Peruvian Quinoa Shrimp Chicharrones with Green Aji Sauce

Instructions

For the Sauce:

1. Make first. In a food processor or blender, finely mince the jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro. Add the lime juice and purée.
2. Drizzle in the olive oil to make a smooth sauce. Reserve.

For the Chicharrones:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. After rinsing the quinoa, add it to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, then drain.
2. Spread the quinoa out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to dry. It should be quite dry to the touch; pat it with towels if necessary.
3. Pat the shrimp dry, if damp, and put it in a medium bowl. Mix the oregano, cumin, and cayenne and sprinkle over the shrimp; toss to coat.
4. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Prepare 2 pie pans, one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs. Dip the shrimp in the flour, then the egg, then the quinoa.
5. Place 2 heavy baking pans in the hot oven for 5 minutes. Take each out, spray liberally with oil, then quickly place the shrimp on the hot pans, keeping them from touching. Spray the coated shrimp with oil, and bake for 5 minutes.
6. Flip the shrimp with tongs, then bake for 5 minutes more. Cut one through the thickest part to make sure they are cooked through. The baking time will vary with the size of the shrimp.
7. Serve the shrimp hot with the aji sauce.