Recipes  

8 Mignonette Sauces for Oysters

Tangy and sharp, the traditional French mignonette sauce packs a punch and is the perfect complement to the briny taste of fresh raw oysters. This article features a variety of recipes, from a classic version to more modern twists, to help elevate your oyster platter with bold and unique flavours. Which ones will you try?

1. Classic Mignonette

If you’re new to oysters, start your journey with this basic mignonette. It’s a simple combination of shallots, red wine vinegar and black peppercorns that brings quite the punch to the mollusc. And don’t forget a touch of sugar to balance out the flavours.

2. Vodka, Orange and Fennel Mignonette

During happy hour, it just makes sense to add a splash of vodka to the appetizer selection! This mignonette is absolutely bright thanks to the bits of orange, contrasted nicely with the slightly bitter, anise-like flavour of the fennel.

3. Raspberry Mignonette

This simple recipe has all the elements of a classic mignonette, but it gets its sweetness (and added tanginess!) from raspberries. Use pink peppercorns for extra brightness and fruitiness.

4. Maple-Vegetable Mignonette

With both maple syrup and cider vinegar, this sweet and tangy mignonette is a great combination of flavours. With the addition of diced vegetables such as radishes and celery you get a nice bit of crunch, too.

5. Asian Mignonette

For a sauce with an umami twist, try this recipe. Soy sauce and ginger may be staples of Asian dishes, but they also go beautifully with oysters. Wonderfully savoury and salty with a bit of heat, you’ll want to include this on your next oyster platter!

6. Pomegranate and Pink Pepper Mignonette

These fancy-looking oysters are topped with a pomegranate and apple cider vinegar reduction, mixed with diced shallots and ground pink pepper. If you’re hosting a party, its tart, fruity and lightly spiced flavour is sure to impress your guests.

7. Tropical Mignonette

Want a taste of summer during the cold months of oyster season? This mango-based mignonette is sure to whisk you away to a sunny destination!

8. Herb Granita

Stray from the traditional mignonette with this granita made of parsley, basil, vodka and lemon juice. Be sure to freeze the granita for a good six hours before serving. It’s herbaceous, cool, and absolutely delicious.

Want to learn more about oysters? Read on for storage tips to ensure your molluscs are at their freshest for your next party!