Indulge in a plate of Honey Walnut Shrimp that brings the exquisite flavor of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. This dish embodies a delightful amalgamation of crispy tempura shrimp bathed in a sweet and tangy honey sauce, juxtaposed with crunchy candied walnuts. It’s the kind of meal that can elevate a regular weekday dinner into something absolutely special. The best part? You can make it at home, ensuring ultimate freshness and flavor to satisfy your cravings.
What sets this Honey Walnut Shrimp apart is the balance of textures and flavors. The crispy batter coating the shrimp provides an irresistible crunch, paired perfectly with the creamy honey sauce that enhances every bite. When combined with the sweet and nutty flavor of the candied walnuts, it transforms a simple dish into a culinary experience. Perfect for gatherings, date nights, or simply a comforting meal, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. And it takes only 30 minutes to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Outrageous Flavor: The harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors makes each bite unforgettable.
- Easy to Make: With quick preparation and cooking times, this recipe fits perfect into busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fancy feast, this dish impresses.
- Fresh Ingredients: Make it healthier by controlling the ingredients right from your own kitchen.
- Customize to Your Taste: Add or omit ingredients based on personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure a seamless cooking experience for your Honey Walnut Shrimp, start by prepping your kitchen and gathering the necessary tools. You will want a large skillet or frying pan for frying the shrimp, along with a saucepan for making the candied walnuts. Additionally, using a whisk or mixer will make the batter preparation simple and effective. It’s also wise to have paper towels handy for draining excess oil from the fried shrimp.
Make sure your shrimp are fresh or appropriately thawed if previously frozen. Rinsing and drying them thoroughly will help the batter adhere better, ensuring a crunchier coating. Have your ingredients measured out and ready to go—keeping everything organized will speed up the cooking process and help you feel less rushed.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts
Start by making the candied walnuts for your Honey Walnut Shrimp. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it reaches a simmer, add the walnuts, ensuring they are fully immersed in the syrup. Allow them to cook for several minutes until they are glossy and well-coated. Carefully remove the walnuts from the saucepan and spread them on a baking sheet to cool, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Next, rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and then pat them dry between sheets of paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the batter stick to the shrimp better, resulting in a crispier texture once fried. Maintain an organized workspace, as you will quickly move on to creating the batter.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, take the egg whites and whisk them until they become frothy. This frothiness will help in creating a light texture in the batter. Gradually sift in the cornstarch and all-purpose flour, stirring until you achieve a smooth consistency. The batter should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but still fluid for an easy application.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, aiming for about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add batches of shrimp to the heated oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry the shrimp for approximately 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the shrimp are frying, take a separate bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt. Blend the ingredients until smooth. This creamy honey sauce will enhance the flavor of your shrimp while keeping them moist.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once all shrimp have been fried and drained, gently toss them in the honey sauce until they’re evenly coated. Make sure you do this while they are still warm to maximize flavor absorption. Finally, add the cooled candied walnuts and give it a light mix to distribute them throughout the shrimp.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
To finish off this beautiful dish, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you desire. Serving immediately will ensure the shrimp remain crispy while the flavors are at their peak. Present your Honey Walnut Shrimp on a platter and watch it disappear in seconds!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for delicious alternatives.
- Vegetables: Serve over a bed of sautéed broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist or some sesame seeds for a nutty flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and dry well before coating.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed white rice or fried rice for a filling meal.
- Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce based on your preference for sweetness.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the candied walnuts and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, fry the shrimp fresh for the best texture.
Can I use another type of nut instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be excellent substitutes that will provide a delightful crunch.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
Is Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free?
This dish typically contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Now that you have the complete guide to making Honey Walnut Shrimp, it’s time to get cooking! This dish promises an explosion of flavor that will bring joy to your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe with your favorite ingredients or garnishes to put your spin on it. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Honey Walnut Shrimp is sure to impress. Share your creations in the comments, and let us know how it turned out for you!
Print
Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a plate of Honey Walnut Shrimp that brings the exquisite flavor of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Start by making the candied walnuts for your Honey Walnut Shrimp. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it reaches a simmer, add the walnuts, ensuring they are fully immersed in the syrup. Allow them to cook for several minutes until they are glossy and well-coated. Carefully remove the walnuts from the saucepan and spread them on a baking sheet to cool, ensuring they don’t stick together.
- Next, rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and then pat them dry between sheets of paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the batter stick to the shrimp better, resulting in a crispier texture once fried. Maintain an organized workspace, as you will quickly move on to creating the batter.
- In a mixing bowl, take the egg whites and whisk them until they become frothy. This frothiness will help in creating a light texture in the batter. Gradually sift in the cornstarch and all-purpose flour, stirring until you achieve a smooth consistency. The batter should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but still fluid for an easy application.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, aiming for about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add batches of shrimp to the heated oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry the shrimp for approximately 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the shrimp are frying, take a separate bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt. Blend the ingredients until smooth. This creamy honey sauce will enhance the flavor of your shrimp while keeping them moist.
- Once all shrimp have been fried and drained, gently toss them in the honey sauce until they’re evenly coated. Make sure you do this while they are still warm to maximize flavor absorption. Finally, add the cooled candied walnuts and give it a light mix to distribute them throughout the shrimp.
- To finish off this beautiful dish, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if you desire. Serving immediately will ensure the shrimp remain crispy while the flavors are at their peak. Present your Honey Walnut Shrimp on a platter and watch it disappear in seconds!
Notes
Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying to avoid greasy shrimp. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and dry well before coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 20 g