Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved dish that balances sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures perfectly. This recipe makes an impressive yet easy shrimp dinner, ideal for elevating your weeknight meals or entertaining guests. You’ll love how simple it is to bring restaurant-quality flavors into your kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Frozen shrimp works great; just thaw them completely.
- Walnuts: Candied walnuts are essential for their sweet crunch. You can quickly candy them yourself.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise gives the creamiest sauce. Light mayonnaise can be used, but the texture might be slightly different.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This provides the core sweetness and creaminess. There’s no direct substitute for its unique texture and flavor in this sauce.
- Honey: Adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor depth.
- Cornstarch: Crucial for creating a crispy coating on the shrimp. You can also use potato starch.
Ingredients
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Shrimp:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
For the Honey Mayonnaise Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550 calories
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, mixing bowls, tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts
Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Add walnuts, sugar, and water. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the water evaporates and the sugar caramelizes, coating the walnuts. Spread them on parchment paper to cool and harden.
2. Coat the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the thawed shrimp and toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This dry coating is key for crispy shrimp dinner results.
3. Fry the Shrimp
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (350-375°F or 175-190°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Honey Mayonnaise Sauce
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. The lemon juice brightens the flavors of this creamy sauce.
5. Combine and Serve
Once all the shrimp are fried and drained, add them to the bowl with the honey mayonnaise sauce. Gently toss to coat every piece. Fold in the candied walnuts and serve immediately. This makes an excellent shrimp dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Citrus Zest: Include a teaspoon of orange or lime zest in the sauce for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Different Nuts: While walnuts are classic, you could try pecans or cashews for a different crunch.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave until warmed through. The walnuts may lose some of their crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh, but you can candy the walnuts and make the sauce a day in advance. Fry and combine the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
- What should you serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice and some lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus.
- Is this dish spicy?
No, this traditional recipe is sweet and savory, not spicy. You can add chili flakes if you prefer heat.
- Can you bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispness, you can bake the coated shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. They may not be as crispy.
- Why are my walnuts not crunchy?
Ensure you stir constantly when candying the walnuts and spread them in a single layer to cool completely. Humidity can also affect their crispness.
- What kind of shrimp works best for this shrimp dinner recipe?
Large (21/25 count per pound) or jumbo (16/20 count) shrimp are ideal as they hold up well to frying and coating.
