Honey Walnut Shrimp
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This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe turns simple ingredients into a luxurious treat, combining crispy shrimp with a luscious honey sauce, all topped off with golden caramelized walnuts.
Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe transforms simple shrimp into a stunning dish. Crispy, golden shrimp are enveloped in a sweet and creamy sauce, and the dish is completed with a generous sprinkle of caramelized walnuts. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an unforgettable meal.
- Shrimp: I like to use large or jumbo shrimp here. Make sure you peel and devein them.
- Egg Whites: Used for coating the shrimp, giving them a light, crispy texture. A mixture of flour and water can be an alternative.
- Cornstarch: Helps in achieving a crispy outer layer on the shrimp. Arrowroot powder works as a substitute.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Adjust according to taste.
- Vegetable Oil: Needed for frying to get that perfect crispiness. Canola or peanut oil are suitable alternatives.
- Walnuts: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor. Almonds or pecans can be used instead.
- White Sugar: Used for sweetening and creating the candy coating. Brown sugar or honey are alternative options.
- Water: Aids in making the syrup for candying.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base of the sauce. Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version.
- Honey: Brings sweetness to the sauce. Maple syrup is a good vegan option.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and sweetness. Coconut condensed milk can be a dairy-free alternative.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness. Lime juice or vinegar can be used instead.
You’re going to love making this Honey Walnut Shrimp – it’s surprisingly easy and the result is just amazing. Let’s get started!
Grab a saucepan and mix the sugar and water together. We’ll bring this to a simmer and then add the walnuts. Let them cook for a couple of minutes, then spread them out on a baking sheet to cool down. This gives them a wonderful sweet crunch.
Take a bowl and whisk up the egg whites until they’re nice and frothy. Dip each shrimp into the egg whites, sprinkle them with a bit of salt, and then roll them in the cornstarch.
Fill a skillet with about 2 inches of oil and heat it up. When the oil’s hot, fry the shrimp until they’re golden and crispy. Once they’re done, lay them out on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Mix the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and a dash of lemon juice in a bowl. It’s a simple mix but packs a ton of flavor.
Finally, toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce, making sure they’re well coated with that sweet, creamy goodness. Plate them up and sprinkle with those candied walnuts we made earlier. And there you have it, Honey Walnut Shrimp that’s absolutely to die for!
Serve With This
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Light, fluffy white or brown rice works wonderfully, as does a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Here are some great suggestions.
Easy Tossed Salad
Sesame Noodles
Thai Cucumber Salad
Avocado Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the candied walnuts and the honey sauce in advance. However, for the best texture, I recommend frying the shrimp just before serving.
Can I use store-bought candied walnuts?
Certainly! If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, store-bought candied walnuts are a great alternative.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
For the Honey Walnut Shrimp, I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and flavor. They should be peeled and deveined for ease of eating. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re thoroughly thawed before cooking.
Expert Tips
- Use the Right Oil for Frying: For frying the shrimp, choose an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. This ensures that the shrimp gets crispy without absorbing too much oil.
- Ensure Proper Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F to 375°F) before adding the shrimp. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; it should sizzle and float.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the shrimp, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures that each shrimp cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- Balancing the Sauce: If the honey sauce is too thick, thin it with a little bit of water or lemon juice. This will help to evenly coat the shrimp without making them soggy.
Storage
Once cooked, allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature before storing. You can then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing for this dish, as the crispy texture of the shrimp and the creamy consistency of the sauce can be adversely affected by freezing and thawing.
Discover More Scrumptious Shrimp Recipes
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Italian Shrimp Bake
- Shrimp Cocktail
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Oven Baked Shrimp
- Asian Garlic Shrimp
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Honey Walnut Shrimp
Video
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 egg whites
- ½ cup cornstarch
- salt (to taste)
- vegetable oil (for frying)
Candied Walnuts
- 1 cup walnuts
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup water
Honey Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
Candied Walnuts
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a simmer. Add the walnuts and cook for 2 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet to cool.
Shrimp
- In a bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy. Dip each shrimp into the egg whites, sprinkle with salt, then roll in cornstarch.
- Fill a skillet with about 2 inches of oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp until they are golden and crispy. Remove and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Honey Sauce
- Mix mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and a dash of lemon juice in a bowl. Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until well-coated.
- Plate the shrimp sprinkled with candied walnuts on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Shrimp Preparation: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the honey sauce according to your preference. If it’s too thick, add a little water or lemon juice to thin it out.Oil
- Temperature for Frying: To ensure your shrimp are crispy and not greasy, use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature (350°F to 375°F).
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the shrimp immediately after tossing them in the sauce to enjoy the best texture.
- Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Today I made this dish. Honey Walnut Shrimp. Excellent and easy recipe.
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