Honey Walnut Shrimp: The Ultimate Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Introduction to Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey and candied walnuts with the tender, succulent taste of shrimp. This dish is not only a favorite in Chinese restaurants but also a beloved homemade recipe that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressively delicious, you’ve found it!
A Personal Story Behind My Honey Walnut Shrimp Journey
Growing up, my family often celebrated special occasions with a homemade feast, and Honey Walnut Shrimp was always the highlight. The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts brought everyone together around the dinner table. I remember my grandmother showing me how to prepare it, and it quickly became a cherished tradition in our household. Now, I love sharing this recipe with friends and family, knowing it brings the same joy to their tables.
What Makes This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe Special?
What sets this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp is marinated to enhance its natural sweetness and then fried to a golden crisp. The homemade sauce, made with Kewpie mayonnaise and honey, adds a creamy richness that complements the shrimp beautifully. Topping it all off with candied walnuts gives a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of sweetness. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it!
The Full Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper powder (or ground black pepper)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ of an egg white
- ½ cup cornstarch (for dredging)
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup Kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)
- 2 tablespoons sweet condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1 ½ cups walnut halves
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water (or as needed)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, white pepper, baking soda, ½ tablespoon cornstarch, and egg white. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Tip: This step helps to tenderize the shrimp and enhance its flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet condensed milk, honey, rice vinegar, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- Make the Candied Walnuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the walnut halves, granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Toss for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is caramelized and slightly thickened. Transfer the walnuts to a plate lined with parchment paper and let them cool. Tip: Be careful not to burn the sugar; stir constantly.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil for shallow frying. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Shrimp: Generously dredge the marinated shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. In batches, fry the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining shrimp. Tip: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked shrimp with the prepared sauce and candied walnuts. Garnish with scallions and additional candied walnuts if desired. Enjoy your delicious dish!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a light salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it as an appetizer at gatherings, where it will surely be a crowd pleaser. For a spicy twist, consider adding a dash of chili sauce to the mayonnaise mixture. If you want to experiment, feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds to create a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Walnut Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
How can I store leftovers? Store any leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Is this dish spicy? No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add chili sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick if desired.
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories per Serving: 350
Servings: 4
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound 450g jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper powder or ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ of an egg white
- ½ cup cornstarch for dredging
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup Kewpie mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1 ½ cups walnut halves
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water or as needed
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, white pepper, baking soda, ½ tablespoon cornstarch, and egg white. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- In another bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet condensed milk, honey, rice vinegar, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the walnut halves, granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Toss for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is caramelized and slightly thickened. Transfer the walnuts to a plate lined with parchment paper and let them cool.
- In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil for shallow frying. Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C).
- Generously dredge the marinated shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. In batches, fry the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
- Toss the cooked shrimp with the prepared sauce and candied walnuts. Garnish with scallions and additional candied walnuts if desired. Enjoy your delicious dish!