Honey Walnut Shrimp is a luxurious dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the crunch of candied walnuts, all tossed with perfectly cooked shrimp in a creamy sauce. This restaurant-style favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a must-try!

A Family Favorite: How Honey Walnut Shrimp Became Our Go-To Special Occasion Dish

It all started on our anniversary when I wanted to surprise my husband with something special. He had always loved Honey Walnut Shrimp from our favorite Chinese restaurant, so I decided to recreate it at home. The moment he took the first bite, his eyes lit up. The crispy shrimp, coated in that rich honey sauce with the perfect crunch of walnuts, was a hit! Now, it’s our go-to dish for celebrations, and every time I make it, we’re reminded of that special night. My kids love it too, and it’s become a family favorite that we all look forward to.

Why You’ll Love Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Get the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant right in your kitchen.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet honey glaze, creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts create a delightful flavor combination.
• Impress Your Guests: This dish is sure to wow anyone you serve it to, making it perfect for special occasions.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish comes together in just about 30 minutes.
• Family Favorite: The combination of sweet and savory makes it a hit with both adults and kids alike.

Ingredients Notes For Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they get crispy.
• Walnuts: Candied walnuts add the perfect crunch. You can candy them yourself or use store-bought.
• Honey: The star of the glaze, providing sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce, creating that classic texture you love in Honey Walnut Shrimp.
• Condensed Milk: A small amount of sweetened condensed milk gives the sauce its signature sweetness and smoothness.
• Cornstarch: Used to coat the shrimp, giving them a light, crispy texture when fried.

Recipe Steps for Honey Walnut Shrimp

1. Candy the Walnuts: In a small pan, combine sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the walnuts and cook until they are caramelized and golden brown. Transfer to a parchment-lined tray to cool.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then fry the shrimp until they are golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk until smooth.
4. Toss the Shrimp: Add the crispy shrimp to the sauce and toss until each piece is well-coated.
5. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Storage Options

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the shrimp.
• Note: The shrimp will lose some of their crispiness when stored, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Variations & Substitutions

• Nuts: Try using pecans or almonds if you don’t have walnuts on hand.
• Spicy Kick: Add a touch of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
• Healthier Option: For a lighter version, bake the shrimp instead of frying them.

Honey Walnut Shrimp

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Ingredients

• Shrimp
• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 large egg whites
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Candied Walnuts
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• Honey Sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

• Prepare the Candied Walnuts
• Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the walnuts and cook for 2-3 minutes until the walnuts are caramelized and coated with the syrup.
• Dry the Walnuts: Using a slotted spoon, remove the walnuts and spread them out on a piece of parchment paper or a baking sheet to dry and harden.
• Prepare the Shrimp
• Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper.
• Coat the Shrimp: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Dip each shrimp into the egg whites, then coat them in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
• Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Prepare the Honey Sauce
• Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
• Coat the Shrimp: In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce until evenly coated.
• Assemble and Serve
• Add the Walnuts: Add the candied walnuts to the shrimp and gently toss to combine.
• Serve: Transfer the honey walnut shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with additional walnuts if desired. Serve immediately.

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