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
Scale
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.
