Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Honey Walnut Shrimp has a way of stopping conversations at the table. Crispy shrimp coated in a glossy, sweet sauce with crunchy walnuts tucked into every bite creates that perfect balance of texture and flavor. The aroma alone feels like a special treat, and trust me, you’re going to love this one. It feels indulgent, comforting, and absolutely worth making at home.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe comes from a love of restaurant favorites that feel a little too special to wait for takeout night. The goal was to recreate that familiar sweetness and crunch, but with a homemade touch that feels fresher and more satisfying. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite when the shrimp come out golden and sticky just like the real thing.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Honey Walnut Shrimp is often associated with Chinese American cuisine and is especially popular on banquet style menus. The contrast of sweet sauce, crunchy nuts, and crisp seafood makes it memorable. While versions vary, the combination of honey, creamy sauce, and fried shrimp has become a beloved classic.

Why You’ll Love Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

This dish has so much going for it, and now let’s dive into what makes it such a favorite.

Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, a shared appetizer, or part of a larger spread.

Budget-Friendly: Making it at home costs far less than ordering out.

Quick and Easy: Once prepped, everything comes together fast.

Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or crunch to your liking.

Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, crispy, and creamy flavors are always a hit.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The walnuts can be prepared in advance.

Great for Leftovers: Still delicious when gently reheated.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few smart tips make this dish truly shine.

• Pat the shrimp dry before coating to help them fry evenly.
• Fry in small batches to keep the oil hot.
• Toss shrimp in sauce just before serving to keep them crisp.
• Use fresh oil for clean flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Getting everything ready ahead of time keeps the process smooth.

Deep Skillet or Pot: For frying shrimp evenly.

Mixing Bowls: For batter, sauce, and coating.

Slotted Spoon: Makes removing shrimp easy and clean.

Paper Towels: Help drain excess oil.

Ingredients in Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Each ingredient works together to create that iconic flavor and texture.

1. Raw Shrimp: 500 g, peeled and deveined, the star of the dish.
2. Walnuts: 1 cup, add crunch and nutty contrast.
3. Honey: ⅓ cup, provides sweetness and shine.
4. Mayonnaise: ½ cup, creates the creamy sauce base.
5. Cornstarch: ½ cup, helps create a light, crisp coating.
6. Large Eggs: 2 eggs, bind the batter.
7. All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup, adds structure to the coating.
8. Neutral Cooking Oil: for frying, ensures even crisping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If needed, small swaps still work beautifully.

Walnuts: Pecans can be used instead.

Mayonnaise: Use a lighter version if preferred.

All-Purpose Flour: Rice flour works for extra crispiness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s take a closer look at what really makes this dish special.

Walnuts: Candied slightly by the honey, they add signature crunch.

Honey: Brings sweetness and that glossy finish everyone loves.

Instructions for Making Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Now let’s dive into the cooking process and bring everything together.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat neutral cooking oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise and honey until smooth and glossy.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a plate with paper towels for draining.
4. Assemble the Dish: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, and eggs, then coat shrimp evenly.
5. Cook to Perfection: Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
6. Finishing Touches: Toss fried shrimp gently with the honey sauce and fold in walnuts.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic is all about contrast. Crispy shrimp meet creamy sauce, while walnuts add crunch that keeps every bite exciting. Sweetness from honey balances beautifully with the richness of the coating.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

These extra tips help keep things foolproof.

• Keep sauce separate until serving.
• Use a thermometer if needed to maintain oil temperature.
• Stir sauce gently to avoid breaking shrimp.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes for best results.

• Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Avoid tossing shrimp too early in sauce.
• Do not use cold oil.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: approximately 560

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Walnuts can be prepared a day ahead and stored airtight. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days and should be reheated gently to maintain texture.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Serve warm over steamed rice or alongside simple vegetables for balance. It also works beautifully as part of a shared table.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Use leftovers in lettuce wraps or toss into a rice bowl for a new twist.

Additional Tips

For extra crunch, sprinkle a few walnuts on top just before serving.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve in a wide bowl and drizzle a little extra sauce over the top for shine and appeal.

Variations to Try

Add a touch of citrus zest for brightness. Use larger shrimp for a more dramatic presentation. Lightly toast walnuts for deeper flavor.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry.

2. Is this dish very sweet?

It is balanced but leans sweet.

3. Can I bake the shrimp?

Frying gives best texture, but baking works.

4. How do I keep shrimp crispy?

Sauce only at the last moment.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, fry in batches.

6. What oil works best?

Any neutral oil works well.

7. Can kids enjoy this?

Absolutely, it’s very family friendly.

8. Are walnuts required?

They are traditional but optional.

9. Is this good for special occasions?

This one’s a total game-changer for gatherings.

10. Can I prep ahead?

Yes, prep components separately.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is the kind of dish that feels like a celebration in a bowl. Sweet, crispy, and deeply satisfying, it brings restaurant style comfort straight to your kitchen. Let me tell you, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.

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