Shrimp Tempura with Cilantro

16 large shrimp, peeled, cleaned and deveined, with tail intact
1 large or 2 small jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
4 or 5 sprigs cilantro, leaves chopped
2 medium limes, juiced
Salt

Tempura Batter

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped fine
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Salt

Peanut oil, for frying
Fried Spinach Leaves, recipe follows

Arrange the shrimp on a large platter. Sprinkle with the minced jalapeno and the chopped cilantro. Pour the lime juice over and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, refrigerated. When ready to cook, season lightly with salt.

In a small bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Whisk in the water until the batter is smooth, and then add the remaining ingredients, seasoning with cayenne and salt to taste. If made earlier in the day, set the bowl into an ice bath.

At serving time, in a heavy saucepan, wok, or deep-fryer, heat 3 inches of oil to 350 degrees F. Dip each shrimp into the batter and coat well. Carefully place 1 or 2 in the hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or a flat strainer and drain on paper or clean toweling. Keep warm while preparing the remaining shrimp and the spinach.

Arrange a few fried spinach leaves on half of each of 4 plates. Place 4 shrimps on the other half and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings

Fried Spinach Leaves

1 bunch spinach leaves
Peanut oil
Salt

In a wok or deep, heavy saucepan, heat about 3 inches of peanut oil to 375 degrees F. Clean the spinach leaves well, trim and dry thoroughly. Fry until crisp and translucent, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on clean toweling. Season with salt to taste and serve immediately.

*Note: As a single leaf garnish, you can substitute the Japanese oba leaf, which you can purchase in Japanese markets.

The procedure is the same for small or large quantities of spinach. However, if cooking a large amount of spinach, fry in batches and keep warm in a low oven.

Yield: Varies