Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe: A Sweet Dinner Win

Succulent shrimp dance with a honey walnut recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

These golden-crisp morsels carry the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Crunchy walnuts add a delightful texture that makes each bite extraordinary.

Restaurant-quality dishes often seem complicated, but this straightforward preparation breaks those barriers.

You can recreate this popular Chinese-American classic right in your kitchen with simple ingredients.

The combination of crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, and glossy honey sauce creates an irresistible harmony.

Prepare to embark on a delectable journey that will elevate your home cooking skills and impress everyone at the table.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce unique in this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe?

The sauce combines mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice, creating a creamy, sweet-tangy blend that perfectly complements the crispy shrimp and candied walnuts.

• Why is cornstarch important in the shrimp batter?

Cornstarch helps create a light, crispy coating on the shrimp by absorbing moisture and promoting a golden, crunchy exterior when fried. It also helps the egg whites adhere better to the shrimp.

• How do I know when the sugar syrup for the walnuts is ready?

The syrup is ready when it thickens and becomes slightly bubbly. It will turn from watery to a sticky, syrupy consistency. Work quickly at this stage, as the syrup can harden rapidly.

• Can I prepare any components of this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The candied walnuts can also be prepared earlier and kept at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble the dish.

What Makes Honey Walnut Shrimp So Delightful

• Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, crispy, and creamy textures that make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special gatherings.
• Adapt the recipe to your liking by adjusting seasonings or playing with the sauce ingredients, giving you creative freedom in the kitchen.
• Recreate a popular Chinese-American restaurant favorite with professional-level results that will wow your dinner guests and satisfy your takeout cravings.

Ingredients for Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this delightful dish.

• Mayonnaise, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Honey, Lemon Juice: A creamy, sweet, and tangy mixture that creates a luxurious coating for the shrimp.

• Egg Whites: Provide a light and crispy texture to the shrimp coating.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a thin, crispy batter that adheres well to the shrimp.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the shrimp.

• Sugar, Water: Form a sweet syrup that transforms plain walnuts into a crunchy, caramelized treat.
• Walnuts: Add a delightful nutty crunch and sweetness to the dish.

• Green Onion: Provides a fresh, sharp flavor and vibrant color to the final presentation.

• Oil: Used for deep-frying the shrimp to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Cooking Directions for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Honey
• Lemon juice

Stir everything until you have a smooth, silky sauce that looks absolutely irresistible.

Set this magic mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Candy Those Walnuts

In a non-stick pan, combine sugar and water.

Watch the mixture transform as it bubbles and thickens.

Once it becomes syrupy, quickly toss in the walnuts, making sure they get completely coated.

Swiftly transfer the candied walnuts onto parchment paper using tongs to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 3: Prepare The Shrimp Batter

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until they become foamy.

Gradually mix in cornstarch to create a light, airy batter.

Gently coat each shrimp, ensuring they’re evenly covered right before frying.

Step 4: Fry The Shrimp To Golden Perfection

Heat oil to a sizzling 350-375°F.

Carefully drop shrimp into the hot oil in small batches.

Fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

Use a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Combine And Coat

In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with the candied walnuts.

Pour the creamy sauce over everything, making sure each piece gets a luxurious coating.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and zesty flavor.

Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

Tips for Getting the Texture and Sweetness Right

• Mix the honey sauce beforehand and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious cooking time.
• Work swiftly when candying walnuts, as sugar syrup hardens rapidly; use parchment paper to prevent sticking and clumping.
• Coat shrimp in egg white-cornstarch mixture just before frying to maintain a crispy, light texture without becoming soggy.
• Maintain oil between 350-375°F and fry shrimp in small batches to ensure golden, crispy exterior and prevent temperature drops.
• Garnish with chopped green onions right before serving to add vibrant color and a zesty flavor boost.

Reheating and Storage Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Store honey walnut shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy.
• Avoid freezing this dish as the crispy texture will be lost. Shrimp tends to become rubbery and tough when frozen and reheated.
• Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet. Sprinkle a few drops of water to help prevent drying out. For best results, reheat shrimp and walnuts separately to maintain crispiness.
• Reheat in short 15-20 second intervals, checking frequently to prevent overcooking. Add a small splash of water to keep the shrimp moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Tasty Pairings for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Pair Sweet Citrus White Wine: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complements the honey's sweetness and cuts through the richness of the fried shrimp.
• Enhance Flavor with Jasmine Rice: Serve the honey walnut shrimp over steamed jasmine rice to absorb the creamy sauce and provide a neutral base that highlights the dish's complex flavors.
• Create Contrast with Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy, crunchy Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the dish's sweetness and add a refreshing textural element.
• Match with Crisp Lager: Choose a light, clean Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo to cleanse the palate and refresh the taste buds between bites of the rich, sweet shrimp.

Fresh Ways to Vary Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or potato starch for the batter. Use gluten-free mayonnaise to ensure the entire dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap shrimp with crispy tofu cubes. Use aquafaba instead of egg whites for coating, and replace honey with maple syrup. Select plant-based mayonnaise to maintain the creamy sauce texture.
• Low-Carb Option
• Spicy Kick Version: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the shrimp coating for an extra heat boost that will make taste buds dance.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful honey walnut shrimp brings coastal Chinese-American cuisine to home kitchens with crispy golden prawns glazed in sweet honey sauce. Crunchy candied walnuts and succulent shrimp combine for a restaurant-quality dish you can easily master in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (453 grams) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 egg whites

Coating and Frying Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup cornstarch (or potato starch as a substitute)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral frying oil)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Walnut Components:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (or brown sugar substitute)
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Garnish:

• 1 green onion, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until uniformly smooth. Reserve the mixture at room temperature.
2. Caramelize sugar and water in a non-stick skillet, creating a golden syrup. Quickly fold walnuts into the bubbling mixture, ensuring complete coating. Immediately transfer candied nuts onto parchment paper using tongs to prevent clumping.
3. Prepare the shrimp coating by whisking egg whites until frothy, then integrating cornstarch to form a light batter. Gently enrobe each shrimp, ensuring complete and even coverage just prior to frying.
4. Heat oil to 350-375°F for optimal frying. Carefully introduce shrimp in small batches, cooking 2-3 minutes until achieving a crisp, golden exterior. Strategically drain fried shrimp on wire rack to maintain crunchiness.
5. Combine crispy shrimp with candied walnuts in a spacious bowl, generously coating with prepared sauce to ensure thorough integration of flavors.
6. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a vibrant visual and aromatic finish. Serve immediately to preserve textural integrity.

Notes

• Whip up the honey sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, saving precious time during cooking.
• Watch the sugar syrup carefully – it can burn quickly, so maintain medium heat and stir constantly for even caramelization.
• Pat the shrimp completely dry before battering to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
• Swap cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg