Honey Walnut Shrimp

Introduction

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible, bringing together the perfect combination of crispy shrimp, a rich, creamy sauce, and sweet, crunchy walnuts. It’s one of those dishes that hits all the right notes – savory, sweet, and perfectly textured. The shrimp are lightly battered and fried until golden and crisp, then smothered in a luscious honey sauce that has a beautiful, velvety finish. The candied walnuts are the finishing touch, adding an unexpected crunch and a burst of sweetness that elevate the entire dish.

The first time I made Honey Walnut Shrimp, I was amazed at how simple it was to recreate a dish I’d only ever enjoyed at my favorite Chinese restaurant. The sauce, made with honey, mayonnaise, and a touch of lemon, was easy to mix together, and the fried shrimp were just the right level of crispy. As soon as I added the walnuts, everything came together perfectly. The aroma of the dish cooking was mouthwatering, and by the time it was finished, I couldn’t wait to dig in.

What I love most about Honey Walnut Shrimp is its versatility. It’s a stunning dish to serve at a dinner party or a holiday gathering, but it’s also perfect for a special weeknight meal. The sweetness of the honey sauce pairs wonderfully with the savory shrimp and crunchy walnuts, making every bite a treat. Whether served with steamed rice or as an appetizer, Honey Walnut Shrimp is always sure to impress, turning any meal into something extraordinary.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Holiday feasts
• Seafood lovers
• Dinner parties

Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Here’s why Honey Walnut Shrimp is a must-try:

• Sweet and Savory Balance: The honey glaze offers a perfect blend of sweetness, while the crispy shrimp bring a savory depth, making every bite irresistible.
• Crispy and Creamy: The contrast between the crispy shrimp and the creamy, rich sauce creates a satisfying texture with each bite.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that will wow your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste, perfect for parties or family meals.
• Make It Your Own: You can customize the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey, or even swap out the walnuts for another nut of your choice.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Honey Walnut Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ½ cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are key for this dish, as they offer a meaty texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
• Walnuts: The walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the smoothness of the shrimp and sauce.
• Honey: The honey provides the dish with its signature sweetness and golden sheen, making it a deliciously sticky glaze for the shrimp.
• Mayonnaise and Condensed Milk: These ingredients create the creamy, smooth base for the sauce, giving it richness and depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Honey Walnut Shrimp:

Prepare the Walnuts:

1. Candied Walnuts: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the walnuts and stir them around for a minute or so until they’re lightly toasted. Drizzle with honey and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the walnuts are coated and golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Prepare the Shrimp:

2. Batter the Shrimp: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, egg, cold water, and baking powder until a smooth batter forms. Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Honey Sauce:

4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Dish:

5. Coat the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving plate and sprinkle with the candied walnuts on top. Serve immediately, garnished with extra chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp can be served in several ways to elevate the dining experience:

• With Steamed Rice: Serve it with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice for a balanced meal that soaks up the sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp in smaller portions as a finger food appetizer for parties or gatherings.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas for a healthy and colorful side dish.
• On a Salad: Toss the shrimp with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to make a fresh, vibrant salad.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness and a burst of color.

Additional Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out perfect:

• Fry the Shrimp in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the pan, fry the shrimp in small batches. This helps them cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey in the sauce or add a bit more mayonnaise for balance.
• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture, but if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and drain them well before battering.
• Make Your Own Honey Sauce: You can add a touch of vanilla extract or a squeeze of orange juice to the honey sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Crispy Walnuts: For extra crunch, toast the walnuts in the pan without butter for a dry-toasted option, though the butter adds richness.

Recipe Variations for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for Honey Walnut Shrimp:

• Cashew Shrimp: Swap out the walnuts for cashews for a different nutty flavor.
• Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the honey sauce for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
• Garlic Honey Walnut Shrimp: Sauté minced garlic in the butter before adding the walnuts to create a savory depth.
• Coconut Honey Shrimp: Roll the battered shrimp in shredded coconut before frying for a tropical twist.
• Lemon Honey Shrimp: Add extra lemon zest to the sauce for a citrusy lift.
• Almond Shrimp: Use sliced almonds instead of walnuts for a lighter crunch.
• Baked Honey Walnut Shrimp: For a healthier version, bake the battered shrimp at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying them.
• Teriyaki Honey Shrimp: Mix a splash of teriyaki sauce into the honey sauce for a slightly savory, umami flavor.
• Honey Pecan Shrimp: Swap walnuts for pecans for a more buttery, rich flavor.
• Mango Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a bit of mango puree to the honey sauce for a fruity, exotic variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy Honey Walnut Shrimp fresh, you can freeze the battered and cooked shrimp for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven to restore crispiness.
• Storage: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or in a skillet to maintain crispness.

Special Equipment for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Honey Walnut Shrimp easier:

• Skillet or Wok: A large skillet or wok is essential for frying the shrimp evenly and quickly.
• Deep Fry Thermometer: Helps ensure the oil is at the perfect temperature for frying, preventing greasy or undercooked shrimp.
• Whisk: A whisk is great for mixing the batter and the honey sauce to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Paper Towels: Paper towels are useful for draining the fried shrimp and removing excess oil.
• Small Bowl: A small bowl is needed to mix the honey sauce and toss the shrimp in.

FAQ Section for Honey Walnut Shrimp

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make this dish without frying the shrimp?
   Yes, you can bake the shrimp instead. Coat them in the batter and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
3. How can I make the honey sauce spicier?
   You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the honey sauce to give it a spicy kick.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   It’s best to serve Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately after assembly to preserve the crispiness. However, you can prepare the fried shrimp and sauce ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
5. Can I use another type of nut?
   Yes, feel free to swap walnuts for cashews, almonds, or pecans for a different flavor and texture.

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Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines sweetness, crunch, and savory shrimp in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as a simple weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With a quick prep time, easy-to-find ingredients, and customizable flavors, it’s the perfect seafood dish to elevate your dinner repertoire. The balance of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and candied walnuts will leave everyone asking for more—this is one dish you’ll want to make again and again.

I can’t wait to see your Honey Walnut Shrimp creations! Be sure to share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see how you make it your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!