Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that brings a taste of restaurant elegance right to your kitchen. Picture this: tender shrimp, crispy and golden, coated in a sweet, creamy sauce, and topped with crunchy, candied walnuts. It’s a delightful treat that is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. This recipe is not just about creating a meal; it’s about enjoying the process and celebrating the flavors of home cooking.

Let’s face it, we all love those standout dishes that make our family and friends smile. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Honey Walnut Shrimp fits the bill perfectly. It’ll have everyone asking for seconds, while the colorful presentation makes it ideal for impressing your guests. Ready to learn how to make this delicious dish? Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Works

Honey Walnut Shrimp blends the savory, crispy texture of fried shrimp with a sweet and creamy sauce. The combination creates a delightful balance of flavors that will make your taste buds swoon. The candied walnuts add a crunchy finish, elevating this dish to restaurant-quality status right in your own kitchen. Plus, the process of frying shrimp can be surprisingly easy, and the result is always rewarding.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp

There’s something undeniably satisfying about this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe. It offers a mix of satisfying textures and flavors, making it feel indulgent without being too complex to prepare. It’s perfect for families, captivating both adults and kids with its sweet flavor and crispy shrimp. You can whip it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next gathering. Whichever you choose, it always hits the spot!

Ingredients

To dive into making Honey Walnut Shrimp, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅔ cup cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)
• ¼ cup Japanese mayo (Kewpie Mayo) or regular mayo
• 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup walnut halves
• 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 green onion, finely chopped

Prepare the Sweet and Creamy Sauce

Begin by making the creamy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until everything combines into a smooth mixture. Set it aside to allow the flavors to meld together. This sauce is what makes the Honey Walnut Shrimp so special, adding a rich layer of flavor.

Candy the Walnuts

Next, let’s work on the candied walnuts. In a non-stick pan over medium heat, combine the sugar and cold water. Stir constantly as the mixture simmers and thickens, coating the back of a spatula. Once it reaches that perfect consistency, add the walnuts and stir quickly, ensuring they get well-coated. Remove the pan from heat and transfer the walnuts to parchment paper to cool, where they will harden into a delightful crunchy topping.

Coat the Shrimp

While the walnuts cool, it’s time to prepare the shrimp. In a large bowl, sprinkle the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become foamy—don’t whip them into a meringue! Slowly add the cornstarch while mixing until you form a smooth, runny batter. Fold in the shrimp, making sure each piece is well-coated. This coating will help create that crispy exterior we all love.

Fry the Shrimp

Now comes the exciting part! Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 350-375°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown. Remember not to overcrowd the pan; a little space ensures they cook evenly and stay crispy. Once fried, carefully remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon, letting them drain on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Combine and Serve

It’s time to bring it all together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy shrimp with the candied walnuts and the sweet sauce you prepared earlier. Toss everything gently, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. For that extra touch of freshness, garnish with finely chopped green onions. This colorful addition really brightens up the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Honey Walnut Shrimp is ready, how should you serve it? For a complete meal, serve it over steamed jasmine rice, which pairs beautifully with the sauce. You could also throw in some sautéed vegetables on the side for a pop of color and added nutrition. With this setup, you’ll have a delicious and visually appealing dish that is sure to impress anyone at your table.

Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out perfectly every time:

• Before frying, check that your oil is hot enough. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the shrimp and sauce. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to prevent sogginess and keep the crispiness intact.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations to consider:

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha to the sauce. This will give a nice contrast to the sweetness.
• Instead of walnuts, you could try pecans or almonds, which offer different nutty flavors.
• If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free mayonnaise and starch to keep it feeling indulgent without any gluten.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (though they’re likely to disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 days. To restore crispiness when reheating, use an oven instead of a microwave. This way, you’ll enjoy that delightful crunch once more.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before proceeding with the coating.

2. What can I substitute for Kewpie mayo?
You can use regular mayonnaise, but Kewpie gives a unique flavor that’s hard to beat.

3. How do I keep the shrimp crispy if making in advance?
It’s best to fry the shrimp fresh just before serving. You can prepare the candies and sauce ahead of time for convenience.

4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
While shrimp are best fried fresh, you can prep all components separately to assemble right before serving.

Honey Walnut Shrimp is truly a delightful dish that combines contrasting tastes and textures into a fabulous experience. With its straightforward preparation and comforting flavors, it promises to make your mealtime special. Happy cooking!

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