If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and savory, you’re going to love diving into this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that combines tender, golden-fried shrimp with a luscious honey-mayonnaise sauce and crunchy, caramelized walnuts, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that feels like a special treat every time. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting dinner or aiming to impress guests with something a little different, this recipe hits all the right notes in the easiest, most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in making this dish truly shine. From the plump shrimp delivering fresh seafood flavor, to the sweetness of the honey and candied walnuts adding that addictive crunch, it all comes together beautifully in this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or fully thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts: These add a sweet crunch and nutty depth, essential to the dish.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the irresistible sauce that glazes the shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral note that balances the savory elements.
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk: Enhances richness and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating): Ensures an ultra-crispy crust on each shrimp bite.
- 1 large egg white: Helps the cornstarch stick to the shrimp for even frying.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil to achieve that golden crisp without overpowering flavors.
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and extra flavor flair for presentation.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Sauce
Begin by whisking together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl. This sauce is where so much of the magic happens, marrying creamy, sweet, and rich flavors into the perfect coating for your shrimp. Set it aside while you get the shrimp ready.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until it’s frothy – this will help the cornstarch stick beautifully. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, tossing gently to coat all the pieces evenly. Then, dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This step is key for achieving that coveted crispy texture.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to approximately 350°F, creating an ideal frying environment. Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden and crispy. Avoid crowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady and your shrimp perfectly crunchy. Once fried, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp with Sauce and Walnuts
Place the freshly fried shrimp into a large mixing bowl and gently toss with your prepared honey sauce until each piece is evenly coated in that luscious glaze. Finally, fold in the candied walnuts to distribute their sweet crunch throughout. This is the moment where all those flavors meld into the iconic Honey Walnut Shrimp taste.
How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a wonderful pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish’s sweetness and crispiness. These simple touches make your Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe look and taste even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with the simplicity of steamed white rice, which soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a fresher, lighter balance, consider serving with steamed broccoli or a crisp, green salad that offsets the richness of the shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp on a bed of baby greens or alongside coconut rice to elevate your plating. For a bit of fun, you can also spoon some of the sauce and candied walnuts over an avocado half filled with the crispy shrimp, turning your Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe into a delightful appetizer or party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days, but keep in mind the shrimp’s crispiness will soften over time.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh since the crispy texture does not freeze well. However, you can freeze the plain cooked shrimp before tossing in the sauce, then prepare the sauce and walnuts fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat the shrimp in a hot oven or toaster oven to help revive some crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and flavor, and then toss the shrimp in the sauce again just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make candied walnuts at home for this recipe?
Absolutely! Making your own candied walnuts is easy and adds a fresh, warm flavor. Simply boil equal parts water and sugar, add your walnuts, cook briefly, then toast until golden.
Is there a healthier way to prepare Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe?
Yes – instead of deep-frying, you can bake or air-fry the shrimp. This reduces oil use while keeping shrimp tasty and somewhat crispy. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Frozen shrimp work perfectly, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before coating to avoid excess moisture that can affect crispiness.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the sauce?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt can sometimes substitute for mayonnaise, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Many kids love the sweet and crispy nature of this dish, but adjust the seasoning and garnishes to suit their taste, perhaps reducing salt or skipping sesame seeds if preferred.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent without being complicated. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic. I urge you to try it soon – it’s a fantastic way to bring a bit of restaurant magic right into your own kitchen and share something warm and satisfying with those you love.
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Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet honey sauce and topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This delightful combination of textures and flavors makes it a perfect seafood dinner option that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
Candied Walnuts
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside for later use.
- Coat the Shrimp: In another bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated with the egg white. Next, dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, even coating.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C) for frying. Use a thermometer to maintain the correct temperature for crispy shrimp.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each batch for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turns golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Toss with Sauce: Place the fried shrimp in a large mixing bowl and gently toss them with the prepared honey sauce until they are thoroughly coated.
- Add Candied Walnuts: Fold the candied walnuts into the shrimp mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- To make candied walnuts at home, boil 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup sugar, add walnuts, cook for 2 minutes, then drain and toast in a dry pan or oven.
- For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying to reduce oil content.
- Maintain the oil at the correct temperature (350°F) to ensure shrimp is crispy and not greasy.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches for even cooking.
