Honey Walnut Shrimp is a tasty dish with crispy shrimp coated in sweet honey sauce and topped with crunchy walnuts. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures!
I love making this dish because it’s so quick and fun. Just sauté the shrimp, toss in the sauce, and sprinkle on the walnuts. You get a lovely taste of sweetness every bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp work best for this recipe, but frozen shrimp can be used too! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. If you need a seafood alternative, cooked chicken or tofu can be swapped in.
Walnuts: Walnuts give a great crunch! If someone has nut allergies, try using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds as a crunchy substitute. They won’t be exactly the same but will still add texture.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch adds a nice crispiness when frying. If you need a gluten-free option, it’s a great choice! For a lighter batter, plain flour can also work, although it won’t be as crispy.
Mayonnaise: This is key for the creamy sauce. If you prefer a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a nice swap. For a plant-based version, look for vegan mayo.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness. You can adjust the quantity based on your taste. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used if you want a different flavor or need a vegan option.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Shrimp?
Frying shrimp to crispy perfection is all about techniques, and here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F/175°C). You can test by dropping in a small piece of batter — it should sizzle right away.
- Coat the shrimp evenly in batter. It’s important for achieving that crunchy exterior!
- Fry them in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause sogginess. This way, each shrimp gets its own space to cook nicely.
- Drain them well on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for glazing walnuts)
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large egg whites
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Honey Sauce:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 to 2 tbsp honey (to taste)
- 1 tsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh greens or lettuce, for plating (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts:
In a small pan over medium heat, combine the walnuts and sugar with a splash of water. Stir it frequently for about 3 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts. Once done, spread them on parchment paper to cool and harden. This will give them a sweet crunch!
2. Make the Shrimp Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until they’re frothy. Then, add the cornstarch and mix everything together until you create a thick batter. This will be the light coating that makes the shrimp crispy when fried.
3. Coat and Fry the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. In a deep pan or wok, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Once done, remove the shrimp and let them drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
4. Make the Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until nice and smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness if you’d like to add a bit more honey. This sauce is where the magic happens!
5. Combine and Serve:
Gently toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Serve the shrimp over a bed of warm cooked white rice and add fresh greens for a pop of color. Finally, sprinkle the candied walnuts on top and garnish with chopped green onions or chives if you like.
6. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp! It’s crispy, sweet, and oh so satisfying!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before preparing. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. For a vegan option, try substituting it with vegan mayonnaise or silken tofu blended until smooth!
Can I Make the Dish Ahead of Time?
While the shrimp is best served fresh for optimal crispiness, you can prepare the candied walnuts and the honey sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, quickly fry the shrimp just before mealtime.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bring the shrimp back to a crispy texture by briefly frying them again on the stovetop. Note that the texture might not be as crispy as when freshly made, but the flavor will still be delicious!
