There’s a special kind of joy in creating a dish that mesmerizes both the eyes and the taste buds. Enter Honey Walnut Shrimp, a delightful fusion of crunchy walnuts and succulent shrimp bathed in a sweet, creamy sauce. The crispiness of the fried shrimp paired with the glossy honey-coated walnuts is nothing short of irresistible. I first encountered this culinary treasure on a bustling evening after a long week, and it quickly became my go-to comfort food.
You might think such an elegant dish belongs in a fancy restaurant, but the secret is in the simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients from your pantry, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen, transforming weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences. As the aroma fills your home, you’ll be transported to a world where deliciousness reigns supreme. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this sweet adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Honey Walnut Shrimp a must-try?
Delicious Harmony: The sweet and savory combination of honey, creamy mayonnaise, and perfectly fried shrimp creates a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is suitable for chefs of all skill levels.
Crowd Favorite: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe impresses everyone at the table.
Unique Texture: The crispy shrimp alongside crunchy walnuts offers a delightful contrast that enhances each bite.
Quick Cooking: Frying the shrimp takes only a few minutes, making this dish perfect for busy weekends or last-minute cravings.
Transform your dining experience and savor this delectable dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Ingredients
For the Sauce
• Honey – A key ingredient that gives the dish its signature sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil – Helps to heat the sauce without altering its flavor.
• White Sesame Seeds – Adds a delicate crunch and nutty flavor.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the sweetness of the honey.
For the Walnuts
• Walnut Halves – Provide the perfect crunchy texture and richness to balance the sweetness.
For the Shrimp
• Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy base for the sauce, adding a delightful richness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Contributes to the sweet and creamy flavor profile.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Brightens up the dish with a refreshing zing.
• Raw Large Shrimp – The star of the dish; ensure they are peeled and deveined for best results.
• Vegetable Oil (for frying) – Essential for achieving that golden crispy exterior.
• Cornstarch – A crucial coating that results in a wonderfully crunchy texture.
For Garnish
• White Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle on top for an attractive finish and added flavor.
Indulging in Honey Walnut Shrimp brings a satisfying blend of flavors and textures to your table. Enjoy cooking this delightful dish!
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
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Line a large plate with parchment paper. This will catch any excess oil and help your shrimp stay crispy while cooling.
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Heat honey, vegetable oil, white sesame seeds, and a pinch of kosher salt in a medium nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture simmers and thickens, around 4 to 5 minutes.
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Transfer the cooked walnuts to the parchment-lined plate. Spread them out in a single layer to cool, allowing the glaze to harden.
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Mix mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a medium bowl. You want a smooth, creamy sauce to coat your shrimp beautifully.
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Pat the raw shrimp dry using paper towels. This step is essential to achieve that desired crispy texture when frying.
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Heat vegetable oil in a medium or large saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350ºF. Prepare a baking sheet lined with a wire rack or paper towels for draining.
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Toss the shrimp with kosher salt in a large bowl. Add cornstarch and toss gently until each shrimp is evenly coated; this creates a nice crispy layer.
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Fry the shrimp in batches: Remove each shrimp from the cornstarch, shake off the excess, and add it to the hot oil. Fry until they’re cooked through and crispy, about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the rack.
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Toss the crispy shrimp in your creamy sauce until well-coated. Then, arrange the walnuts on a serving plate, breaking apart any that are stuck. Top with the shrimp and sprinkle with white sesame seeds for the finishing touch.
Optional: Drizzle a bit more honey over the top for added sweetness and shine!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
As you prepare to impress with your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp, consider these delightful companions that will enhance your dining experience.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice:
Light and fluffy jasmine rice provides a neutral base that balances the sweet and savory shrimp, soaking up every delicious bite. -
Stir-Fried Vegetables:
A colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds both crunch and freshness, creating a delightful contrast to the rich shrimp. -
Sesame Noodles:
These noodles, tossed in a light sesame dressing, echo the flavors of the shrimp and offer a satisfying chewiness that complements the dish beautifully. -
Crispy Spring Rolls:
Filled with fresh veggies and herbs, these provide a crunchy texture and refreshing touch, making them a perfect starter alongside the shrimp. -
Garlic Butter Broccoli:
The tender florets cooked in garlic butter add a rich, savory element that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the shrimp. -
Chilled Cucumber Salad:
This light, tangy salad refreshes the palate and complements the rich flavors of the Honey Walnut Shrimp, making each bite a joyful experience. -
Mangoes or Pineapple Chunks:
These sweet and juicy fruits offer a refreshing finish, adding a tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the dish. -
Coconut Milk Drink:
A refreshing coconut drink will enhance the meal’s tropical vibes, creating a beautifully cohesive dining experience.
Creating the perfect meal is all about balance, and these companions will turn your Honey Walnut Shrimp into a standout feast!
Expert Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp
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Prep the Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are thoroughly dried after patting them down. Moisture will prevent them from achieving that perfect crispy texture.
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Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350ºF. Oil that’s too hot will burn the shrimp, while oil that’s too cool will make them soggy.
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Coating Evenly: When tossing the shrimp with cornstarch, coat each piece evenly for a consistent crunch. Shake off any excess to avoid clumping.
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Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Frying in small batches allows for even cooking and prevents the temperature from dropping.
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Cool on a Rack: After frying, place the shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps them crispy by allowing excess oil to drain away.
Enjoy your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp with these handy tips for the best results!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs!
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Nut-Free: Substitute walnuts with toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
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Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. The heat will beautifully balance the sweet and creamy flavors.
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Paleo-Friendly: Replace mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk with avocado or cashew cream to achieve a creamy base without dairy.
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Coconut Delight: Use shredded coconut as a coating before frying the shrimp for a tropical touch of flavor and texture. This adds sweetness and a lovely crunch.
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Vegan Version: Swap out shrimp for firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes, to create a plant-based version that’s equally delightful when fried.
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Citrus Zing: Experiment with different citrus juices, like lime or orange, to replace the lemon juice in the sauce for a new flavor profile.
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Ginger Kick: Grate fresh ginger into the mayonnaise mixture for a zesty and aromatic twist that enhances the overall flavor.
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Savory Veggies: Add bell peppers or snap peas to the frying process to create a more hearty dish while also incorporating colorful, nutritious vegetables.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Walnut Shrimp are perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave deliciousness but need to save time. You can prepare the walnut glaze and toss the walnuts up to 3 days in advance; just store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy. Additionally, the creamy sauce can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving. When you’re ready to cook, simply coat the shrimp with cornstarch, fry them fresh, and toss them in the sauce just before serving. This ensures they maintain their crispy texture, giving you a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp
Fridge: Store any leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a dry skillet over low heat for best results to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cooked shrimp separately from the walnuts in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Walnuts: Store glazed walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 1 week, but can lose their crunch over time.
Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat shrimp in a skillet with a little oil to recapture their original texture.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right shrimp for this recipe?
Look for large shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a slight translucent appearance. Fresh shrimp should smell briny, like the ocean, rather than fishy. If buying frozen shrimp, opt for ones that are labeled as “flash-frozen” and check for any ice crystals which can indicate that they have been thawed and refrozen.
How should I store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them in a dry skillet over low heat, which will help maintain their crispiness.
Can I freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Absolutely! To freeze, separate the shrimp and glazed walnuts. Place each in separate freezer-safe bags, and they can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet with a little oil.
What can I do if my shrimp aren’t crisping up when frying?
If your shrimp are soggy, they may need to be dried more thoroughly before frying. Pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Additionally, ensure your oil is hot enough (350ºF) before adding the shrimp; a thermometer is a great tool for this. Frying in small batches can also help maintain the oil temperature.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
When preparing Honey Walnut Shrimp, keep in mind any allergies to shrimp, nuts, or dairy. If serving to guests with dietary restrictions, consider alternatives like using cashews instead of walnuts or making a dairy-free sauce using non-dairy mayonnaise. Always verify ingredient labels to accommodate specific dietary needs.
Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Homemade Delight You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a large plate with parchment paper.
- Heat honey, vegetable oil, white sesame seeds, and kosher salt in a medium nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Transfer the cooked walnuts to the parchment-lined plate to cool.
- Mix mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
- Pat the raw shrimp dry using paper towels.
- Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan until it reaches 350ºF.
- Toss the shrimp with kosher salt and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Fry the shrimp in batches until cooked through and crispy.
- Toss the crispy shrimp in your creamy sauce, then arrange walnuts on a serving plate on top of the shrimp.
- Sprinkle with white sesame seeds for garnish.