There’s something magical about a dish that combines crispy shrimp with a sweet, creamy sauce. Honey Walnut Shrimp is just that—a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can brighten any meal. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply want a quick solution for a busy day, this recipe has you covered. It’s easy to whip up and brings a taste of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving this dish again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of crispy shrimp and a luscious honey-mayo sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. You’ll love how effortlessly it elevates your home-cooked meals!
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Honey Walnut Shrimp. Here’s what you’ll need:
Large shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp are the stars of this dish. They provide a juicy, tender bite.
Walnuts: These crunchy nuts add a delightful texture and nutty flavor. You can also swap them for cashews or almonds if you prefer.
Water: Used to create a simple syrup for the walnuts, ensuring they’re sweet and crunchy.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener helps create that irresistible glaze on the walnuts.
Honey: The star of the sauce, honey brings a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing the sweetness with a rich texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient enhances the sauce’s creaminess and sweetness, making it extra indulgent.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of the shrimp.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sweetness.
Vegetable oil: For frying the shrimp, ensuring they turn golden brown and crispy.
Cooked white rice: Optional, but it makes a great base for serving the shrimp and soaking up that delicious sauce.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Making Honey Walnut Shrimp is straightforward and fun. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts
Start by making the walnuts sweet and crunchy. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the walnuts and let them simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for that perfect glaze. Once done, remove from heat, drain the walnuts, and spread them on a baking sheet to cool. They’ll harden as they cool, giving you that delightful crunch.
Step 2: Make the Honey-Mayo Sauce
While the walnuts are cooling, let’s whip up the sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. This creamy sauce is what makes the dish shine. Set it aside for now; it’ll be the perfect partner for your shrimp.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Next, it’s time to heat the oil. In a large skillet or deep frying pan, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough for frying but not smoking. A good test is to drop a small piece of shrimp in; if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
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Step 4: Season the Shrimp
While the oil heats, season your shrimp. Toss them in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple step enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous and want a spicy kick!
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; this ensures they fry evenly. Once done, remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp with the honey-mayo sauce. Toss gently to coat each shrimp evenly. This is where the magic happens! The creamy sauce clings to the shrimp, creating that irresistible flavor combination.
Step 7: Add Walnuts and Serve
Finally, add the cooled walnuts to the shrimp mixture and toss again until everything is well combined. Serve immediately over cooked white rice, if desired. The rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every bite a delight. Enjoy your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp!
Tips for Success
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; this keeps the shrimp crispy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; it helps achieve that golden brown color.
For extra crunch, let the walnuts cool completely before adding them to the shrimp.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Equipment Needed
Large skillet or deep frying pan: A heavy-bottomed pan works best for even frying.
Small saucepan: For making the walnut syrup; a medium-sized pot can also do the job.
Mixing bowl: Any bowl will work, but a large one makes tossing easier.
Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing shrimp from the oil; a regular spoon can work in a pinch.
Paper towels: Essential for draining excess oil; a clean kitchen towel can be a substitute.
Variations
Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Honey Walnut Chicken: Swap shrimp for chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, for a hearty alternative.
Vegetarian Option: Use crispy tofu instead of shrimp for a plant-based version that still delivers on flavor.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the walnuts and replace them with crispy fried onions for added crunch without the nuts.
Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute honey with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol to reduce sugar content.
Serving Suggestions
White Rice: Serve over fluffy cooked white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a colorful, healthy side.
Chilled Drinks: Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or a light beer to balance the sweetness.
Garnish: Top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an appealing presentation.
FAQs about Honey Walnut Shrimp
As you embark on your culinary adventure with Honey Walnut Shrimp, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
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Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This ensures they fry up crispy and delicious.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well. It adds creaminess without the extra calories, while still keeping that tangy flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the shrimp’s texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
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While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and fry the shrimp in advance. Just combine them right before serving for the best flavor and crunch.
Is Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your mayonnaise and any other ingredients to ensure they meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Honey Walnut Shrimp is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of joy in your kitchen. The delightful crunch of the walnuts, the crispy shrimp, and that creamy sauce come together to form a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, each bite is a reminder of the simple pleasures of home cooking. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and let this recipe bring a little taste of Chinese cuisine into your life. You won’t regret it!
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy sauce, topped with crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup walnuts
1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Cooked white rice (for serving, optional)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add walnuts and simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and drain the walnuts, then spread them on a baking sheet to cool. They will harden as they cool.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
While the oil is heating, toss the shrimp in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove shrimp and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp with the honey-mayo sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Add the cooled walnuts to the shrimp mixture and toss again until well combined.
Serve immediately over cooked white rice, if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp before frying.
Substitute the walnuts with cashews or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
