Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Imagine plump, crispy shrimp draped in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce, then crowned with shattering candied walnuts. If you love restaurant takeout favorites, Honey Walnut Shrimp is bound to steal your heart, and making it at home is not only totally doable but incredibly rewarding. Each bite delivers an irresistible crunch, a touch of honeyed sweetness, and a savory richness that will linger on your palate—plus, this recipe comes together quicker than a delivery order!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Honey Walnut Shrimp is surprisingly simple when you break down the components—you’ll just need a few everyday ingredients that work together to bring out maximum flavor, snap, and gorgeous color. Every item here serves a deliciously special purpose.
- Walnut halves: These are the star of your candied topping, delivering crunch and nuttiness with every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for forming that delicate candy shell on the walnuts—don’t skimp here!
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar to create the glistening candy coating.
- Large shrimp: Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp for ease; bigger shrimp stay juicy inside their crispy coating.
- Cornstarch: This is your secret to ultra-crispy shrimp that stand up to the creamy sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying and creating a delicate golden crust without overpowering flavors.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your signature sauce—use a good-quality brand for best results.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and that signature sticky sheen to the sauce.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds a silky texture and a rich depth of sweetness to balance all the flavors.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash wakes everything up with a gentle tang that lifts the whole dish.
- Cooked white rice: The best base to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
- Sliced green onions (optional): Sprinkle these on top for extra flavor and a fresh pop of color.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Step 1: Candy the Walnuts
Start with the real showstopper: those glossy, sweet walnuts. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a bubbling boil over medium heat. Add your walnut halves and let them simmer for two to three minutes—this step infuses each nut with syrupy sweetness. Scoop the walnuts out with a slotted spoon and let them cool on a parchment-lined baking sheet. As they cool, they’ll harden into sweet, crunchy jewels. Set these aside for later—they’ll be your irresistible topping!
Step 2: Prep and Coat the Shrimp
While your walnuts are hardening up, toss the shrimp in cornstarch until every piece is beautifully coated. This dry jacket forms a super-crispy layer when fried, essential for that signature Honey Walnut Shrimp crunch and perfect for soaking up sauce without turning soggy. Don’t skip this step or the cornstarch—it truly makes all the difference.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Grab a sturdy pan or deep skillet and pour in enough vegetable oil to reach about two inches up the sides. Heat it until shimmering (medium-high does the trick), then fry your shrimp in batches. Each batch only needs two to three minutes—a quick swim for a golden, crispy finish. As they come out, drain them well on paper towels. Want extra crunch? Give them a second fry for an even more satisfying bite.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy Honey Sauce
Time to make the sauce that makes Honey Walnut Shrimp truly unforgettable. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until everything is silky-smooth and luscious. This sauce is sweet, tangy, rich, and slightly addictive—it’s the flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Step 5: Toss Shrimp in Sauce
When your shrimp are drained and still hot, gently toss them in the honey sauce until coated on all sides. Don’t be rough—you want each crispy morsel to keep every bit of its coating. That thick, creamy sauce will cling beautifully, making every piece absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 6: Arrange and Top with Candied Walnuts
Pile your saucy shrimp over fluffy white rice, then scatter the candied walnuts generously on top. Add a sprinkle of sliced green onions if you like a pop of color and that gentle, oniony bite. Now it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish—those candied walnuts are essential, but a handful of thinly sliced green onions or even sesame seeds will make your plate pop. They’re not just for looks; they add a subtle freshness that balances out the dish’s richness. If you have a few extra candied walnuts, keep some aside for a little snack while you plate!
Side Dishes
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs beautifully with fragrant jasmine or white rice, which acts as the perfect canvas for all that velvety sauce. Don’t hesitate to add some simple steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad alongside—these veggies provide great color and crunch to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or a family-style feast, serve your Honey Walnut Shrimp in a large shallow bowl, scattering the walnuts and green onions just before bringing it to the table. For parties, go mini by spooning individual portions into small bowls or even atop crispy lettuce leaves for a playful, hand-held treat that’s sure to get oohs and aahs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Honey Walnut Shrimp, don’t worry—the leftovers are just as delightful. Transfer any uneaten shrimp and walnuts (separately, if you can) to airtight containers, and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The walnuts may soften slightly but will still bring great flavor.
Freezing
While freshly made Honey Walnut Shrimp is best, you can freeze the fried (unsauced) shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Freeze the candied walnuts separately. When ready to enjoy, thaw and re-crisp in the oven before tossing with fresh sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to revive the crunch. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy. Let the candied walnuts come to room temperature, and toss everything in a fresh batch of sauce right before serving for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Absolutely—just be sure to thaw and thoroughly pat dry the shrimp before coating with cornstarch. This prevents excess moisture, helping you achieve that perfect, crisp crust.
What type Main Course
Full-fat, good-quality mayonnaise brings the richest flavor and smoothest texture to your sauce, but you can use a lighter version if you prefer. Avoid anything too sweet or tangy, as the honey and lemon juice already provide those notes.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk handy, mix a tablespoon of heavy cream with a teaspoon of sugar as a quick alternative. It won’t be quite as dense and silky, but it gives a comparable hint of sweetness and body to the sauce.
How do I keep the shrimp crispy after tossing in sauce?
The key is to toss the shrimp with the sauce right before serving and eat it promptly—don’t let it sit too long. For extra crunch, try double-frying the shrimp. Serving on a bed of rice also helps absorb excess sauce and keeps the coating crisp.
Can I toast the walnuts instead of candying them?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, simply toast the walnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant. While you’ll miss the sweet crunch of candied walnuts, toasted ones still add a delicious nuttiness to your Honey Walnut Shrimp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something restaurant-worthy that’s easy to master at home, Honey Walnut Shrimp is your golden ticket. The blend of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and candied nuts is pure magic—so go ahead and treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this irresistible dish. Give it a try and see just how quickly it disappears!
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Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of this crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp. Succulent fried shrimp coated in a luscious honey sauce, topped with candied walnuts, makes for a delightful Chinese-American dish.
Ingredients
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Serving:
- cooked white rice
- sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Candied Walnuts: Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan, boil, add walnuts, simmer, remove and cool on a baking sheet.
- Shrimp: Coat shrimp in cornstarch, fry in oil until crispy, drain on paper towels.
- Sauce: Whisk mayo, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice. Toss shrimp in sauce.
- Serve shrimp over rice, top with candied walnuts, and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-fry the shrimp.
- You can toast the walnuts instead of candying them for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
