VIETNAMESE GRILLED JUMBO SHRIMP ON SUGARCANE STICKS

Steps:

• Using a food processor, puree garlic, sugar, shallots, fish sauce, lime juice and pepper. Add lemongrass and the 1/4 cup of oil; process to a puree. Place shrimp in a large shallow container with lid and pour marinade over shrimp to cover. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 1/2 hours.
• Light a grill.
• Cut each sugarcane stick in half on a sharp diagonal so each piece has a sharp point. Scrape off marinade. Make a slit near the shrimp's tail and one near the head with a sharp knife. Thread a sugarcane stick through the slits; the shrimp should lie flat.
• Grill the shrimp over a hot fire, brushing them once or twice with oil, until lightly charred and just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
• Place shrimp on a serving platter and sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro.
• Serve the shrimp with the Vietnamese Dipping Sauce.