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Honey Walnut Shrimp

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. This dish is a perfect choice for a special dinner, holiday meal, or a luxurious appetizer. It’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and rich texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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.

Instructions

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.

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Prep the Shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Prepare the Honey Sauce:

  1. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the shrimp and serve immediately. You can also drizzle with extra honey if desired.

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