Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe: Sweet, Savory & Crispy Delight
Discover the best Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe with sweet, savory flavors, crispy shrimp, and candied walnuts. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a Chinese-American dish loved for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, crispy texture, and rich sauce. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will impress everyone.
With juicy shrimp, crunchy candied walnuts, and a creamy honey-based sauce, Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare at home.
Learn how to make this restaurant-quality dish from scratch with simple ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of flavors: The combination of honey, mayonnaise, and shrimp creates an irresistible flavor profile.
Easy and quick: This recipe only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
Restaurant-style quality at home: Impress your family and friends without needing a takeout menu.
Versatile: You can serve this dish as an appetizer or a main course.
Key Ingredients
Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for this recipe. Fresh or frozen shrimp work well, but make sure they are properly thawed if frozen.
Candied Walnuts: The walnuts add a delightful crunch and slight sweetness, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. Candied walnuts are easy to make at home with sugar and water.
Honey: Honey is the key sweetener in this dish, providing a natural sweetness that complements the shrimp.
Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy element to the sauce, making the dish rich without being overly heavy.
Cornstarch: Coating the shrimp in cornstarch helps create a crispy texture after frying.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons condensed milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup cornstarch
Oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts
- In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water to a boil
- Stir in the walnuts and boil for about 3 minutes until they are slightly caramelized.
- Drain the walnuts and lay them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to cool. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Coat each shrimp with cornstarch, ensuring an even layer.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Honey Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, mayonnaise, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the honey sauce until well-coated.
- Add the candied walnuts and gently mix.
- Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp
Shrimp size matters: Use large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe to get the best texture and flavor. Smaller shrimp might overcook and become tough.
Candied walnuts shortcut: If you’re short on time, store-bought candied walnuts can save you a step, but homemade adds a personal touch.
Frying tip: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp. Test it by dropping a bit of cornstarch into the oil—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Crispy shrimp: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even frying and keeps the shrimp crispy.
Variations of Honey Walnut Shrimp
1. Gluten-Free Option: For those following a gluten-free diet, substitute the cornstarch with potato starch or gluten-free flour to maintain a crispy coating.
2. Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp: If you prefer a healthier version, use an air fryer to cook the shrimp instead of deep-frying.
Coat the shrimp in cornstarch and place them in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
3. Vegan Honey Walnut Shrimp: You can create a plant-based version by using tofu or cauliflower instead of shrimp.
Marinate the tofu in a bit of soy sauce, then coat it in cornstarch before frying or baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time? Yes, you can make the candied walnuts and fry the shrimp ahead of time.
Store the shrimp separately in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven before tossing them in the sauce.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The shrimp may lose some of their crispiness, but you can reheat them in the oven to restore it.
3. What sides go well with Honey Walnut Shrimp? This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple Asian-style salad.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that stands out due to its unique flavor profile and ease of preparation.
The crispy shrimp paired with the sweet, creamy honey sauce is a combination that excites the taste buds.
Plus, the candied walnuts add a satisfying crunch, balancing out the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
This recipe brings the beloved flavors of Chinese-American takeout to your kitchen, where you can control the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
How to Get the Perfect Crunch
Achieving the perfect crunch on the shrimp is one of the most important aspects of this dish. Here’s how to ensure your shrimp come out crispy every time:
Dry the shrimp: Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before coating them in cornstarch. Moisture can prevent the coating from adhering and becoming crispy.
Hot oil is key: The oil should be around 350°F for optimal frying. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb excess oil and become soggy. If it's too hot, the shrimp might burn before cooking through.
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