Honey Walnut Shrimp

If you’re looking for a dish that combines creamy sweetness with a delightful crunch, look no further than this Honey Walnut Shrimp! This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. With its crispy golden shrimp and sweet, nutty sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me; everyone will want seconds!

What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home! Plus, it’s a surefire way to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Just 10 minutes of prep time means you can whip this up even on the busiest nights!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the sweet and crunchy goodness of honey walnut shrimp.
• Deliciously Versatile: This recipe can be served as a main course or an appetizer at your next gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce in advance, making your cooking process even smoother!
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy that comforting takeout taste without leaving your house.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp. Most of these items are pantry staples, making it super easy to bring this dish to life.

For the Sauce

• ⅔ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup walnut halves
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon canned sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 cup cornstarch

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations that still keep that signature taste.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different twist.
• Add some spice: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Mix in veggies: Toss in some broccoli or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Try different nuts: If walnuts aren’t your thing, cashews or almonds could be delicious alternatives!

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the walnuts and let them cook for 2-3 minutes. This step creates those sweet, glazed walnuts that add such an irresistible crunch. Afterward, strain them out and spread them on a plate to cool while you prepare everything else.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth. This creamy sauce is what makes the Honey Walnut Shrimp so special—it’s rich and flavorful! Set it aside for now; we’ll be tossing our shrimp in this later.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and coat them with egg whites in one bowl. In another shallow dish, place cornstarch. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch until fully covered before placing them on a baking sheet dusted with more cornstarch. The coating gives our shrimp that delightful crispiness when fried!

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a large pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes per batch until they are golden brown and crispy. This quick frying ensures they stay juicy inside while getting lovely and crunchy outside!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once all the shrimp are cooked, add them along with those sweet walnuts into the bowl with your prepared sauce. Gently toss everything together until well coated—this is where all those flavors come together beautifully! Serve immediately and enjoy every bite of your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp!

Pro Tips for Making Honey Walnut Shrimp

Making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate your dish to restaurant quality!

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp not only taste better but also have a firmer texture, making them perfect for frying. Look for shrimp that are bright in color and have a mild ocean scent.
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan: Frying the shrimp in small batches allows for even cooking and helps maintain the oil temperature. This ensures that each shrimp turns out crispy without becoming soggy.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or sweetened condensed milk based on your preference. A little experimentation can help you find the perfect balance for your palate.
• Make the sauce ahead of time: Preparing the sauce in advance gives the flavors more time to meld together, resulting in a richer taste that will impress your family or guests.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve Honey Walnut Shrimp right after tossing it in the sauce. This way, you’ll enjoy it at its freshest and crispiest.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

Presenting your Honey Walnut Shrimp beautifully can make mealtime even more special. Here are some ideas to help you serve this dish in style.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions over the dish for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and an appealing crunch to your presentation.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The fragrant jasmine rice complements the sweetness of the sauce while providing a neutral base for the shrimp.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Quick-cooked veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas add vibrant color and nutrition to your plate. Their crunch balances out the creamy shrimp nicely.
• Crispy spring rolls: These crunchy appetizers are always a hit and offer a satisfying contrast to the tender shrimp. They can also be filled with various vegetables or tofu for added flavor.
• Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting pairing that enhances your meal’s overall experience while keeping it light.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner! Enjoy every bite of your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can easily prepare components in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• Keep the sauce separate from the shrimp to maintain crispness.

Freezing

• For long-term storage, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the shrimp in an air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 5-7 minutes).
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Yes! Just ensure to thaw them completely before preparing this dish for optimal results.

What makes Honey Walnut Shrimp taste like restaurant-style?

The combination of creamy sauce, crispy shrimp, and sweet walnuts creates that signature flavor profile found in many Chinese restaurants.

How do I ensure my shrimp stays crispy?

Fry the shrimp in batches and avoid overcrowding the pot. Also, draining them on paper towels helps keep them crispy by absorbing excess oil.

Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! You can substitute with a vegan mayonnaise or even blend avocado for a tasty alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making this Honey Walnut Shrimp as much as I do! It’s not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience that brings flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with family and friends. Happy cooking!