Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with something sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy, then you absolutely must try Honey Walnut Shrimp. This dish masterfully combines succulent, crispy shrimp with a luscious honey-mayo dressing and sweet-glazed walnuts, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that feel like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, Honey Walnut Shrimp delivers that perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and sweet that never fails to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Honey Walnut Shrimp lies in its simple yet crucial ingredients — each one plays a specific role in creating that perfect harmony between crunch, sweetness, and creaminess. From the sweetness of the honey and sugar to the satisfying crispiness from the cornstarch-coated shrimp, every element counts.

• ½ cup sugar: Creates the sweet syrup that beautifully glazes the walnuts, adding a delightful crunch.
• 1 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar to form the perfect syrup consistency.
• 1 cup walnut halves: Adds a buttery crunch and a natural richness.
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the honey sauce, balancing the sweetness with a tangy undertone.
• 2 tablespoons honey: The heart of the sauce, giving that signature sweet floral note.
• 1 tablespoon canned sweetened condensed milk: Enhances the sauce’s creaminess and adds subtle caramel sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Adds a hint of brightness to cut through the richness.
• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and juicy inside a crispy shell.
• 3 large egg whites: Helps the cornstarch adhere perfectly to the shrimp for that golden-crisp exterior.
• 1 cup cornstarch: The key to that addictive crunch, coating each shrimp before frying.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts

Start by making the sweet glaze that will coat your walnuts. Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan until fully dissolved and bubbling. Drop in the walnut halves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to create that classic candied texture. Once done, quickly remove them with a strainer and spread them out on a plate to cool. These candied walnuts will add that invaluable crunchy sweetness to your Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Honey Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lemon juice. This silky, sweet sauce is what transforms simple shrimp into a dazzling dish. It’s sticky, creamy, and has just the right hint of citrus to brighten everything up. Set this aside — it’s ready to welcome the star ingredients soon!

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp for Frying

Here’s the secret to that wow-worthy crunch: coat your shrimp in egg whites first, which act like a glue, then dredge them thoroughly in cornstarch. This combination creates a delicate, crispy shell that stays light and crispy. Place each coated shrimp on a baking sheet dusted lightly with cornstarch, so none stick together when frying.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about 1 ½ inches of oil in a large pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit — the perfect temperature for frying. Cook the shrimp in batches, giving them about 2 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and keep them crunchy. Careful not to overcrowd the pot, or you’ll lose that crispness that makes Honey Walnut Shrimp so addictive.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Now the fun part: toss your crispy shrimp and candied walnuts together in the creamy honey sauce bowl. Make sure each shrimp and walnut is coated evenly in that luscious sauce. This blend of textures and flavors is exactly what makes Honey Walnut Shrimp a beloved crowd-pleaser. Serve immediately for the best experience!

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can truly elevate your Honey Walnut Shrimp. Freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds create lovely pops of color and subtle flavor contrast. For a bright citrus aroma, a few thin lemon wedges on the side invite guests to squeeze a little extra zing if they wish.

Side Dishes

Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs incredibly well with steamed jasmine rice, allowing the rich sauce to soak in perfectly. For something fresh, a crisp Asian slaw or steamed broccoli compliments the sweet and creamy shrimp with crunch and vibrant greens. A simple bowl of miso soup or egg drop soup also makes a warm, gentle accompaniment to this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve Honey Walnut Shrimp on a bed of fluffy coconut rice topped with edible flowers or microgreens. Alternatively, hollow out small steamed buns or lettuce cups and fill them with the shrimp mixture for a fun finger-food approach. This dish’s creamy, sweet nature pairs wonderfully with unexpected serving styles that wow guests and keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the shrimp is fried and coated in sauce, it’s best eaten relatively soon. The walnuts will retain some crunch but might soften slightly over time.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Honey Walnut Shrimp because the creamy sauce and fried coating can separate and lose their texture after thawing. For optimal taste and texture, it’s better to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate and consume within a couple of days.

Reheating

To gently reheat leftovers, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat to help preserve the crispness of the shrimp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp soggy and dull the heavenly sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, a small splash of water or lemon juice stirred in can help revive its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional for that signature buttery crunch, pecans or candied almonds can work wonderfully as well, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry the shrimp?

You can bake the shrimp coated with cornstarch and egg whites at a high temperature to get some crispiness, but it won’t be quite the same as deep frying. For authentic Honey Walnut Shrimp, frying is best.

How do I prevent the shrimp from getting soggy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and fry the shrimp in small batches without crowding the pot. Once fried, drain on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil and keep that crisp texture.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the honey-mayo sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to a day. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with the shrimp and walnuts for the best flavor and texture.

What’s the best shrimp size to use?

Medium to large shrimp (about 21-25 count per pound) work great for this recipe. They’re the right size to stay tender inside while developing a crispy coating outside.

Final Thoughts

Honey Walnut Shrimp is truly one of those dishes that brighten any mealtime with its perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe offers an exciting way to turn simple shrimp into something unforgettable. Trust me, once you try making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes!

Print