Coconut Shrimp with Peanut Dipping Sauce

Coconut Shrimp with Peanut Dipping Sauce (wedinfeb05)

1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp
1/2 c corn starch
salt & pepper
1/4 t cayenne pepper
4 egg whites
2 1/2 c shredded coconut (for baking - sweetened)
oil (for frying)

Peel and devein shrimp and pat dry. Combine cornstarch, salt, pepper and cayenne in a bowl. Whisk the egg whites in another bowl and place the coconut in a third bowl. Coat the shrimp lightly with the cornstarch mixture, dip in the egg whites, and coat with coconut.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet (about 1/4 inch of oil will do). Place the shrimp in the hot oil, frying one side for about three minutes or until golden. Flip them over and fry on the other side, about 2 minutes. When both sides are golden place the shrimp to drain on paper towels. Serve with peanut sauce or orange marmalade thinned with a bit of warm water and heated to make a sauce.

PEANUT SAUCE
1/4 c chicken stock
3 oz coconut milk (unsweetened)
1 oz lime juice
1 oz soy sauce
1 t fish sauce (optional)
1 t Tabasco sauce
2 t garlic, minced
1 T ginger, minced
1 1/2 c creamy peanut butter (use Skippy or Jif, NOT natural or unsweetened)
1/4 c chopped cilantro

Mix all ingredients to blend.
Note: I make this a lot, and pretty often I really cut back on the ingredients in the sauce. Mostly I use chicken broth, coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and peanut butter - in whatever proportions I feel like. I don't always have all those other things and it doesn't matter too much.