Grilled Oysters with Fennel Butter

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• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2. 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3. 1 tablespoon minced shallots
4. 1 tablespoon minced fennel fronds or parsley
5. 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
6. 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
7. 16 medium oysters

1. Light a grill or preheat the oven to 500°. In a small skillet, toast the fennel seeds over moderately high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate to cool. Pound the seeds to a coarse powder in a mortar. In a bowl, blend the butter with the ground fennel seeds, shallots, fennel fronds, pepper and salt.
2. Arrange the oysters on the grill, cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until they start hissing and releasing their juices but are not wide open. Transfer the oysters to a large baking sheet. Alternatively, arrange the oysters on a large rimmed baking sheet and roast in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until they start hissing.
3. Using an oyster knife, pry each oyster open at the hinge, loosen the oyster and discard the flat shell. Top each oyster with 1/2 teaspoon of the fennel butter and serve hot.