If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and creamy all in one bite, you are going to fall head over heels for this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. This dish brings together golden-fried shrimp coated in a luscious honey-infused sauce, paired with crunchy candied walnuts for an irresistible texture contrast. It’s a standout favorite that tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout but bursting with freshness and homemade love. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises a delightful experience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each plays a crucial role—from the crispy coating on the shrimp to the smooth, sweet sauce, and the crunchy walnuts adding a nutty surprise.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, fresh shrimp provide tender, juicy bites that pair perfectly with the crunchy coating.
- Candied walnuts (1/2 cup): These offer a sweet crunch that complements the creamy shrimp; homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and helps balance the sweetness in the sauce.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings natural sweetness and enhances the glaze’s golden color.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 tablespoon): Provides rich smoothness and depth to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): The secret to that irresistible crispy coating on each shrimp.
- Egg white (1 large): Helps the cornstarch stick beautifully to the shrimp for frying.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures perfectly golden and crisp shrimp.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds (optional): For a fresh, eye-catching garnish that also adds flavor layers.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is what makes your shrimp irresistibly sweet and tangy, coating every piece in flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
In another bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy to create a light adhesive coating. Toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in the egg white, ensuring each one gets a fine layer. Then, dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess to guarantee a perfect crisp post-fry.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the shrimp carefully in batches, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they transform into golden, crispy gems. Once done, drain the shrimp on paper towels to remove any excess oil but keep that crunchy coating intact.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp with Sauce and Walnuts
Gently toss the fried shrimp in a large bowl with your prepared honey sauce, making sure every piece is generously coated. Then fold in the candied walnuts, distributing their crunch evenly so that every bite surprises you with sweetness and texture.
How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle pop of freshness and nutty flavor that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve your Honey Walnut Shrimp alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up the sauce. For lighter accompaniments, a side of sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad brightens the meal and balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp atop a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens for a fresh twist. You can also use lettuce cups to create handheld bites that add a crunchy freshness, turning this classic into a fun appetizer or party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the shrimp’s crispiness, store the shrimp and sauce separately and combine them just before serving.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s best to freeze them before frying if you want to prepare ahead. Place the coated, uncooked shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To keep the shrimp crisp when reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, rather than microwaving. After warm, toss them again in freshly made sauce and sprinkle with extra candied walnuts for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make the candied walnuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! Candied walnuts store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making it easy to prepare parts of this dish in advance.
Is it necessary to deep fry the shrimp?
Deep frying gives that perfect crunch, but for a lighter option, you can bake or air-fry the shrimp. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve a golden exterior.
Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
You can try using scallops or bite-sized chicken pieces, but shrimp’s tender texture and flavor really shine in this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe.
What can I do if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
Replacing sweetened condensed milk alters the creamy sweetness, but mixing a bit of heavy cream with sugar can be an improvised substitute, though the texture may differ slightly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and sweet, making it family-friendly. You can add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you prefer a subtle spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe with you feels like passing along a little treasure. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make at home. With its perfect balance of flavors and delightful textures, I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite at your table, whether for a weeknight dinner or when celebrating something wonderful.
Print
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
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious Chinese-American seafood dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy honey sauce and tossed with candied walnuts. This dish balances crunchy textures with a luscious sauce, making it a perfect main course served alongside steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
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
Walnuts and Garnish
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts
- Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside to be used later.
- Coat the shrimp: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the egg white and toss to coat thoroughly. Then dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess for an even coating.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Toss shrimp with sauce: Place the fried shrimp in a large mixing bowl and gently toss them with the prepared honey-mayo sauce until they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Add candied walnuts and garnish: Fold in the candied walnuts gently to combine. Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the top for garnish.
- Serve: Serve the honey walnut shrimp immediately while still warm, ideally accompanied by 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, you can bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying to reduce oil absorption while still keeping them crispy.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for even frying and to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; the shrimp tend to lose their crispiness if allowed to sit too long.
