Discover the savory delight of Honey Walnut Shrimp with this easy-to-follow recipe. This popular Chinese dish combines crispy fried shrimp with honey glaze and candied walnuts, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Follow along to learn how to recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp water
Optional Garnish:
- Green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prepare the Candied Walnuts:
- Toast walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make caramel: In the same skillet, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves and turns amber in color, swirling the pan occasionally.
- Coat walnuts: Quickly stir in toasted walnuts, coating them evenly with caramel. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool. Break into clusters once cooled.
Fry the Shrimp:
- Prep shrimp: Pat dry the peeled and deveined shrimp with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Coat shrimp: Dredge shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Fry shrimp: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Honey Sauce:
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
Combine and Serve:
- Coat shrimp: Toss fried shrimp in the honey sauce until evenly coated.
- Add walnuts: Gently fold in the candied walnuts.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
Shrimp:
Large shrimp are used for this dish, providing a meaty texture and delicate seafood flavor. They are coated in cornstarch and fried to crispy perfection, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Walnuts:
Walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish. When candied, they provide a sweet contrast to the savory shrimp and honey sauce.
Honey Sauce:
The honey sauce combines mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice to create a creamy, sweet, and tangy glaze that coats the crispy shrimp and walnuts.
Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures in this homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe. Whether served as a main dish or part of a Chinese-inspired meal, it’s sure to impress with its crispy shrimp, sweet honey glaze, and candied walnuts. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table.
