your knife right up against the top shell, otherwise you will mangle your oyster.

Step Five

You should now be able to remove the top shell completely. 

Step Six

The final step to shucking your oyster is freeing the oyster from its bottom shell. To do this, you have to run your knife underneath the oyster and gently cut it.

Step Seven

You are now ready to enjoy your oyster! 

Oyster Shucking Kits

At SoPo Seafood, we have everything you need to shuck an oyster like a pro.  A pair of high-quality cut and puncture resistant FDA-tested gloves and a Victorinox oyster shucking knife. 

Order our oyster shucking kits here

Buy Maine Oysters Online

We offer a variety of different Maine oysters at SoPo Seafood. These oysters are grown on the coast of Maine by different oyster farmers. Each farm grows their oysters in slightly different ways, in slightly different waters. These subtle differences in growing and harvesting can create profound differences in an oysters flavor, texture, and finish.

You can shop our full selection of Maine oysters for overnight shipping to your door for pickup at our Maine Fish Market

Co-Owner of Lucas Myers (left) shucking Oysters for Mobile Oyster Bar, O'Oyster