Honey Walnut Shrimp

Introduction

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish that features crispy shrimp coated in a rich, sweet, and creamy honey sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a perfect addition to any dinner party, holiday meal, or casual gathering. The sweetness of the honey and the savory shrimp create a balanced flavor profile that’s sure to impress.

I first made this dish when I wanted something special for a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite. The shrimp turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the honey sauce gives them a decadent sweetness. The candied walnuts add a satisfying crunch that complements the dish perfectly.

What’s great about Honey Walnut Shrimp is that it’s surprisingly easy to prepare despite its gourmet feel. With just a few ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as an appetizer, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Dinner parties
• Special occasions
• Asian-inspired meals
• Family gatherings
• Seafood lovers

Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here’s why Honey Walnut Shrimp will become your new favorite dish:

• Crispy Shrimp: The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside, creating an irresistible bite.
• Sweet and Creamy Sauce: The honey sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tangy flavors, enhancing the natural flavor of the shrimp.
• Candied Walnuts: The walnuts are candied to a sweet, crunchy texture that complements the shrimp and sauce beautifully.
• Easy to Make: Despite its restaurant-quality appeal, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory shrimp, sweet honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts creates a balanced flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Honey Walnut Shrimp:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Honey Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise for a creamier texture)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Candied Walnuts:

• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe, as they provide a juicy and tender bite that pairs wonderfully with the crispy coating.
• Honey Sauce: The honey sauce adds the signature sweetness and creaminess that makes this dish so irresistible. The addition of sweetened condensed milk and mayonnaise creates a rich, creamy texture.
• Candied Walnuts: The candied walnuts give this dish an extra crunch and depth of flavor, offering a perfect balance to the sweetness of the sauce and shrimp.
• Cornstarch and Flour Coating: The combination of cornstarch and flour creates a crispy, light batter that holds up well to the honey sauce without becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Honey Walnut Shrimp:

Prepare the Candied Walnuts:

1. Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the walnuts and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, until the syrup thickens and the walnuts are coated. Remove the walnuts from the syrup and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.

Shrimp:

2. Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg, then slowly pour in the cold water, whisking to create a smooth batter.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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 for 2-3 minutes per side, or 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 Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.

Assemble the Dish:

6. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated.
7. Add the Candied Walnuts: Gently fold in the candied walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the shrimp.
8. Serve: Transfer the Honey Walnut Shrimp to a serving platter and serve immediately, garnished with extra candied walnuts and a drizzle of honey if desired.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve this dish alongside fluffy steamed white rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a balanced meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer at a party or gathering, allowing guests to enjoy these sweet and savory bites as finger food.
• With Noodles: Serve over a bed of stir-fried noodles or soba noodles for an extra hearty dish.
• On a Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option that’s full of flavor.

Additional Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Honey Walnut Shrimp is a success:

• Use Cold Water for the Batter: Cold water helps create a lighter, crispier batter for the shrimp.
• Fry in Batches: Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Use Fresh Walnuts: Use fresh, unsalted walnuts for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the skillet or wok when frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
• Control the Heat: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. You can test this by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the candied walnuts and batter ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the shrimp and toss in the sauce just before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Variations for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for Honey Walnut Shrimp:

• Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
• Crispy Sweet and Sour Shrimp: Add a splash of rice vinegar to the honey sauce for a sweet and sour flavor.
• Cashew Shrimp: Replace walnuts with cashews for a different nutty flavor.
• Garlic Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add minced garlic to the honey sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Lemon Honey Walnut Shrimp: Replace the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a citrusy twist.
• Orange Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Coconut Honey Walnut Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut in addition to the batter for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Honey Walnut Shrimp: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make this dish gluten-free.
• Honey Almond Shrimp: Swap walnuts with sliced almonds for a different texture and flavor.
• Honey Sesame Shrimp: Add toasted sesame seeds to the sauce for a nutty, slightly savory element.

Freezing and Storage for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Freezing: Honey Walnut Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the fried shrimp for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat by baking at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy.
• Storage: Store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the shrimp may lose some of their crispiness when stored, so it’s best to enjoy them immediately.

Special Equipment for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some special tools that will make preparing Honey Walnut Shrimp easier:

• Wok or Skillet: A wok or large skillet allows for even frying of the shrimp in batches.
• Deep Fry Thermometer: If you’re unsure of the oil temperature, a thermometer can help ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for the batter, sauce, and shrimp to keep things organized.
• Paper Towels: Paper towels are essential for draining excess oil from the fried shrimp.
• Parchment Paper: Parchment paper makes it easy to cool and set the candied walnuts without sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Honey Walnut Shrimp

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before frying.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   The candied walnuts and batter can be prepared ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the shrimp and toss them in the sauce just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.
3. Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
   Yes, you can substitute walnuts with cashews, almonds, or even pecans for a different flavor.
4. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Yes, you can add chili paste or sriracha to the honey sauce to make it spicy.
5. Can I use a different sauce?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with different sauces like a sweet and sour sauce or a garlic butter sauce.

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Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a sweet and savory dish that combines crispy shrimp, creamy honey sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts into a delightful bite. It’s perfect for any occasion, from dinner parties to casual meals. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, Honey Walnut Shrimp is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish will impress your guests every time.

This recipe is just as fun to prepare as it is delicious, making it a great choice for everything from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself, Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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!