This simple mignonette sauce is the ideal accompaniment for raw oysters and takes just 15 minutes of prep.

Do you like raw oysters?

My brother Matt lives in Point Reyes, California and has access to wonderful oysters from Tomales Bay.

Overhead view of oyster sauce surrounded by oysters.

Sally Vargas

Lately he’s been bringing a few dozen with him when he comes to visit.

The oyster eaters among us gather and have quite the feast when he arrives.

What Is Mignonette Sauce?

Overhead view of oyster sauce surrounded by oysters.

Sally Vargas

It’s a lovely balance to the briny, somewhat creamy oysters.

This is his cherished mignonette recipe which he makes every time we have a gathering to enjoy oysters.

you’re free to also finely mince by hand if you wish.

Food processor making a mignonette sauce.

Sally Vargas

Place the minced shallots and any liquid released from them in a non-reactive bowl.

Add the white vinegar, rice vinegar, and sugar and salt.

Stir with a fork.

Overhead view of a glass bowl and fork making mignonette sauce.

Sally Vargas

Add the freshly crushed white pepper.

Stir with a fork.

Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours.

For best results, store for at least 2 days before using.

The mignonette flavor will be better blended the longer it sits.

If you see this, just give it a little stir.

The mignonette will last up to a month in the refrigerator.

To serve, shuck the oysters.

(Here is an excellent video by Serious Eats onHow to Shuck an Oyster.)

ensure that the oyster is loose in the shell before serving.

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