Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with crispy shrimp, a creamy sauce, and the added crunch of candied walnuts. The honey sauce is sweet and savory, complementing the shrimp perfectly, while the walnuts add a rich nuttiness that takes the dish to the next level. This dish is relatively easy to make, yet it feels like an indulgent treat every time. It’s a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for both casual meals and special occasions!
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup cornstarch (for battering)
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 egg, beaten
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1/4 cup cold water
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness)
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the sauce:
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
For the candied walnuts:
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1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 tablespoon water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the walnuts:
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In a small skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts, sugar, and water. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the walnuts are coated. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and the walnuts are golden and sticky.
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Remove the walnuts from the skillet and set them aside on a piece of parchment paper to cool.
2. Make the batter:
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In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder (if using). Stir in the beaten egg and cold water, mixing until the batter is smooth and thick.
3. Fry the shrimp:
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat, enough to submerge the shrimp (about 1-2 inches of oil).
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Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and rice vinegar (if using). Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or lemon juice to taste.
5. Combine the shrimp and sauce:
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Once the shrimp are fried, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey sauce over the shrimp and toss gently until the shrimp are well coated.
6. Assemble the dish:
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Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving platter. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
7. Serve:
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Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately while the shrimp are crispy and the sauce is warm. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
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Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
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Add vegetables: You can serve the shrimp over stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
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Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Use a different nut: If you don’t have walnuts, you can substitute them with cashews or almonds for a different flavor and crunch.
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Make it lighter: For a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Simply brush them with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
Storage/Reheating
While Honey Walnut Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a small splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. The candied walnuts may lose some of their crispiness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before battering and frying to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp for a lighter version. Coat the shrimp in the batter, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. This method won’t give the shrimp quite the same texture as frying, but it will still taste delicious.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
The shrimp should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the flesh should be opaque and firm to the touch. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a flavorful, indulgent dish that brings a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch. With crispy shrimp, a luscious honey sauce, and candied walnuts, it’s a dish that feels special yet is easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, special occasion, or dinner party, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy with every bite!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful Chinese-inspired dish that combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, sweet honey sauce and crunchy candied walnuts. This indulgent dish is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy. Whether for a weeknight dinner, special occasion, or dinner party, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress with its rich flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
-
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1/2 cup cornstarch (for battering)
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 egg, beaten
-
1/4 cup cold water
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness)
-
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the sauce:
-
1/4 cup honey
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
For the candied walnuts:
-
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
-
2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
-
Prepare the walnuts:
In a small skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts, sugar, and water. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the walnuts are coated. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and the walnuts become golden and sticky.
Remove the walnuts from the skillet and set them aside on a parchment paper-lined surface to cool. -
Make the batter:
In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder (if using). Add the beaten egg and cold water, stirring until the batter is smooth and thick. -
Fry the shrimp:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat (about 1-2 inches of oil).
Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. -
Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and rice vinegar (if using). Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more honey or lemon juice. -
Combine the shrimp and sauce:
Once the shrimp are fried, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat evenly. -
Assemble the dish:
Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving platter. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. -
Serve:
Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately while the shrimp are crispy and the sauce is warm. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or a fresh salad.
Notes
Add vegetables: For added texture and nutrition, serve the shrimp over stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.Use a different nut: If you don’t have walnuts, cashews or almonds work well as substitutes, offering a different flavor and crunch.Make it lighter: For a lighter version, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy, instead of frying them.
