When it comes to a delicious blend of sweet and crunchy textures, honey walnut shrimp stands out as an absolute favorite. This dish brings together crispy shrimp coated in a light batter, perfectly complemented by a luscious honey glaze and crunchy candied walnuts. It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests at a weekend gathering, honey walnut shrimp is a fantastic choice. Its balance of flavors and textures makes it feel both indulgent and fresh. Plus, this homemade version is easier to prepare than you might think.
This recipe is designed with simplicity and flavor in mind. You won’t be overwhelmed with complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Instead, you'll get a mouthwatering dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant, ready in under 40 minutes.
Get ready to enjoy a sweet and crunchy delight that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s dive in and make irresistible honey walnut shrimp!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This honey walnut shrimp recipe combines the best of sweet, crunchy, and savory elements in one satisfying dish.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- The shrimp are crispy on the outside and tender inside, creating a perfect texture contrast.
- Sweet honey glaze balances the savory shrimp and crunchy walnuts beautifully.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find.
- Great for serving a small group or family with its generous 4-serving portion.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create the perfect honey walnut shrimp. Everything works together to bring out the best flavors and textures.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
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If you want to switch up the walnuts, pecans or almonds can be used for a different crunch. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit your taste.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
How to Make Irresistible Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Sweet & Crunchy Delight!
Follow these easy steps to create a restaurant-quality honey walnut shrimp dish at home.
- Start by preparing the candied walnuts. In a small saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the walnut halves. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until the walnuts are coated and glossy. Transfer to parchment paper to cool and harden.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate small bowl, beat the egg and cold water together. Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until smooth to form the batter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place in the hot oil. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Toss the fried shrimp in this honey sauce until evenly coated.
- To serve, place the coated shrimp on a platter and sprinkle the candied walnuts on top for a perfect crunchy finish. Garnish with a few lemon wedges or fresh parsley if desired.
You’ll know the dish is perfectly done when the shrimp are crisp and golden outside while tender and juicy inside, coated in a smooth, glossy honey sauce with walnuts that add a delightful crunch.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your honey walnut shrimp turns out perfect every time.
- Use cold water for the batter to keep it light and crispy when fried.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Prepare candied walnuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Adjust the honey sauce ingredients to your preferred sweetness and tang balance.
Serving Suggestions
Honey walnut shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to balance the sweetness and crunch. A simple side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad complements the richness perfectly.
For drinks, a chilled iced tea or sparkling water with lemon works wonderfully. This dish also shines at dinner parties or festive occasions where you want to impress with a unique and flavorful seafood option.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes rather than microwaving.
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the fried shrimp (without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before battering to ensure a crispy coating.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk in the sauce?
You can substitute with plain yogurt or a mixture of milk and sugar, but the sauce may be less creamy and slightly less sweet.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Baking is possible but will produce a different texture. For best results, frying gives the shrimp the signature crispy crunch this recipe is known for.
How do I make the candied walnuts without burning them?
Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently. Once the sugar dissolves, watch closely as the syrup thickens and coats the walnuts. Remove them promptly onto parchment to cool.
This honey walnut shrimp recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a sweet and crunchy seafood dish at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can treat yourself and your guests to something truly special. Give it a try and savor every bite of this irresistible delight!