Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe – A Delightfully Sweet and Crispy Dish
Table of Contents
Introduction:
If you’ve ever dined at a Chinese restaurant, you may have come across the popular Honey Walnut Shrimp dish. Known for its creamy, sweet sauce and crunchy shrimp, it’s a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. This recipe allows you to recreate the restaurant-quality dish at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is sure to be a hit.
What Makes Honey Walnut Shrimp So Special?
Honey Walnut Shrimp combines three main elements that create a perfect balance: crispy fried shrimp, caramelized walnuts, and a luscious honey mayo sauce. The contrast of textures—the crunch of the shrimp and walnuts against the creamy sauce—is what sets this dish apart. The sweetness of the honey sauce complements the savory shrimp, making it a standout on any menu.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Shrimp: Shrimp is the star protein of this dish. Fresh, large shrimp work best, but you can also use frozen shrimp—just make sure to thaw them properly.
- Caramelized Walnuts: The walnuts are coated in a sweet caramel that adds both texture and flavor. These crunchy bites balance the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Honey Mayo Sauce: This simple sauce, made with mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk, is the key to the dish’s signature flavor. It’s sweet, creamy, and coats the shrimp beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Caramelizing the Walnuts for Extra Crunch
The caramelized walnuts are what give this dish its signature crunch. Cooking sugar into a caramel and coating the walnuts creates a sweet, crispy topping that pairs perfectly with the creamy shrimp. - Battering and Frying the Shrimp for Maximum Crispiness
Lightly coating the shrimp in a batter made from egg whites and cornstarch ensures that the shrimp turn out extra crispy. Frying them quickly at a high temperature seals in the moisture and creates a golden crust. - Creating the Honey Mayo Sauce
The sauce is where all the magic happens. A mixture of mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk creates a rich, sweet flavor that complements the fried shrimp without overpowering them.
Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Control the Sweetness: If you find the sauce too sweet, you can reduce the amount of honey or add a dash of lemon juice to balance it out.
- Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp: In a rush? You can use pre-cooked shrimp and simply coat them in the batter before frying for a quicker meal.
- Customize the Walnuts: While caramelized walnuts are traditional, you can try adding sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor or using pecans instead of walnuts for a different twist.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup sugar for caramelizing walnuts
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
Caramelize the Walnuts:
- In a small saucepan, add the sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns into a light amber caramel. Stir in the walnuts and coat them evenly. Spread the walnuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.
Prepare the Shrimp Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites until foamy. Season with salt and pepper, then add the cornstarch, stirring until it forms a thick batter.
Fry the Shrimp:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Dip the shrimp in the batter and fry them in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Honey Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined.
Toss Shrimp in Sauce:
- Once the shrimp are fried, toss them in the honey mayo sauce until evenly coated.
Serve:
- Place the honey walnut shrimp on a serving plate, top with the caramelized walnuts, and garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
- To save time, you can use store-bought candied walnuts instead of making them from scratch.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey to taste.
- For a lighter version, you can pan-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss them in the honey sauce and reheat.
What side dishes go well with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it alongside noodles for a more filling meal.
How long will Honey Walnut Shrimp last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, the shrimp may lose some of their crispiness after being refrigerated.
Conclusion
With its irresistible combination of crispy shrimp, sweet honey sauce, and crunchy caramelized walnuts, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality food to your home kitchen. It’s an ideal dish for special occasions, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving something truly delicious. Simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
