Coconut-Crusted Fried Shrimp

Coconut-Crusted Fried Shrimp
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Edited from: Bon Appétit

24 uncooked jumbo shrimp (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled, deveined, tails left intact
1/3 cup cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
3 large egg whites
Vegetable oil (for deep-frying)
Pineapple-Apricot Salsa

Butterfly shrimp, cutting each more than halfway through toward outward curve (do not cut shrimp in two). Open each shrimp and press slightly to flatten. Mix cornstarch, salt and cayenne in medium bowl. Place coconut in pie dish. Beat egg whites in another medium bowl
until frothy. Dredge shrimp in cornstarch mixture; shake off excess. Dip shrimp into egg whites, then press shrimp into coconut; turn shrimp over and press into coconut again to coat both sides.
Pour enough oil into heavy large pot to reach depth of 2 inches; heat to 350°F. Working in batches, add shrimp to hot oil; deep-fry until cooked through, about 1 minute. Using tongs or slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to paper towels to drain. Arrange shrimp on platter. Serve with
Pineapple-Apricot Salsa for dipping.

PINEAPPLE-APRICOT SALSA

1 cup finely chopped peeled cored fresh pineapple
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chili
1 small garlic clove minced

Toss all ingredients in small bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.) Makes about 1 3/4 cups Note: Original recipe called for 1/2 cup of apricot jam/jelly. I left it out because the pineapple was sweet enough.

Edited from: Bon Appétit