Ostiones a la Diabla (Devil-Style Oysters)

History & Origin

Ostiones a la diabla is a preparation that reflects Veracruz cuisine's passion for intense flavours and spice. Veracruz, with its extensive Gulf of Mexico coastline, has one of the richest seafood traditions in the country, and oysters hold a special place in its gastronomy. Oysters are cultivated primarily in coastal lagoons such as Laguna de Tamiahua and Laguna de Mandinga, where conditions are perfect for their growth. The "a la diabla" (devil-style) preparation is a Mexican technique characterised by an extremely hot red sauce made with dried árbol chillies, guajillo chilli, garlic and tomato. In restaurants on the Veracruz malecón, ostiones a la diabla are served bubbling in their individual shells or in a deep dish with the fiery red sauce.