This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. The combination of crispy battered shrimp, sweet honey glaze, and crunchy candied walnuts creates an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the creamy sauce and the crisp shrimp, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.
Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fresh greens. Once you try it homemade, you’ll never need to order takeout again!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp condensed milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves. Add walnuts and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove and place on a parchment-lined plate to cool.
- In a bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy. Gradually mix in cornstarch to form a batter.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Dip shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are well coated. Fry in batches until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice.
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the honey sauce, ensuring an even coating.
- Garnish with candied walnuts and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Sweet and Savory Seafood Delight
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine, featuring crispy battered shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce with candied walnuts. Its combination of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors makes it a standout dish at many restaurants, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make at home.
This dish offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the crispy shrimp to the caramelized walnuts and the luscious honey-infused sauce. While it is commonly found in Chinese-American restaurants, especially in places like Panda Express and P.F. Chang’s, its origins are more complex, blending Cantonese cooking techniques with Western-style sauces.
The History of Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is widely believed to have originated from Cantonese cuisine, where seafood dishes are commonly prepared with rich sauces and garnishes. Cantonese chefs are known for their light, crispy frying techniques, and walnut shrimp is a great example of how this method has been adapted to modern tastes.
However, the creamy honey-mayonnaise sauce is more of a Western influence. The combination of mayonnaise and condensed milk is not typically found in traditional Chinese cooking, but it has been embraced in Chinese-American cuisine. The dish likely became popular in the United States when Chinese immigrants started adapting their cooking to American ingredients and preferences. Over time, it became a staple in Chinese takeout menus and has since become a comfort food for many.
Why This Dish Is So Popular
There are several reasons why Honey Walnut Shrimp has gained such a devoted following:
- Contrast of Textures – The crispiness of the fried shrimp contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce, while the candied walnuts add a crunchy element.
- Sweet and Savory Balance – The honey and condensed milk bring sweetness, while the shrimp and walnuts provide a rich umami flavor.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home – Many people love recreating their favorite takeout dishes, and Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of those meals that feels fancy but is easy to prepare.
- Versatile Pairings – It pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a great dish for both casual meals and special occasions.
Cooking Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp
Making restaurant-quality Honey Walnut Shrimp at home requires a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure the best results:
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp
Since shrimp is the main protein in this dish, it’s important to use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Look for large or jumbo shrimp, as they provide a meatier bite and hold up well to frying. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before coating them in batter.
2. Achieve a Crispy Coating
The batter is key to achieving that signature crunch. Using egg whites and cornstarch creates a light, crisp texture without being too heavy. Make sure the oil is hot before frying to prevent the shrimp from absorbing excess oil and becoming soggy.
3. Perfectly Candied Walnuts
Candied walnuts add a rich, caramelized crunch that complements the shrimp. To get them just right:
- Boil them briefly in sugar water to coat them evenly.
- Allow them to cool on a parchment-lined surface to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overcooking, as they can burn quickly.
4. The Right Sauce Consistency
The creamy honey-mayonnaise sauce is what gives the dish its signature taste. To achieve the perfect consistency:
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer, smoother sauce.
- Mix the honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice well to balance sweetness with a slight tang.
- Coat the shrimp in the sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to put a unique twist on Honey Walnut Shrimp, consider these variations:
- Healthier Version – Instead of deep-frying, you can air-fry or pan-fry the shrimp with a light coating of cornstarch for a healthier take.
- Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp – Add a bit of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Dairy-Free Option – Substitute condensed milk with coconut milk or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
- Different Nuts – While walnuts are traditional, you can try pecans or cashews for a different texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:
- Steamed Rice – The mild flavor of jasmine or basmati rice complements the rich sauce.
- Fried Rice – A flavorful fried rice, such as garlic fried rice or vegetable fried rice, makes for a delicious meal.
- Steamed Vegetables – Lightly steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy add a fresh, crisp contrast.
- Noodles – Serve with stir-fried lo mein or sesame noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Lettuce Wraps – For a lighter option, wrap the shrimp in lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite.
The Appeal of Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp
While ordering from a restaurant is convenient, making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home has its advantages:
- Customization – You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, and ingredients to suit your taste.
- Fresher Ingredients – Homemade versions are free from preservatives or excessive amounts of oil.
- Cost-Effective – Shrimp dishes at restaurants can be pricey, but making them at home is more budget-friendly.
- Fun Cooking Experience – It’s an enjoyable dish to prepare, and the results are rewarding!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the best results, watch out for these common mistakes:
- Overcrowding the Pan – Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature, making them soggy.
- Using Low-Quality Oil – Neutral oils like vegetable or peanut oil work best for frying.
- Adding Sauce Too Early – Tossing the shrimp in sauce too soon makes them lose their crispiness.
- Not Drying the Shrimp – Excess moisture prevents the batter from sticking properly.
Conclusion
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious and iconic dish that has captured the hearts of many food lovers. Its crispy, golden shrimp, creamy honey sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts create an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. While it may seem like a restaurant-exclusive meal, making it at home is surprisingly simple and well worth the effort.
With the right techniques, fresh ingredients, and a bit of patience, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with new variations, Honey Walnut Shrimp is sure to impress your family and guests. Serve it with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a well-balanced meal that brings the joy of Chinese-American cuisine to your home.
Now that you have all the details, why not give this dish a try? Once you make it from scratch, you might never go back to ordering takeout!