Yield: enough for 2 dozen oysters

Mix all, except the cilantro, in a small (preferably glass) bowl. Refrigerate for one hour. Shuck oysters, keeping as much liquid in the shell as possible. Place the oysters, in their shells, on a bed of ice on a deep-sided plate. Add the cilantro to the Hog Wash and serve in a small bowl alongside the oysters. A small amount should be spooned over each oyster just before eating.

NOTE: If you like a sweeter sauce, you may add a teaspoon of sugar to the recipe. Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin in New York City substitutes 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons mirin and 1 teaspoon of sugar for the two rice vinegars.