Honey Walnut Shrimp: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Honey Walnut Shrimp: Prepare to be amazed by this irresistible dish that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures! Have you ever craved something that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your desire for a savory, protein-packed meal? Look no further. This recipe delivers an explosion of flavor in every single bite.

Honey Walnut Shrimp, a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants, has a relatively recent history, gaining popularity in the late 20th century. While not a traditional dish in mainland China, it cleverly adapts Cantonese cooking techniques to suit the American palate. The combination of crispy fried shrimp, candied walnuts, and a luscious honey-mayonnaise sauce proved to be an instant hit.

What makes Honey Walnut Shrimp so universally loved? It’s the delightful contrast! The succulent shrimp, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, provides a satisfyingly crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. Then comes the sweetness – the honey-infused mayonnaise coats the shrimp in a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s simply addictive. And let’s not forget the walnuts! Candied to a crisp and offering a nutty crunch, they elevate the dish to a whole new level of textural bliss. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to enjoy this restaurant-quality dish whenever the craving strikes!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Shrimp:
  • 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 cup ice water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Honey Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• For the Candied Walnuts:
  • 1 cup walnut halves
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Garnish (optional):
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Preparing the Candied Walnuts:

Okay, let’s start with the candied walnuts. These are super easy to make and add a fantastic crunch and sweetness to the dish. Trust me, don’t skip this step!

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium-sized skillet, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir them together until the sugar is slightly moistened.
2. Add Walnuts and Salt: Add the walnut halves and salt to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the walnuts evenly with the sugar mixture.
3. Cook Over Medium Heat: Place the skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and begins to caramelize. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent the sugar from burning. You’ll notice the sugar will first become clear, then bubbly, and finally turn a light golden brown.
4. Add Oil and Stir: Once the sugar has caramelized and coated the walnuts, add the vegetable oil. Stir quickly to distribute the oil evenly. The oil helps to prevent the walnuts from sticking together too much.
5. Spread on Parchment Paper: Immediately pour the candied walnuts onto a sheet of parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer using a fork or spatula. This will help them cool quickly and prevent them from clumping together.
6. Cool Completely: Let the candied walnuts cool completely on the parchment paper. This will take about 15-20 minutes. As they cool, they will harden and become nice and crunchy. Once cooled, you can break them apart into smaller pieces if desired.

Preparing the Shrimp:

Now, let’s move on to the shrimp. We want them to be nice and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The batter is key to achieving this!

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is important because excess moisture will prevent the batter from sticking properly and will result in soggy shrimp.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and white pepper. The baking powder helps to create a light and airy batter.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not too thick that it’s difficult to work with. If the batter is too thick, add a little more ice water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more cornstarch.
4. Heat the Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into it. If the batter sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
5. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully placing the shrimp into the hot oil.
6. Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy shrimp. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per batch, or until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove and Drain: Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the fried shrimp from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Making the Honey Sauce:

The honey sauce is what brings everything together. It’s sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy. It’s so simple to make, you’ll be amazed!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice.
2. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all the ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey or sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a little more lemon juice.

Assembling the Honey Walnut Shrimp:

Finally, the best part – putting it all together! This is where the magic happens.

1. Combine Shrimp and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the shrimp to become soggy.
2. Add Candied Walnuts: Add the candied walnuts to the bowl and gently toss them with the shrimp and sauce.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the honey walnut shrimp immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. This dish is best served hot and fresh, as the shrimp will lose their crispness over time.

Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always taste better than frozen shrimp. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy shrimp. Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful to maintain the oil temperature.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: The honey sauce is very versatile. You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking by adding more honey, sweetened condensed milk, or lemon juice.
• Serve Immediately: Honey walnut shrimp is best served immediately after it’s made. The shrimp will lose their crispness over time, so it’s important to serve it while it’s still hot and fresh.

Variations:

• Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
• Coconut Shrimp: Substitute shredded coconut for some of the cornstarch in the batter for a coconut-flavored shrimp.
• Honey Walnut Chicken: Substitute chicken for the shrimp for a different take on this classic dish. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions as for the shrimp.

Enjoy your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Conclusion:

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a culinary experience waiting to happen. The symphony of textures – the satisfying crunch of the candied walnuts against the succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp – combined with the sweet and savory honey glaze, is simply irresistible. I truly believe this recipe elevates the humble shrimp to a gourmet delight that will impress your family and friends, and leave them begging for more. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve at a special occasion. What more could you ask for?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to method, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey glaze. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the creamy sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the honey.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love serving this Honey Walnut Shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the sauce to seep into every grain. It’s also fantastic served alongside steamed broccoli or asparagus for a complete and balanced meal. For a more casual presentation, try serving it as an appetizer in lettuce cups, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. You could even toss it with some chilled soba noodles for a refreshing summer salad.

And don’t forget the walnuts! While I’ve specified using walnuts, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or cashews. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different nuts have different roasting times. You can also add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the walnuts for a warm and comforting flavor.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the process moves quickly. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly long list of ingredients; most of them are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Honey Walnut Shrimp is a recipe that you’ll be making again and again.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear your feedback, any variations you tried, and how much your family and friends enjoyed it. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with a particular side dish? Your insights will not only help me improve the recipe but also inspire other readers to try it. Let’s create a community of Honey Walnut Shrimp enthusiasts! Happy cooking!