If you have ever fallen in love with the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and creamy in your favorite takeout, then this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is your new go-to at-home indulgence. It combines plump, crispy shrimp with a luscious honey-mayo glaze and irresistibly candied walnuts that add the perfect crunch and texture. Easy to make yet impressive on the plate, this dish transforms a classic Chinese-American favorite into something you’ll be eager to share and savor time after time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe just right means having a handful of simple, quality ingredients on hand. Each one plays a crucial role—from the shrimp’s tender juiciness to the sweet zing of lemon juice and the candy-like crunch of walnuts, every element contributes to the symphony of flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable.
- Jumbo Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and the perfect bite size.
- Egg Whites: Whisked until foamy, they help create a light coating for the shrimp.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the shrimp.
- Cornstarch: Creates a crispy, golden crust when fried; potato starch is a great alternative.
- Japanese Mayo (Kewpie): Adds a creamy, tangy richness that stands out beautifully in the sauce.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and a silky texture; substitute with condensed coconut milk if dairy-free.
- Honey: The star sweetener, giving that gentle floral sweetness key to this recipe.
- Lemon Juice: Introduces a bright acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Walnut Halves: Toasted and candied, walnuts lend a crunchy, buttery contrast unlike anything else.
- Granulated Sugar: Used to candy the walnuts with a shiny, crisp coating.
- Water: Helps dissolve and cook the sugar syrup for the walnuts.
- Green Onion: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh pop of color and mild savoriness.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet and Creamy Sauce
Mixing the sauce is the perfect place to start since it sets the sweet and tangy tone for this dish. Simply combine Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice in a bowl until you have a smooth, luscious sauce. This creamy coating is what makes the shrimp taste indulgent and vibrant, so take your time to get it well blended and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Candy the Walnuts
Candied walnuts are the secret weapon in this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe, bringing an addictive crunch and caramelized sweetness. Gently cook granulated sugar and water in a non-stick pan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Then fold in the walnut halves, coating them evenly before transferring them to parchment paper to cool. This process ensures that every bite has a satisfying snap and buttery flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Season your shrimp with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become foamy, then carefully fold in the cornstarch. This mixture is what gives the shrimp their crispy, light crust. Coat each shrimp thoroughly in this batter, which will fry up beautifully golden and crunchy.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a pan to around 350-375°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once fried, place the shrimp on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Perfectly golden and crisp shrimp are the foundation of this recipe, delivering that delightful bite every time.
Step 5: Toss Together and Finish
In a large bowl, combine your freshly fried shrimp, the candied walnuts, and the creamy sauce you made initially. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated and bursting with flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions to add a fresh contrast and a pop of color that will have your guests asking for seconds immediately.
How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
While chopped green onions are the classic, you can also sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds or a bit of finely chopped fresh cilantro on top. These garnishes contribute not only visual appeal but also a punch of aromatic freshness that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the luscious sauce. For a crunchy contrast, serve it alongside a light Asian slaw or steamed bok choy with garlic. The side dishes should provide a clean, fresh balance to this rich, sweet main feature.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the shrimp in individual lettuce cups accompanied by a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of candied walnuts. Alternatively, plate the dish on a bed of fluffy rice with the walnuts artistically scattered over the top and green onion sprinkled around like confetti. This dish is as much about joy as it is about flavor – so have fun with plating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and candied walnuts in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The shrimp are best eaten within 1-2 days to enjoy their crisp texture and fresh sauce flavor, as the coating can soften over time.
Freezing
Because of the creamy sauce and fried nature of this dish, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the shrimp and walnuts will suffer, often becoming soggy upon thawing. Fresh is definitely best for this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe.
Reheating
To warm leftovers without losing the shrimp’s crispness, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunchy coating intact. Add a little extra drizzle of sauce after reheating to freshen up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans are a great substitute, offering a similar buttery crunch and flavor that complements the dish just as well. Just make sure to candy them the same way to maintain the signature texture.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe?
Yes! Use condensed coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk and check that your mayo is dairy-free—many Japanese mayo brands like Kewpie are egg-based but dairy-free, making them a perfect choice.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives you that irresistible golden crust, baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the shrimp as usual and bake at 425°F on a greased baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long do the candied walnuts keep?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, candied walnuts will stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week. This means you can prepare them ahead of time to save on cooking steps.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the cornstarch or potato starch if you want to avoid gluten entirely, and double check your mayo and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This recipe is very adaptable for various dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. From the tender, crispy shrimp to the heavenly honey-mayo sauce and those addictive candied walnuts, every bite feels like a celebration. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite dishes to share with friends and family!
Print
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp is a homemade takeout favorite featuring crispy fried jumbo shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy honey-mayo sauce, paired perfectly with crunchy candied walnuts. This dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible appetizer or main course for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 large Egg Whites (whisked until foamy)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch (or potato starch if desired)
- Vegetable Oil, for frying (enough to reach 350-375°F)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Japanese Mayo (Kewpie) (or regular mayo)
- 1/3 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (or condensed coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Candied Walnuts
- 1 cup Walnut Halves (or pecans)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup Water
Garnish
- 2 tbsp Green Onion (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Make the candied walnuts: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, cooking until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 5 minutes. Fold in the walnut halves, tossing to coat them evenly. Transfer the candied walnuts onto parchment paper to cool and harden.
- Season and coat the shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp with salt and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy, then gently fold in the cornstarch until a batter-like coating forms. Coat each shrimp thoroughly in this mixture.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toss and serve: In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp, candied walnuts, and prepared sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use potato starch as a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute sweetened condensed milk with condensed coconut milk.
- Maintain oil temperature to ensure shrimp crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Serving immediately after tossing keeps the shrimp crispy and the sauce fresh.
- Green onions add a fresh color and mild onion flavor, but they are optional.
