Honey Walnut Shrimp

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen, then you’re in for a treat! This Honey Walnut Shrimp is not just incredibly delicious; it’s also creamy, crispy, and super easy to whip up. I love serving this at family gatherings or enjoying it on busy weeknights when I crave something comforting yet delightful. Trust me, once you make this dish, it will become one of your go-to recipes!

The best part? It’s a hit with everyone—kids love the sweetness, and adults appreciate the rich flavors. Plus, you can impress your friends without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory combination is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce and fry the shrimp ahead of time for easy meal prep during busy weeks.
• Crispy Goodness: The shrimp comes out perfectly crispy thanks to the cornstarch coating—no soggy shrimp here!
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe fits any gathering beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Honey Walnut Shrimp! You’ll find everything you need right here, making this recipe straightforward and approachable.

For the Walnuts

• ⅔ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup walnut halves

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon canned sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 cup cornstarch

Variations

One of the best things about Honey Walnut Shrimp is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with these variations:

• Swap the Protein: Try using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different twist on this classic dish.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some broccoli or bell peppers for extra color and crunch!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little kick.
• Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version without losing creaminess.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts

Start by adding the sugar and water to a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil before adding in those lovely walnut halves. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are nicely coated. This step is crucial because it gives your walnuts that sweet glaze we all love! Once done, use a strainer to remove them and spread them on a plate—they will harden as they cool.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. This creamy sauce is what makes our Honey Walnut Shrimp so special! Mixing these ingredients together ensures that every bite will be bursting with flavor. Set this aside while we prepare our shrimp.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Next up is coating our shrimp! Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. In another bowl, mix your raw shrimp with egg whites until they are fully coated. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch afterward; this will help achieve that wonderful crispy texture we’re aiming for. Lay them out on a baking sheet dusted with cornstarch so they don’t stick together.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a large pot to around 350°F. Fry your shrimp in batches—just two minutes per batch should do until they turn golden brown and crispy. Transferring them onto paper towel-lined plates helps drain off excess oil, keeping them light and crunchy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Finally, it’s time to bring everything together! Add those crispy shrimp and sweet walnuts into your creamy sauce from earlier. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. And there you have it—your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp is ready to be enjoyed!

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe; it’s bound to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Honey Walnut Shrimp

Making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home can be a delightful experience, especially with these handy tips to elevate your dish!

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp not only enhances the flavor but also improves the texture of your dish. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight ocean scent.
• Control the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F ensures that your shrimp fry up crispy without absorbing too much oil. Use a thermometer to maintain this temperature throughout the frying process for perfect results.
• Double Coating: For an extra crispy texture, you can double coat your shrimp by dipping them in egg whites and then dredging them in cornstarch again before frying. This adds an enjoyable crunch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Toss Right Before Serving: To keep the shrimp crispy, toss them in the sauce just before serving instead of letting them sit in it. This will ensure that you get that delightful contrast between crispy shrimp and creamy sauce.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the sweetness of the sauce by adding more honey or reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk based on your personal preference. This way, you can customize it to suit your taste!

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

Serving Honey Walnut Shrimp is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary sides. Here are some ideas to make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and visual appeal, making your dish look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light fragrance of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory notes of Honey Walnut Shrimp, providing a wonderful base for each bite.
• Sautéed Broccoli: Bright green sautéed broccoli adds not just color but also a nutritious element to your meal. Its slight bitterness balances out the sweetness of the shrimp.
• Crispy Egg Rolls: Crunchy egg rolls stuffed with vegetables offer an enjoyable textural contrast alongside your creamy shrimp, making for a satisfying dining experience.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette provides freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the shrimp dish beautifully.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Honey Walnut Shrimp will not only taste delicious but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy creating this delightful meal that brings restaurant flavors right into your kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dish throughout the week! With proper storage, you can savor this delightful dish even days after making it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing.
• Place the shrimp and walnuts in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, make sure the cooked shrimp is entirely cooled.
• Place the shrimp and walnuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Yes! Frozen shrimp work great. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

What makes Honey Walnut Shrimp different from other shrimp recipes?

Honey Walnut Shrimp stands out due to its creamy sauce combined with crispy fried shrimp and sweet candied walnuts, creating a unique flavor profile that is both savory and sweet!

How do I make my Honey Walnut Shrimp extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, ensure that your shrimp are well-coated in cornstarch before frying. Additionally, frying in small batches helps maintain oil temperature, resulting in a crunchier texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe! Its combination of creamy sauce, crispy shrimp, and sweet walnuts makes it truly special. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish is bound to delight everyone at your table. Happy cooking!