If you’re craving a dish that expertly balances sweet, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite, look no further than this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of crispy fried shrimp coated in a luscious honey-mayo sauce, topped with perfectly candied walnuts that add a satisfying crunch and a touch of caramelized sweetness. This dish embodies comfort and elegance while being surprisingly straightforward to make at home. Once you get the hang of this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for those nights when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The ingredients work together to create that delicate crispy exterior, creamy coating, and sweet nutty finish that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy seafood flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Crucial for achieving that golden, crispy coating on the shrimp.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a light, crispy batter on the shrimp’s surface.
- Egg whites: Whisked to frothy perfection, they lend the batter excellent structure and crunch.
- Granulated sugar: Used to candy the walnuts, forming a glossy, sweet glaze.
- Water: Combines with sugar to form the syrup for candying walnuts.
- Walnut halves: Provide a crunchy contrast and nutty undertone that’s essential to the dish.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce while balancing the sweetness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides a rich, milky sweetness that perfectly complements the honey.
- Honey: The namesake of the recipe, bringing natural sweetness and floral notes.
- Lemon juice: Adds just the right amount of brightness and tang to balance sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dish well-rounded.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Candy the Walnuts
Start by combining granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the walnut halves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re beautifully coated in a glossy syrup. Remove the walnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined plate to harden. This candying process is what gives the walnuts that addictive crunch and sweetness.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy and light. Gently fold in the cornstarch to form a smooth, delicate batter. This mixture will create the perfect crispy shell around the shrimp once fried, without being too heavy or greasy.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F, making sure the oil temperature remains steady. Dip the shrimp one by one into the batter and fry them in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and crisp up nicely. Drain the cooked shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Honey Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is the heart of the dish, perfectly balancing sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of tang.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the freshly fried shrimp into the bowl with the sauce and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle the candied walnuts on top. This final step ensures that every bite is a harmonious combination of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of finely chopped scallions or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro can add a pop of color and a mild herbal note that brightens the dish. You can also add a few lemon wedges alongside for an extra burst of citrus if desired.
Side Dishes
The sweet and creamy shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. Light vegetable stir-fry or steamed bok choy enrich the meal with freshness and crunch, creating a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe in individual lettuce cups or atop a bed of crispy fried rice noodles. It also makes a delightful filling for tacos or sliders for a party-friendly appetizer. The delicate presentation can turn a simple meal into an elegant dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and candied walnuts separately from the sauce to keep each component at its best. Keep everything in airtight containers in the refrigerator and consume within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
While the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its signature crispiness, you can freeze cooked shrimp without sauce for up to a month. Avoid freezing the sauce and candied walnuts, as the textures won’t hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness, then toss with freshly prepared sauce. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the batter soggy. Add the candied walnuts fresh when serving for maximum crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! While walnuts bring a unique flavor and texture, pecans or cashews can be great substitutes if you prefer or if you have nut allergies, consider omitting them or using seeds like pumpkin seeds.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp instead of frying?
You can bake the shrimp for a healthier version, but the texture will differ slightly. Baking at a high temperature with a light coating of oil can get you close to crispy, but frying remains the best method for authentic crunch.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To tweak sweetness, simply reduce the honey or sweetened condensed milk, or add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to introduce more tang that balances out the sugar nicely.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the shrimp to recombine any separated ingredients.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are perfect for frying shrimp because of their high smoke points and neutral flavors, ensuring crispiness without imparting unwanted tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is truly a showstopper that’s easier to make than you might think. From the crispy, golden shrimp to the irresistibly creamy and sweet sauce, every bite feels like a special treat. Give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved dish to share with family and friends. Trust me, once you master this classic, you’ll be reaching for it time and again!
Print
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful Chinese American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy honey sauce and topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a popular takeout favorite that is easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Batter
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 egg whites
Candied Walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water, then bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add walnut halves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until syrup thickens slightly. Remove walnuts using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a parchment-lined plate to cool and harden.
- Prepare the Shrimp Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy, then stir in cornstarch to create a light batter coating for the shrimp.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Dip shrimp into the batter, then fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain cooked shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to form a smooth, creamy dressing.
- Combine and Serve: Add the fried shrimp to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly. Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, fry shrimp in smaller batches to maintain steady oil temperature.
- Serve immediately to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangier flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese American
