Baked Talaba is a classic Filipino dish that’s popular for its aromatic flavor and succulent texture. A combination of butter, garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over baked talaba makes this recipe irresistible.
TTTo Taste fresh parsley, chopped, sprinkled on top as a garnish, adding a fresh and herbaceous note that elevates the visual appeal and adds a burst of herbal fragrance.
1cupof Parmesan cheesegrated, creating a rich and cheesy topping that melts into a golden and crispy crust, adding a nutty and savory note that enhances the dish's overall richness.
1/4cupof buttermelted, creating a rich and velvety base for the dish, infusing it with a luxurious and buttery flavor.
TT lemon wedgesserved on the side, providing a tangy and citrusy element that adds a refreshing and bright flavor to the dish, balancing the richness of the oysters and adding a hint of acidity.
2.25lbs.of fresh talabaoysters, shelled, offering succulent and briny morsels of seafood, adding a delightful oceanic flavor and a delicate and tender texture.
3-4clovesof garlicminced, adding a pungent and aromatic kick to the dish, enhancing its savory profile and providing a delightful garlicky essence.
1/4teaspoonof ground black pepperadding a subtle and peppery heat that enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a hint of spiciness.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and ground black pepper to the melted butter, stirring until fragrant. Add the chopped parsley and stir until combined.
Place the shelled talaba onto a baking tray and pour the butter mixture over them. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of the talaba.
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish and serve.
Notes
• To ensure your talaba are properly cooked, make sure they open easily. If they don’t, bake them for a few minutes longer.• To get the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.• To add even more flavor to your dish, try adding some chopped Kalamata olives or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the butter mixture.What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?• If you don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese, you can use pre-grated Parmesan cheese, but it won’t have as strong of a flavor.• If you don’t have butter, you can use olive oil instead. It will give the talaba a lighter flavor but still be delicious.• You can also substitute other types of seafood for the talaba, such as shrimp or calamari. However, keep in mind that they may require different cooking times than the talaba.