When it comes to blending sweet and savory flavors into a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, the honey walnut shrimp recipe is unbeatable. It’s a dish that has quickly become a favorite in many households, mine included, and it’s perfect for a wide range of occasions—from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. If you’re into trying unique recipes, you might also enjoy my Purple Sweet Potato Recipe, which offers a delicious twist on a classic vegetable dish.
I still remember the first time I tasted honey walnut shrimp at a Chinese restaurant. The succulent shrimp, crispy on the outside, coated in a creamy, sweet sauce, with the crunch of candied walnuts—it was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve been perfecting my homemade version, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. For those interested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of shrimp, shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with protein and low in calories, making it a healthy choice.
Why This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is Special
This honey walnut shrimp recipe stands out because it brings together contrasting flavors and textures in the most delightful way. The crispy shrimp, sweet honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts create a harmonious dish that’s rich in flavor and satisfying to the senses. While the dish is a staple at many Chinese restaurants, like Panda Express, it’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home, ensuring you can enjoy this restaurant-quality meal whenever you want. If you’re looking for more simple yet delicious meals, take a look at these 4-Ingredient Chicken Breast Recipes that are perfect for weeknights when you want something quick and tasty.
But what really makes this dish special is the balance it strikes between being indulgent and relatively easy to prepare. While it’s often thought of as a restaurant dish, you’ll be surprised at how straightforward it is to make at home. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about serving a dish that looks and tastes like it was made by a professional chef, all in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Let’s dive into the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the fresh ones are readily available at any grocery store.
- Jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined: 1 lb
- Canola oil for frying
- All-purpose flour: ⅔ cup
- Cornstarch: ⅔ cup
- Cold club soda: 1 cup
- Egg whites: 2
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (I prefer using Kewpie mayonnaise for its richer taste)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Sweetened condensed milk: 2 tablespoons
- Walnut halves: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: To taste
- White pepper: To taste
Optional: If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It works just as well and keeps the shrimp crispy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey Walnut Shrimp
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s go through the steps to make this delightful dish. I’ve broken down the process into manageable parts, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow.
1. Preparing the Candied Walnuts
The candied walnuts are one of the highlights of this dish, adding a sweet and crunchy contrast to the creamy shrimp. Here’s how to make them:
Toast the Walnuts
Start by toasting the walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them frequently to ensure they toast evenly. After about 5 minutes, you’ll notice the walnuts become fragrant and lightly golden. Toasting them helps to bring out their natural oils, enhancing their flavor.
Candying the Walnuts
Once the walnuts are toasted, it’s time to candy them:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the toasted walnuts to the saucepan and cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the walnuts start to get coated in a thick, caramelized glaze.
- Spread the candied walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re in a single layer to cool. This step is essential because it allows the walnuts to harden and achieve that perfect crunch.
You can make these candied walnuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re not just great in this dish, but also as a topping for salads or even as a snack.
Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can buy pre-candied walnuts from the store, but I highly recommend making them yourself. The homemade version has a fresher taste and a better texture.
2. Prepping the Shrimp for the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Next up is the shrimp, which is the star of the dish. The key to perfect honey walnut shrimp is getting the shrimp to be crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.
Seasoning the Shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it removes excess moisture, allowing the batter to adhere better to the shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt and a pinch of white pepper. The white pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the honey sauce.
Making the Batter
The batter is what gives the shrimp its irresistible crispy coating. Here’s how to make it:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour and ⅔ cup of cornstarch. The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a light, crispy texture.
- Slowly add 1 cup of cold club soda and the egg whites, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The cold club soda is a secret ingredient that helps keep the batter light and airy.
- Once the batter is ready, lightly dust the seasoned shrimp with a bit of flour before dipping them into the batter. This extra step ensures the batter sticks to the shrimp, giving them that desired crispy bite.
3. Frying the Shrimp
Frying might seem intimidating, but it’s all about maintaining the right temperature and not overcrowding the pan.
Heating the Oil
Pour enough canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, you’re good to go.
Frying the Shrimp
Carefully drop the battered shrimp into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry them for 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.
It’s important to fry the shrimp in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy shrimp—a far cry from the crispy perfection we’re aiming for.
Tip: If you want to save time, you can fry the shrimp ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before serving. This method keeps them crispy and delicious.
4. Making the Honey Sauce for Your Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Now, let’s move on to the sauce. This creamy honey sauce is what ties the entire dish together, providing a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp and crunchy walnuts.
Whisking the Sauce Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. I prefer using Kewpie mayonnaise because it’s richer and gives the sauce a deeper flavor, but any good-quality mayonnaise will work.
Taste the sauce before you coat the shrimp. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey. If you want to balance the sweetness with a touch of acidity, a squeeze of lemon juice can make all the difference.
Coating the Shrimp
Once your shrimp are fried to perfection, toss them in the sauce until they’re well-coated. You want each shrimp to be covered but not drenched—too much sauce can make them soggy, which we definitely want to avoid.
5. Assembling the Honey Walnut Shrimp Dish
The final step is to bring everything together. This is the moment when your hard work pays off, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Tossing Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with the candied walnuts. The goal is to coat everything evenly with the sauce while keeping the shrimp’s crispy texture intact.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Transfer the shrimp and walnuts to a serving platter. For a pop of color and a bit of extra flavor, garnish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or a light vegetable stir-fry.
Tip: If you’re planning a larger meal, honey walnut shrimp makes a great centerpiece. Serve it alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like fried rice, egg rolls, or a fresh cucumber salad.
Tips and Variations
This honey walnut shrimp recipe is pretty versatile, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite variations:
Gluten-Free Version
For those who are gluten-sensitive, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried this method, and the shrimp still come out perfectly crispy.
Lower-Calorie Option
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can skip the frying and instead sauté the shrimp in a non-stick skillet with just a bit of oil. While the shrimp won’t be as crispy, they’ll still be delicious with the honey sauce and candied walnuts.
Add Some Spice
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or sprinkling some red pepper flakes into the honey sauce. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dish.
Coconut Twist
If you’re a fan of coconut, try adding a bit of coconut milk to the honey sauce or coating the shrimp with shredded coconut before frying. This adds a tropical twist that’s both unique and delicious.
Family-Friendly Meal Ideas
Honey walnut shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a great option for a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Fried Rice: A simple fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich shrimp.
- Noodles: Serve the shrimp over a bed of lo mein or soba noodles tossed in a light soy sauce and sesame oil dressing.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they can be just as tasty the next day if stored and reheated properly.
Storing Leftovers
Place the leftover honey walnut shrimp in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the shrimp as crispy as possible, I recommend storing the sauce separately if you plan on reheating them.
Reheating Tips
To reheat the shrimp and maintain their crispy texture, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
If you’re in a hurry, reheating in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil works well too. Just be sure to stir gently to avoid breaking the crispy coating.
Tip: If you stored the sauce separately, reheat it gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Then toss the shrimp in the warm sauce before serving.
FAQs
What makes this honey walnut shrimp recipe stand out?
This recipe combines crispy, golden shrimp with a sweet, tangy honey sauce and crunchy candied walnuts, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. The secret lies in the light and crispy batter, the perfect balance of sweetness in the sauce, and the added crunch from homemade candied walnuts.
Can I prepare the shrimp in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and fry the shrimp in advance. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before serving. You can also make the candied walnuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version, sauté the shrimp in a non-stick skillet with a small amount of oil instead of frying them. You can also reduce the amount of honey in the sauce or use a low-fat mayonnaise.
What are some good side dishes to serve with honey walnut shrimp?
Honey walnut shrimp pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. For vegetables, consider steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used for this recipe. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and battering. Thawing them overnight in the refrigerator is the best method to maintain their texture.
How do I make the dish gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The cornstarch is already gluten-free, so this simple substitution will keep the dish just as crispy and delicious.
Final Thoughts on the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
This honey walnut shrimp recipe is truly a gem. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also versatile and relatively easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. If you give it a try, feel free to share your results with me. I’d love to hear how it turns out and any personal touches you added to make it your own.
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