Honey Walnut Shrimp

Introduction

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delectable and indulgent dish that brings together crispy shrimp, a sweet and savory honey sauce, and crunchy caramelized walnuts. The shrimp is coated in a light batter and fried until golden and crisp, then tossed in a luscious honey sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness and savory depth of the walnuts.

I first made this dish when I wanted to treat my family to something extra special, and it quickly became a favorite. The combination of the crispy shrimp, rich sauce, and the delightful crunch of the walnuts made every bite memorable. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, making it perfect for a special dinner or holiday celebration.

What’s great about this Honey Walnut Shrimp is how easy it is to make despite its luxurious appearance. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet and is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, it’s the kind of meal that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Dinner parties
• Chinese-inspired meals
• Seafood lovers
• Indulgent appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here’s why this recipe will become your go-to dish:

• Crispy and Tender Shrimp: The shrimp is perfectly battered and fried to create a crispy exterior with a tender, juicy interior.
• Luscious Honey Sauce: The honey sauce is the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, coating the shrimp in a sticky, glossy finish.
• Crunchy Candied Walnuts: The caramelized walnuts add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that enhances the dish.
• Restaurant-Style Dish: With its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation, this dish tastes like something from a high-end restaurant, but it’s easy to prepare at home.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner or appetizer.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make this recipe:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Japanese-style or regular)
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for added tang)

For the Candied Walnuts:

• ½ cup walnuts
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons water

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp are the star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the crispy batter and honey sauce.
• Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness to the sauce, creating a sticky and flavorful coating for the shrimp.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is used in the sauce to provide a creamy texture that balances out the sweetness of the honey and condensed milk.
• Candied Walnuts: Walnuts are toasted and caramelized in sugar to give a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of sweetness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Prepare the Candied Walnuts:

1. Make the Candied Walnuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the walnuts, sugar, and water. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the walnuts become golden and caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Shrimp:

2. Prep the Shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Shrimp: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg and then dredge it in the flour mixture, coating each shrimp evenly.
4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Honey Sauce:

5. Make the Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and rice vinegar (if using) until smooth and well combined.

Combine and Serve:

6. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce: Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and pour the honey sauce over them. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the shrimp and serve immediately. You can also drizzle with extra honey if desired.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

This recipe is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as a delicious appetizer at your next dinner party or gathering.
• With Rice: Pair the shrimp with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fried rice to make a complete meal.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a balanced and flavorful dish.
• On a Salad: For a lighter meal, top a bed of mixed greens with the honey walnut shrimp for a satisfying salad.
• With Noodles: Serve the shrimp with stir-fried noodles for a hearty, Asian-inspired meal.

Additional Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your this recipe turns out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Be sure the oil is hot enough for frying. If it’s too cold, the shrimp will become greasy rather than crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the shrimp to cook unevenly.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more honey or condensed milk. For a tangier version, add a bit more lemon juice or rice vinegar.
• Candied Walnuts: Make sure to cool the walnuts completely before using them, as they’ll become sticky when hot.
• Reheat with Caution: If you have leftovers, reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid losing the crispy texture.

Recipe Variations for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the honey sauce for some heat.
• Cashew Honey Shrimp: Swap out walnuts for cashews for a different crunchy texture.
• Lemon Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a bit more lemon zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
• Coconut Honey Walnut Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in shredded coconut before frying for a tropical touch.
• Garlic Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a few minced garlic cloves to the honey sauce for a savory depth of flavor.
• Baked Honey Walnut Shrimp: For a lighter version, bake the battered shrimp in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Orange Honey Walnut Shrimp: Replace the lemon juice with fresh orange juice for a fruity variation.
• Tempura Honey Walnut Shrimp: Use a tempura batter instead of a cornstarch and flour mixture for an even lighter, airier coating.
• Vegetarian Honey Walnut Shrimp: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of shrimp for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Honey Mustard Walnut Shrimp: Replace the mayonnaise with mustard for a tangy, honey mustard version of the sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the honey walnut shrimp. Allow the shrimp to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover honey walnut shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the crispy texture.

Special Equipment for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Honey Walnut Shrimp easier:

• Deep Fryer or Skillet: A deep fryer or large skillet will help you fry the shrimp to golden perfection.
• Thermometer: An oil thermometer will help ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
• Tongs: Use tongs to handle the shrimp while frying to prevent burning yourself and to ensure even cooking.
• Small Bowl for Sauce: A small bowl for mixing the honey sauce ensures that it is well combined and ready to toss with the shrimp.
• Cooling Rack or Paper Towels: A cooling rack or paper towels will help drain excess oil from the fried shrimp, keeping them crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid soggy shrimp.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, adding sriracha or chili flakes to the honey sauce will give it a spicy kick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to fry the shrimp just before serving to maintain the crispy texture. However, you can prepare the honey sauce and candy the walnuts ahead of time.

Can I substitute the walnuts with something else?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with cashews or pecans for a different texture and flavor.

Can I use a different oil for frying?
You can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil for frying. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point.

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Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a flavorful and indulgent dish that combines crispy shrimp with a sweet and savory honey sauce and crunchy candied walnuts. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or special treat, this dish is sure to impress with its rich textures and complex flavors. It’s easy to make, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time!

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re making it for family or serving it at a gathering, Honey Walnut Shrimp will bring a delightful touch of sweetness and crunch to the table.

I’d love to see how your Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!