Honey Walnut Shrimp is a sweet and crunchy dish that’s fun to eat! It features tender shrimp tossed in a creamy honey sauce and topped with crispy walnuts for extra crunch.
This dish is great for impressing friends at dinner. Plus, the mix of flavors makes it really special. I enjoy pairing it with some steamed rice—it’s a tasty treat that always makes me smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish as they hold up well to frying. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken or tofu for a different protein. Just make sure they are cooked properly!
Walnuts: Walnuts add a wonderful crunch. If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. They provide a similar texture and will still be delicious!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or use vegan mayo if you want a plant-based option.
Honey: Honey gives sweetness. For a vegan alternative, use agave syrup or maple syrup. Both work well, just adjust the amount based on your preferred sweetness!
Condensed Milk: This sweetens and thickens the sauce. If you don’t have it, you could use a bit more mayonnaise and a touch of sugar or sweetener to achieve a similar effect!
How Do I Get My Shrimp Crispy?
Getting perfectly crispy shrimp is key! Here’s how you can do it right:
- First, ensure your shrimp are dried well after washing. Any extra moisture will prevent them from getting crispy.
- Coat the shrimp evenly in cornstarch before frying. This creates a nice crispy layer.
- Heat your oil to the right temperature—about 350°F (175°C). If it’s not hot enough, the shrimp will absorb oil and become soggy.
- Fry in batches! Crowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and affects crispiness.
- Once fried, place shrimp on paper towels immediately to drain excess oil.
Perfectly crispy shrimp can elevate your Honey Walnut Shrimp to a whole new level, making each bite a delight!
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp and Walnuts:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon honey (for walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon water (for walnuts)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
For Frying:
- 3/4 cup cornstarch (for coating shrimp)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect dish for a quick dinner or special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Candied Walnuts:
Start by making the candied walnuts. In a small saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of water. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Then, add the walnuts and cook for 1-2 minutes until they are nicely glazed. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and spread them on parchment paper to cool.
2. Prepare Shrimp:
While the walnuts are cooling, take the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help them fry up nice and crispy! Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then coat each piece evenly with cornstarch. Shake off any excess cornstarch so the coating isn’t too thick.
3. Fry Shrimp:
Next, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat (aim for around 350°F or 175°C). Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure they cook properly. Each batch should take about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are golden and crispy. Once fried, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
4. Make Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, salt, and white pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce is what makes the dish special!
5. Combine:
Now comes the fun part! Toss the crispy shrimp gently in the honey-mayo sauce until they are well coated. Make sure each shrimp is covered in that delicious sauce!
6. Serve:
To serve, place a scoop of cooked white rice into individual bowls. Top each bowl with the coated shrimp and sprinkle the candied walnuts on top. For a pop of color and flavor, add chopped green onions as a garnish.
7. Enjoy:
Dig in and savor the crunchy, sweet, and creamy goodness of your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp! Serve it up immediately for the best experience, and if you’d like, pair it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad on the side!
This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will make it a favorite in your household!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before starting. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Pat them dry before coating to ensure they stay crispy when fried!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use an oven or an air fryer to retain the shrimp’s crispiness. Microwaving may make them soggy!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes, if you enjoy a kick of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can lighten up the dish by using skinless shrimp or replacing the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Additionally, using less honey or a sugar substitute can help reduce the overall calories while maintaining flavor!
