How to Shuck an Oyster

Quick Guide to How to Shuck an Oyster

It’s not as hard as it looks, all it takes is a proper tool and a bit of practice.

At Shelley Farms, we believe some of life’s best moments start with a freshly shucked oyster and a dash of salt air. Whether you’re new to the bivalve world or a seasoned seafood lover, there’s nothing quite like cracking open a premium Louisiana oyster—especially when it comes straight from our waters to your plate.

Shucking an oyster may look intimidating at first, but trust us—it’s a skill well worth learning. And with the clean, consistently shaped shells of our farmed oysters, you’ve got the perfect starting point for practicing. All you need is the right tool, a little technique, and the confidence to give it a twist. In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of shucking oysters safely and successfully, so you can impress your guests or just treat yourself to a taste of the Gulf.

Let’s dive in!

Step 1. First, find a thick pair of gloves, and a durable oyster knife, with the farmed oysters the shells are a little thinner, so a pointed tip oyster knife would make the process a little easier.

Step 2. Position the oyster in your non dominant hand with the cup side down and the pointed side facing you. Insert the oyster knife into the hinge and twist the knife until the hinge pops.

Step 3. Drag the knife along the middle of the oyster to pry the shell open.

Step 4. Once you have opened the oyster, slide the knife under the meat to cut it from the shell.