Honey Walnut Shrimp is a tasty dish that brings together crispy shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet honey sauce. It’s perfect for a special treat or when you want to impress your friends!
The mix of textures and flavors makes it hard to resist. I always make sure to have plenty on hand, or else my family might just eat them all! 🦐😄
Once you fry the shrimp and coat everything in the honey sauce, it’s ready to serve. I love pairing it with rice for a complete meal that feels fancy yet super simple to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium-sized shrimp are perfect for this dish. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If you’re avoiding shellfish, try using chicken breast slices or tofu as an alternative for a delightful twist!
Walnuts: Walnuts add a great crunch. If you’re allergic to nuts or looking for alternatives, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which offer a nice texture without the allergens.
Honey: Honey is essential for that sweetness. If you prefer a vegan option, substitute with agave syrup or maple syrup. They provide a similar sweetness and work just as well!
Mayonnaise and Condensed Milk: Mayonnaise adds creaminess to the sauce. You can use vegan mayo if you’re dairy-free. Alternatively, you can skip the condensed milk and use another tablespoon of honey for more sweetness.
Egg White: This helps bind the coating for a crisp texture. If you’re avoiding eggs, substitute with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for the same binding effect!
How Do I Get That Perfect Crispy Coating on the Shrimp?
Getting that crispy coating on the shrimp is what makes this dish irresistible! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your shrimp are thoroughly dried after rinsing. This helps the batter stick better and get crispy.
- The batter should be light, not thick. Combining cornstarch with flour and egg white gives you that delicate crunch.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature (350°F). If it’s too cold, the shrimp will absorb oil and become soggy. If too hot, they might burn quickly.
- Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Each shrimp needs space to fry evenly.
These tips will help ensure all your shrimp come out perfectly crispy and golden every time!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
For the Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
For the Batter:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying and Serving:
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for caramelizing walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish requires about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes gathering ingredients and getting everything ready. The actual cooking and frying will take about 15 minutes. Enjoy this delightful meal fresh and hot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Walnuts (optional for extra flavor):
In a small pan, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water over medium heat. Once the sugar dissolves and starts bubbling, add the walnuts. Stir to coat the walnuts in the syrup. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the walnuts are golden and fragrant. Quickly remove them onto parchment paper to cool and set aside.
2. Prepare the Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well combined. Set this delicious sauce aside for later.
3. Prepare the Shrimp:
Using paper towels, pat the shrimp dry. Then, season them lightly with salt and pepper. In another bowl, mix together the egg white, cornstarch, and flour to create a light batter. Dip each shrimp into the batter, making sure to coat them evenly but gently shake off any excess.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and drain them on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
5. Combine:
In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the prepared honey sauce until they are nicely coated. Then, add in the previously caramelized walnuts and give it a light toss to combine.
6. Serve:
Place the honey walnut shrimp over warm cooked white rice and make it look beautiful. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions to bring a pop of color and freshness!
7. Enjoy!
This dish is best served immediately so you can savor the delicious contrast of crispy shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and the sweet honey sauce. It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
Enjoy the delightful sweetness and texture contrast of this classic dish, just like the one shown in the image!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before preparing them. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker method. Pat them dry before cooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the oven at a low temperature or a skillet to maintain the crispiness. Avoid the microwave as it may make the shrimp soggy.
Can I Substitute the Walnuts?
Yes, if you have nut allergies or don’t like walnuts, feel free to substitute them with sliced almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch without the nuts!
What Can I Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
This dish is delicious over steamed white rice, but you can also serve it with fried rice, quinoa, or even a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the balance of flavors!
