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Honey Walnut Shrimp

 

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. Whether you’re craving a unique main course or a show-stopping appetizer, Honey Walnut Shrimp is a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

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

For the 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

For the 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.

Instructions

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.

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. 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.
  2. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  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 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.

Prepare the Honey Sauce:

  1. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Add the Candied Walnuts: Gently fold in the candied walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the shrimp.
  3. 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.

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