Gratinated oysters with aged cheese

Ingrédients

• 12 fresh oysters
• 60 g aged Gouda cheese, finely grated
• 30 g softened butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Coarse sea salt (for the plate)

Préparation

1. 1

   Preheat the grill to its highest setting (or use the oven grill function at 230°C / 450°F).Carefully open the oysters with an oyster knife. Hold the flat side up so you catch the liquor. Remove the flat shell and check there are no shell fragments in the oyster.Place the oysters on their cupped shells on a baking sheet. Stabilize them with some coarse salt or crumpled aluminum foil so they don't tip over.Mix the softened butter with a pinch of pepper, a few drops of lemon juice and the finely chopped parsley. Place a small dollop of herb butter on each oyster.Grate the aged cheese finely and divide a generous amount over each oyster. Press the cheese down lightly so it stays in place.Slide the baking sheet high in the oven under the grill. Gratin for 4 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Keep a close eye on them as the cheese can burn quickly.Remove the oysters from the oven and serve immediately. Place them on a bed of coarse salt on your plate so they sit upright. Garnish with a lemon wedge and some extra parsley.