Craving the irresistible taste of Chinese takeout? Look no further than this incredible Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe! These succulent, crispy shrimp are coated in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce, then perfectly complemented by crunchy candied walnuts. Best of all, this impressive dish is super easy to make at home and can be on your table in under 20 minutes, offering a delicious and cost-effective alternative to your favorite restaurant version.
The Ultimate Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Takeout Favorite Made Easy
There’s something truly special about Honey Walnut Shrimp. It’s a dish that consistently satisfies those Chinese takeout cravings with its unique blend of textures and flavors. Imagine perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp, delicately crispy from a light batter, enveloped in a lusciously creamy and subtly sweet sauce, all finished with the delightful crunch of candied walnuts. It’s a symphony for your taste buds, and the good news is, you can recreate this culinary magic right in your own kitchen!
This recipe allows you to enjoy generous portions of high-quality shrimp without the hefty price tag often associated with restaurant versions. It’s an ideal choice for entertaining guests on a Saturday night, or simply for treating yourself and your family to an elevated weeknight meal. Honey Walnut Shrimp, paired with a crisp bottle of wine, promises to be an unforgettable experience. It’s one of those universally loved dishes, and even its name evokes a sense of elegance and deliciousness. The entire preparation, from start to finish, takes no more than 15-20 minutes, making it not only delicious but also incredibly convenient.
What is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved Chinese-American dish featuring deep-fried, battered shrimp coated in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with glazed walnuts. The sauce is typically a harmonious blend of mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and a hint of fresh lemon juice, which provides a crucial acidic balance to the sweetness. This combination creates a savory, sweet, and tangy profile that is utterly addictive. The secret to its incredible texture lies in the crispy shrimp, achieved through a simple cornstarch and egg white batter, and the homemade candied walnuts, which add a fantastic crunch and an extra layer of sweetness. While often served with classic fried rice, it pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or even noodles, making it a versatile main course.
Why Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home?
Beyond the sheer enjoyment of cooking, there are several compelling reasons to make Honey Walnut Shrimp from scratch:
- Cost-Effective: Buying jumbo shrimp from the grocery store and making the dish yourself is significantly cheaper than ordering multiple portions from a restaurant.
- Ingredient Control: You have full control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring fresh shrimp and high-quality walnuts. You can also adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to your preference.
- Freshness and Texture: Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp is always at its peak freshness, meaning the shrimp are perfectly crispy and the sauce is warm and vibrant. This is something often lost in takeout dishes that have been traveling.
- Dietary Adjustments: Easily adapt the recipe to certain dietary needs, such as using a lighter oil for frying or reducing sugar in the candied walnuts.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or even adjust the ratio of sauce ingredients to match your palate.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp – A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this restaurant-quality dish at home is surprisingly simple. We’ll break it down into manageable steps to ensure perfect results every time.
Step 1: Preparing the Candied Walnuts
The candied walnuts are more than just a garnish; they are an essential component, offering a delightful crunch and an additional layer of sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
- In a small saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, and ½ tablespoon of honey. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the walnuts to the boiling syrup. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The syrup will thicken and the walnuts will become beautifully glazed and start to caramelize.
- Once the syrup has turned into a light caramel color and coats the walnuts, carefully remove them from the saucepan using a slotted spoon.
- Immediately spread the hot candied walnuts in a single layer on a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking together and helps them achieve that irresistible crisp texture. As they cool, they will harden and become perfectly crunchy.
Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp for Frying
The key to truly spectacular Honey Walnut Shrimp is a perfectly crispy crust on the shrimp. This step is crucial.
- Begin by patting your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent a crispy coating. Season the shrimp generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This initial seasoning is vital for flavor.
- In a clean bowl, separate two egg whites from their yolks. Whisk the egg whites vigorously until they become foamy and light. This creates a fluffy base for the cornstarch.
- Dip each seasoned shrimp into the whisked egg whites, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Next, dredge the egg-coated shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring an even and thorough coating. The cornstarch, combined with the egg white, will create a light, crisp batter when fried. Set the coated shrimp aside on a plate, ready for frying.
Step 3: Crafting the Delicious Honey Sauce
The creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce is the soul of this dish. It’s incredibly simple to prepare.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon of honey, and fresh lemon juice.
- Whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth, well-combined, and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess if desired. You can prepare this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 4: Frying the Crispy Shrimp
Proper frying technique is essential for achieving that restaurant-quality crispiness.
- Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat. A reliable thermometer is your best friend here – aim for an oil temperature between 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C). Maintaining the correct temperature is paramount for crispy, not greasy, shrimp.
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp.
- Fry the shrimp for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
- Remove the fried shrimp from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Tossing and Serving
The final step brings all the delicious components together.
- Immediately after frying and draining, transfer the hot, crispy shrimp to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the prepared honey sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated in the creamy, sweet mixture.
- Add the cooled candied walnuts to the bowl and give it one final, gentle toss.
- Serve your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately to enjoy its optimal crispiness and flavor.
Tips for Successful Honey Walnut Shrimp
To ensure your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out absolutely perfect every time, keep these essential tips in mind:
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to season the raw shrimp with kosher salt and pepper *before* adding it to the cornstarch and egg white mixture. This ensures the shrimp itself is flavorful, not just the coating.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Invest in a good kitchen thermometer to accurately monitor your frying oil. Frying shrimp in oil that registers between 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C) is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior without making the shrimp greasy or overcooked. Too low, and the shrimp will absorb too much oil; too high, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
- Toss Immediately: The magic happens when the hot, freshly fried shrimp are tossed in the honey sauce right away. The warmth of the shrimp helps the sauce cling better and ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding causes the oil temperature to drop, leading to less crispy shrimp.
- Cool Walnuts Completely: Make sure your candied walnuts are fully cooled and hardened on parchment paper before adding them to the dish. This prevents them from clumping together and ensures maximum crunch.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: Before seasoning and coating, thoroughly pat the raw shrimp dry. This helps the batter adhere better and results in a crispier crust.
What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?
For the best Honey Walnut Shrimp experience, I highly recommend using peeled and deveined raw jumbo shrimp. Jumbo shrimp (often labeled 21-25 count per pound) offer a satisfyingly meaty bite that stands up well to the frying and saucing process. While fresh shrimp are always ideal, high-quality frozen peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp work wonderfully as long as they are properly thawed. To thaw frozen shrimp, simply place them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes or let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Always ensure they are completely drained and patted dry before proceeding with the recipe.
Do I Have to Use Walnuts?
While you certainly *can* use other types of nuts if you prefer or if you have an allergy, I strongly recommend sticking with walnuts for this recipe. Walnuts are the traditional choice and contribute a specific flavor and texture that is integral to the classic Honey Walnut Shrimp experience. Their slightly bitter, earthy notes provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet sauce, and their unique shape and crunch are unmatched. If you absolutely must substitute, pecans or cashews could work, but be aware that the overall flavor profile will change. The candied element is what truly makes them special, so ensure any substitute nut is also candied.
Can I Make this Recipe Ahead of Time?
For the absolute best results, please serve Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately after cooking and tossing. The crispy texture of the shrimp and walnuts is at its peak when fresh. If you need to do some prep work in advance, you can certainly prepare the candied walnuts a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The honey sauce can also be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. However, the shrimp should be fried and tossed just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness. If you have leftovers, you can reheat the shrimp gently in an air fryer or oven to regain some crispness, but it won’t be quite the same as freshly made.
Ways to Adapt this Recipe for Different Preferences
This recipe is quite versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes or cooking preferences:
- Lighter Shrimp: If you’re not in the mood for frying or want a lighter option, you can grill, bake, or air fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying. While the texture won’t be as intensely crispy, tossing them in the delicious honey sauce will still yield a fantastic dish. For baking, toss the cornstarch-coated shrimp with a light spray of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through and golden. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the shrimp with oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Alternative Proteins: The honey sauce is so flavorful that it pairs well with other proteins. Consider substituting shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Simply cook the protein of choice until done, then toss it with the sauce and candied walnuts.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes can be added to the honey sauce to give it a spicy kick.
The Honey Sauce: A Versatile Star
The creamy, sweet, and tangy honey sauce is truly the heart of this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe, and its versatility extends far beyond just shrimp. As mentioned, you can certainly prepare this sauce ahead of time, making your meal prep even easier. If you have picky eaters in your family who might not be keen on shrimp, or if you simply want to try something different, consider using this sauce with other ingredients. Cook some chicken pieces (fried, grilled, or baked) and toss them in this delightful sauce – it’s just as good! It also makes an excellent dipping sauce for chicken tenders, spring rolls, or even fresh vegetable sticks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this flavorful concoction!
Perfect Serving Suggestions
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with simple sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Fluffy White Rice: A classic choice, plain white rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Double down on the flavor with a side of savory fried rice.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas add a healthy crunch and a vibrant color contrast.
- Noodles: Simple stir-fried noodles or even plain lo mein noodles can be a great accompaniment.
- Light Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish.
More Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love:
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Shrimp Remoulade
- Stuffed Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp
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Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tbsp honey (for walnuts)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (for sauce)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 tbsp honey. Bring to a boil, then add the walnuts. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens and turns a caramel color. Remove walnuts with a slotted spoon and spread them on parchment paper to cool and harden completely.
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Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry. Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the 2 egg whites until they become foamy.
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Dip each seasoned shrimp into the whisked egg whites, then toss it thoroughly in the 1/2 cup cornstarch until fully coated. Set the coated shrimp aside.
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Make the Honey Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tsp condensed milk, 1 tbsp honey, and 3 tsp fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
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Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pot to 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C). Fry the shrimp in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Combine and Serve: Immediately transfer the hot, fried shrimp to a large bowl. Pour the prepared honey sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat. Add the cooled candied walnuts and toss once more. Serve and Enjoy!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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