Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved dish known for its crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy sauce paired with crunchy candied walnuts. It’s a classic favorite at many Chinese restaurants, but making it at home is surprisingly simple and rewarding. If you’ve ever wondered how to make honey walnut shrimp yourself, this guide will walk you through a straightforward recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with easy-to-find ingredients and minimal fuss.
What Is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp features plump, juicy shrimp fried to a golden crisp and tossed in a luscious honey-mayo sauce. The dish is elevated by the addition of candied walnuts, which add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the shrimp. The balance of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy—makes this dish irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 egg (or egg whites depending on preference)
– ½ to ⅔ cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil or avocado oil for frying
For the Sauce:
– ¼ to ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayo works great for authenticity)
– 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice or a splash of fresh lemon for brightness
– Optional: 1-2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk or yogurt for extra creaminess
For the Candied Walnuts:
– ½ cup walnut halves
– 3 tablespoons sugar (white or brown sugar)
– 1 tablespoon water
– Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick
Garnish:
– Chopped green onions or scallions for a fresh finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Candied Walnuts
Start by preparing the candied walnuts, so they have time to cool and harden. In a small pan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a syrup. Quickly add the walnuts and stir to coat them evenly. When the walnuts are well coated and a crust forms, transfer them to parchment paper, spreading them out so they don’t stick together. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. If you want a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk or plain yogurt. Set this aside for later.
3. Coat the Shrimp
Season the peeled shrimp with salt and pepper. In one bowl, whisk the egg until foamy. In another bowl, place the cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Dip each shrimp first in the egg, then coat it thoroughly in the cornstarch. This double coating ensures a crispy texture when fried.
4. Fry the Shrimp
Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
5. Toss and Serve
Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl, add the candied walnuts, and pour the honey-mayo sauce over everything. Toss gently to coat the shrimp and walnuts evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp
– Use fresh shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp work best for this dish to ensure tenderness inside and crispiness outside.
– Keep the oil hot: Proper frying temperature is key to achieving that perfect golden crust without greasy shrimp.
– Don’t skip the candied walnuts: They add a unique texture and sweetness that makes the dish stand out.
– Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the honey and condensed milk amounts in the sauce to suit your taste.
– Try alternative coatings: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
Why Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home?
Making honey walnut shrimp at home is not only fun but also lets you control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Unlike restaurant versions that often use deep frying in large amounts of oil, you can pan-fry or shallow fry for a lighter option without sacrificing crunch. Plus, homemade honey walnut shrimp comes together in about 20-30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home. With crispy shrimp, sweet and creamy sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty recipe!