Sautéed Oysters With Wine and Herbs

Clean and Shuck the Oysters

1. To shuck the oysters, you need a clean kitchen towel and a short sharp knife with a good handle. The towel will protect your hand from the knife and will help you keep the oyster in place.

2. Make sure all the oysters' shells are tightly closed. Inspect and discard any oyster that's open or that appears to be open. When in doubt, go the safe route and discard any suspicious oysters. Open oysters can harbor dangerous bacteria.

3. With the help of a stiff brush, vigorously scrub the oysters under cold running water. This will help get rid of any debris or sand that might still be attached to their surface.

4. Place the oyster on a towel, rounded side down. Holding the oyster in the towel, insert the tip of the oyster knife into the hinge, which is on the flat side of the oyster. Once the knife is in the hinge, firmly twist the knife. The oyster should easily pop open. Continue with the remaining oysters.

5. Drain the juice of each oyster out into a small bowl. Scrape the oyster meat from the shells onto a plate.

Cook the Oysters

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until just softened, or about 4 minutes.

4. Add the tarragon and wine, and salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add oysters to the pan and cook just long enough for them to curl at the edges, 2 to 3 minutes on each side.

6. Shake the pan from side to side to keep the oysters coated with the buttery sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

7. Enjoy!