Recipe: Coconut Mahi Mahi with Passion Fruit Sauce

COCONUT MAHI MAHI WITH PASSION FRUIT SAUCE
Adapted from: Mmmmiami: Tempting Tropical Tastes for Home Cooks Everywhere by Martin Kotkin, Kathy Martin

The coconut au natural called for in this recipe possesses a rich, subtle sweetness that is much more complex than the heavily sweetened coconut flakes used on cakes.

Unsweetened coconut is available in Caribbean groceries, health food stores and specialty markets. If you're ambitious, you can buy a fresh coconut and grate your own.

Fish alternatives: snapper, pompano or any firm, white-fleshed fish.

1 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt plus more for the fish
4 6-ounce mahi mahi fillets, about 1/2-inch thick
Freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the passion fruit sauce:
Look for passion fruit pur e in the freezer case of supermarkets with an Hispanic clientele. If you can't find it, substitute un-reconstituted pineapple juice concentrate.

1/2 cup dry white wine
2 shallots, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup passion fruit pur e
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Bring the wine, shallots, lime juice and passion fruit pur e to a boil in a small, heavy saucepan and let it cook down until it's reduced to 1/3 cup, about 5 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat, and whisk in the butter until it's melted and the sauce is slightly thickened. Makes about 1/2 cup.

Put the coconut, flour, milk and eggs in separate, shallow dishes. Beat the eggs well with 1 teaspoon salt, which breaks up the whites and makes for a more even coating. Set a wire rack over a cookie sheet. Sprinkle the fillets with salt and pepper. Dip them one at a time in the milk, the flour, the egg mixture and then the coconut, coating them well on both sides. Set the fillets on the rack, and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to help the coating adhere. (Note: Fish can be coated, covered and refrigerated for up to 3 or 4 hours before cooking.)

Heat the oil and butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Saut the fillets, turning once, until the coconut is golden brown and the fish is opaque throughout, about 8 minutes.

Transfer the fish to dinner plates, drizzle with passion fruit sauce, and serve immediately.

Servings: 4