Name: Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1/2 cup candied walnuts; 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating); 1 egg white; 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying); Salt and pepper to taste; Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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If you’re longing for a restaurant-quality treat from the comfort of your home, Honey Walnut Shrimp is one dish that’s sure to stop conversations and spark applause. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp encased in an ultra-crisp shell, glazed with a sweet, creamy sauce, and crowned with irresistibly crunchy candied walnuts—every bite delivers an unbelievable balance of flavors and textures. This dish is not only a staple on Chinese-American menus everywhere, but a dazzling centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to recreate in your own kitchen.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Honey Walnut Shrimp works beautifully in harmony to bring you that unique sweet-savory crunch. Simple staples—some from your pantry, some from the sea—come together to make each bite truly legendary, so don’t skip or rush any part!

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp create juicy bites and make the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce.
Candied Walnuts: Give amazing crunch and a caramelized note that sets Honey Walnut Shrimp apart from ordinary shrimp dishes.
Mayonnaise: The base for that velvety, luscious sauce; use a quality mayo for the creamiest results.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce and gives it that signature sticky gloss—local honey adds extra depth.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Offers unmatched richness and a subtle sweetness to make the sauce pop.
Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of acidity to balance out all that sweetness and brighten the flavors.
Cornstarch: Essential for coating the shrimp, ensuring that impossibly crisp and light crust we crave.
Egg White: Helps the cornstarch cling to the shrimp and results in a delicate, crackly coating.
Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying—use one with a high smoke point for beautifully golden shrimp.
Salt and Pepper: Brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp and balances the sauce.
Sliced Green Onions (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a tiny bit of bite to contrasts the creamy sauce.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

Begin with the luscious sauce that defines Honey Walnut Shrimp. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth and glossy. This combination might sound simple, but together they strike the most delightful balance between sweet, tangy, and creamy—a true star for your crispy shrimp.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Place your cleaned shrimp in a bowl, add egg white along with a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss everything together until the shrimp are well-coated. This step helps the cornstarch stick while keeping the shrimp light. Sprinkle cornstarch over the shrimp, toss again, and make sure each piece is thoroughly dusted for that signature crunch.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high. Once it’s shimmering and ready, carefully fry the shrimp in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry each shrimp 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then let them drain on paper towels to stay crispy while you finish the batch.

Step 4: Toss and Combine

When all shrimp are cooked, grab a large bowl and gently toss them with your creamy honey mayo sauce until each piece is gloriously coated. Fold in the candied walnuts at the last minute so they stay crunchy and don’t get soggy, distributing that sweet, toasty flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon your Honey Walnut Shrimp over a mound of steamed rice, sprinkle with sliced green onions if you like, and get ready to bask in rave reviews. The vivid contrast of colors and the irresistible aroma let you know dinner is about to be extra special.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can take Honey Walnut Shrimp from great to unforgettable. Try a light scatter of sliced green onions for a crisp, peppery finish, or add a few extra candied walnuts on top for an extra-special crunch that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish shines over fluffy steamed white rice, but don’t stop there. Lightly sautéed bok choy, garlicky Chinese broccoli, or a crisp Asian slaw make perfect sidekicks to balance the sweet creaminess of the shrimp. For a real takeout-style spread, serve with potstickers or egg drop soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Honey Walnut Shrimp can be a showstopper at dinner parties! Try serving the shrimp in small lettuce cups or mini appetizers on cucumber rounds for an easy, party-ready bite. Layer leftovers over a simple green salad with a drizzle of leftover sauce for a fresh twist at lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens!), transfer them into an airtight container. The shrimp will keep well in the fridge for up to two days—but they’re at their best the same day, as the coating softens over time.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal for fully assembled Honey Walnut Shrimp, as the sauce can become watery and the shrimp lose their crisp. For best results, freeze just the cooked, coated shrimp on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Add fresh sauce and walnuts after reheating.

Reheating

To restore crispiness, place leftover shrimp (without sauce, if possible) in a 375°F oven or air fryer for several minutes until hot and crunchy. If the sauce is already mixed in, use a lower oven temperature and cover loosely to avoid drying out the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly pat dry the shrimp before coating so you get that delicious, crispy crust—excess moisture is the enemy of crunch.

How do I make homemade candied walnuts?

To make your own, simmer 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water until dissolved, add walnuts, simmer for 2 minutes, then drain. Finish in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until golden and crisp—they’ll turn out even better than store-bought!

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk in the sauce?

If you’re out of sweetened condensed milk, you can swap in a tablespoon of heavy cream plus extra honey for sweetness. The flavor will be slightly different, but still deliciously creamy and satisfying.

How spicy is this dish?

Honey Walnut Shrimp is designed to be mild and sweet, appealing to almost everyone. If you want a touch of heat, try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a drop of Sriracha to the sauce.

Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp?

While traditional texture comes from deep frying, you can bake the coated shrimp on a wire rack at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once. They won’t be quite as crispy but you’ll enjoy the flavors with less oil.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing restaurant magic to your own table, and Honey Walnut Shrimp delivers every time. Give it a try, don’t be shy with the sauce, and watch your friends and family fall in love with this sweet, crunchy delight. Your weeknight dinners or weekend feasts just found a new superstar!

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, and a sweet honey mayo sauce in this homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Honey Mayo Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1/2 cup candied walnuts
1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
1 egg white
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Salt and pepper to taste
Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Honey Mayo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Coat the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with egg white and a pinch of salt and pepper. Coat with cornstarch until evenly covered.
Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy.
Combine and Serve: Toss fried shrimp with honey mayo sauce. Fold in candied walnuts and garnish with green onions. Serve over steamed rice.