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
Scale
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
