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Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

4.8 from 12 reviews

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet sauce and topped with candied walnuts. This flavorful and crunchy recipe combines a luscious honey-mayonnaise dressing with tender shrimp and crunchy walnuts, perfect as an appetizer or main dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Walnut Candies

  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup walnut halves

Shrimp and Batter

  • 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1 cup cornstarch

Sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon canned sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Oil for frying

  • About 1 ½ inches of oil (vegetable or canola oil preferred)

Instructions

  1. Candy the Walnuts: Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the walnut halves and cook them in the syrup for 2-3 minutes to candy them. Remove the walnuts using a strainer and spread them out on a plate to cool and harden. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl that can hold all the shrimp, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and fully combined. Set aside.
  3. Coat the Shrimp: Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites lightly, then add the shrimp and mix thoroughly to coat them evenly with egg whites. Dredge each shrimp individually in the cornstarch until they’re fully coated. Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet dusted lightly with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 1 ½ inches of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, for approximately 2 minutes per batch or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  5. Toss and Serve: Immediately add the fried shrimp and candied walnuts to the prepared sauce bowl. Gently toss everything together until each shrimp and walnut is evenly coated with the creamy honey sauce. Serve right away for best texture and flavor. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to achieve the perfect crispy texture without greasy shrimp.
  • Use fresh shrimp peeled and deveined for the best taste and texture.
  • Candying the walnuts ahead of time adds a lovely crunch and sweetness that complements the creamy sauce.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans if desired.
  • This dish is best served immediately to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Walnut Shrimp, crispy shrimp recipe, Chinese-American shrimp, candied walnuts, creamy honey sauce, fried shrimp appetizer