This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe features crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and creamy sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors!
Personally, I love serving this dish over rice. The sweetness really balances well with the savory elements. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that golden, crunchy walnut topping? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Walnuts: These are essential for that crunchy topping. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or crispy rice cereal can add a similar texture without the nuts.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are preferred for this dish. If fresh ones are not available, use frozen shrimp, just make sure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Cornstarch: This creates a crispy coating for the shrimp. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, cornstarch is a great choice! Alternatively, you can use rice flour or potato starch.
Mayonnaise: It gives the sauce a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute, adding protein without compromising creaminess.
How Do You Get the Shrimp Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunchy texture on your shrimp takes a little care but is totally worth it! Here are my tips:
- Make sure to coat the shrimp well with the egg white and cornstarch mixture. This helps create a strong crispy layer.
- Use enough oil when frying. Ideally, the shrimp should be submerged to cook evenly and become golden.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent steaming. This ensures a crispy result.
- Allow the shrimp to drain on paper towels right after frying to keep them crispy.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg white
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to create this delicious dish! It’s quick and perfect for a delightful dinner or gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Candy the Walnuts:
In a small pan over medium heat, combine the walnuts and sugar with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts. Once done, remove them from the heat and spread them out on parchment paper to cool completely. This will give you those delicious crunchy candied walnuts!
2. Prepare the Shrimp Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white and cornstarch until you have a smooth mixture. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss them well to ensure they’re evenly coated in the batter.
3. Fry the Shrimp:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated shrimp in small batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once fried, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce:
In another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until fully combined and smooth. This sauce will be the perfect creamy complement for your shrimp!
5. Combine:
Take the freshly fried shrimp and gently toss them in the sauce until they are evenly coated. This is where all those flavors come together!
6. Serve:
To serve, place the shrimp over a bed of steamed white rice. Top them with the candied walnuts and garnish with the chopped green onions for a fresh, tasty presentation. Enjoy your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp!
It’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Happy cooking! 🦐✨
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Walnuts?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or simply prefer another flavor, cashews or pecans make great substitutes. Just remember to adjust the candying process accordingly to avoid burning.
How Can I Make the Sauce Less Sweet?
If you’re looking for a less sweet option, you can reduce the amount of honey or sweetened condensed milk. Alternatively, you can add some lemon juice to balance the sweetness with a hint of acidity.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prepare the candied walnuts and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The shrimp are best fried fresh, but you can coat them in the batter and refrigerate for up to an hour before frying to save time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some crispiness.
