Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet sauce with a touch of crunch from candied walnuts. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or whenever you want an impressive yet easy-to-make seafood treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup walnut halves
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp condensed milk
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour vegetable oil into a medium deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and walnuts. Bring to a boil and let boil for 2 minutes. Remove and spread walnuts on a parchment-lined sheet to dry.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.
4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer to whisk egg whites and cornstarch until soft peaks form. Dip shrimp into the batter in batches.
5. Step 5: Fry the battered shrimp in hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on a paper-lined plate to remove excess oil.
6. Step 6: Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared sauce, then serve immediately, garnished with the candied walnuts.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, try toasting the walnuts lightly before candying them.
• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the sauce for a subtle tang.
• If you prefer milder spice, omit or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness. The candied walnuts are best served fresh but can be kept in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts for this recipe?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives to walnuts, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

What is the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

Remove the shell by starting at the legs and pulling off the shell, then use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back to remove the vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean thoroughly.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy battered shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy honey-mayo sauce and topped with candied walnuts. The shrimp are lightly fried to golden perfection and then tossed in a luscious sauce with a subtle hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For Candied Walnuts

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup walnut halves

For Sauce

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp condensed milk
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

For Shrimp

• 3 egg whites
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Add vegetable oil to a medium deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat until suitable for frying shrimp and walnuts.
2. Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, and walnut halves. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 2 minutes to candy the walnuts. After boiling, transfer the walnuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to dry and cool completely.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. Set this sweet and creamy sauce aside for later use.
4. Make the Batter: Using a handheld mixer, whisk together the egg whites and cornstarch in a bowl until soft peaks form. This will create a light, fluffy batter for the shrimp.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, dip each peeled and deveined shrimp into the batter, ensuring full coating. Carefully place shrimp into the hot oil skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Toss and Serve: Once all shrimp are fried, toss them gently in the prepared honey-mayo sauce until fully coated. Plate the shrimp and top with the candied walnuts. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors at their best.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature is hot enough before frying to get crispy shrimp without absorbing excess oil.
• Dry the candied walnuts thoroughly; any residual moisture can cause the sugar to become sticky.
• The sauce can be adjusted in sweetness or heat by modifying honey or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• Serve this dish immediately for optimal texture as the shrimp tend to soften if left too long after frying.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free mayonnaise.

Keywords: Honey Walnut Shrimp, crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, creamy sauce, Chinese American recipe, fried shrimp, sweet shrimp dish