Ingredients

For the oysters

  • 12 fresh oysters, shucked on the half shell
  • Rock salt (to keep the oysters level on the tray)

For the pisco sour breadcrumb butter

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup pisco
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1–2 tsp aji amarillo paste (to taste)
  • 1 tsp simple syrup
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • ½ cup panko (or fine fresh breadcrumbs)
  • Salt, to taste

To finish

  • Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Extra lime zest
  • A few drops of Angostura bitters per oyster (optional)

Method

1. Make the pisco sour breadcrumb butter

In a bowl, mix the butter, pisco, lime juice, lime zest, aji amarillo, simple syrup, garlic and salt until smooth. Fold in the breadcrumbs last so they stay light and textured. Chill 10–15 minutes to firm slightly.

2. Prep the oysters

Heat the broiler to high. Arrange the oysters on a tray packed with rock salt so they stay level.

3. Top and broil

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the breadcrumb butter onto each oyster. Broil 4–6 minutes, until the oysters just curl and the topping is bubbling and golden.

4. Finish

Remove from the heat. Add a drop of bitters if using, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a final hit of lime zest.