Kilpatrick Magic—A Modern Take On A Classic

Who doesn't love the rich, smoky, bacon-laced perfection of a classic Kilpatrick. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—whether you’re throwing a backyard bash or levelling up your weeknight dinner. And here at Pacific Oyster Co., we believe that every oyster should be an experience. So, let’s dive into how to create the best Kilpatrick sauce ever—packed with bold, balanced flavours that hit just right.

The Sauce—Our Secret Weapon

A great Kilpatrick sauce is all about depth—rich tomato, caramelised sweetness, and that unmistakable smoky punch. While our exact recipe is under lock and key (trade secret hehe 😉), we’ll give you everything you need to find your perfect balance.

What You’ll Need

🍅 A Rich Napoli Base – Start with homemade Napoli sauce, or go with a classic marinara or bolognese (just skip the meat). A quality tomato foundation makes all the difference.

🫙 Aussie BBQ & Tomato Sauce – A blend of Tomato Sauce & BBQ Sauce gives Kilpatrick its signature sweet-tangy flavour. The exact ratio? Well, that’s where the magic happens—experiment and make it your own!

🍯 A Touch of Sweet & Sharp – Brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of balsamic or red wine vinegar bring that deep, well-rounded taste.

🧂 Season to Perfection – A little salt & pepper, and you’re golden.

🥓 The Best Bacon You Can Find – This is not the place to skimp. A local, artisanal smoked or cured bacon will bring that perfect balance of sweet and salty goodness. 

The Perfect Cook—Caramelised & Smoky

Once you’ve got your sauce and bacon, it’s time to let the heat do its thing. The goal? Caramelised, crispy edges with a juicy oyster that melts in your mouth.

🔥 Cooking Options

• Conventional Oven: Blast it at 250°C+ (the highest setting) for 8-10 minutes. You want that rich caramelisation, but don’t overdo it—you still want juicy, plump oysters.
• Wood-Fired Oven: Absolute game-changer. Just 1-2 minutes in the flames, and you’ve got a smoky, crispy masterpiece.

Pro Tip

Add a Kick – A tiny dash of hot sauce or cayenne can take your Kilpatrick to the next level.

Pair It Like a Pro – Serve Kilpatrick oysters with an ice-cold beer, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or even a smoky whisky for a perfect flavour match.

Make it a Feast! – Kilpatrick pairs beautifully with a spread of natural oysters, zesty mandarin ponzu, or a citrusy honey mignonette. Mix and match to impress your guests.

Your Move

Ready to shuck, sauce, and fire up the grill? Whether you’re making a dozen for yourself or plating up a showstopper for friends, Kilpatrick oysters are always a winner.

Don't have any oysters?...we know a guy 😉 Order Live & Unshucked oysters straight from Franklin Harbour to your door, and let’s make some memories—one caramelised, smoky bite at a time.

🦪 Shuck Yeah! 🦪