Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined and cleaned with salt, shells reserved
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons corn oil
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup sake
• 3 large plum tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or shrimp stock
• 1 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels, preferably white or frozen, thawed
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 large jalapeno pepper, minced
• 1 tablespoon peeled, grated gingerroot
• 3 scallions, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Combine the shrimp, vodka and egg white in a medium bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a small saucepan. Add the garlic and cook over high heat until the ingredients release their flavor, about 1 minute. Add the reserved shrimp shells, sake and half the chopped tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
3. Add the stock, salt, white pepper and cornstarch mixture, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Strain through a fine sieve; set aside the liquid.
4. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet until hot but not smoking. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until half cooked, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon; set aside.
5. Add the remaining tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, jalapeno pepper and gingerroot to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes. Return the shrimp and the reserved liquid to the skillet. Stir-fry over medium heat until the ingredients are heated through and the shrimp are cooked, about 3 minutes. Add the scallions, toss and serve immediately.