SPICY SHRIMP WITH SNOW PEAS

Steps:

• Shell the shrimp, rinse them and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with the coarse salt and add cold water to cover. Leave them for at least five minutes.
• Mix the cornstarch with one tablespoon water until smooth. Lightly beat the egg white with a fork and mix in the cornstarch mixture.
• Rinse the shrimp, drain them well and coat them with the egg white. Leave them to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the chili paste, sesame oil, sherry and stock in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
• Heat the peanut oil in a wok or deep fryer until it is just hot enough so that a shrimp will float when added to it. Add the remaining shrimp and cook for 15 seconds, just enough to turn them opaque. Stir with a fork or chopsticks to prevent them from sticking together. Be very careful not to overcook. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain the shrimp on paper towels. (The oil can be reused twice only, with seafood.)
• Pour off all but a tablespoon oil. Stir-fry the scallions, garlic and ginger for one minute. Add the snow peas and fry for about 30 seconds.
• Add the chili paste-sherry mixture and stir well. Add the shrimp, just long enough to heat through. Serve immediately.