Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a well-loved dish that combines crispy shrimp with a sweet and creamy sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This classic Chinese-American recipe is a perfect mix of rich textures and bold flavors, making it a favorite for seafood enthusiasts. Although it may seem complex, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home with a few essential ingredients and some simple steps. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is sure to satisfy.
Why Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home?
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular choice at many Chinese-American restaurants. The dish stands out for its unique combination of crispy shrimp, sweet honey-mayo sauce, and the satisfying crunch of caramelized walnuts. Despite its availability at restaurants, making this dish at home offers several advantages. For instance, you can control the quality of ingredients, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and even experiment with variations that suit your dietary preferences. Preparing it at home also allows you to enjoy the dish freshly cooked, with all its flavors perfectly balanced.
Additionally, cooking at home enables you to customize the recipe according to your preferences. For example, you can increase or decrease the sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey or adding a splash of lemon juice for a more tangy flavor. Preparing Honey Walnut Shrimp at home also lets you experiment with different variations, such as adding a touch of heat with chili flakes or incorporating vegetables to make it more wholesome. If you’re interested in more ideas, you can explore similar Asian-inspired dishes here.
Essential Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Creating this dish at home requires a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp work best. Ensure they are peeled, deveined, and the tails are removed for easy eating. Fresh shrimp offer the best flavor, but frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed will also do the trick.
- Walnuts: Pre-shelled walnuts are ideal for convenience. They’ll be caramelized to create a sweet, crunchy topping that complements the shrimp.
- Honey: Honey is the star ingredient, providing the sweet flavor that balances out the savory and creamy elements of the dish.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise forms the base of the creamy sauce that coats the shrimp, giving it a smooth texture that complements the crispiness of the shrimp.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds extra sweetness and creaminess to the sauce, helping it achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Cornstarch: Used to coat the shrimp before frying, giving them that signature crispy texture.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the cornstarch to the shrimp, ensuring an even coating.
- Sugar: Sugar is used to caramelize the walnuts, creating a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the sauce, cutting through the richness and adding balance to the dish.
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be able to recreate a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version. Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of preparing this dish yourself, but you’ll also have the freedom to make adjustments as you see fit. Adding a personal twist to the sauce, such as a hint of sriracha for spice or extra lemon for a tangy flavor, can elevate the dish even further.
For more delicious sauce ideas that can pair with seafood dishes, check out these Asian-inspired sauce recipes.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
Candied Walnuts:
- 1 cup walnut halves
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Candied Walnuts
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil. Add the walnuts and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re coated in syrup. Remove them with a slotted spoon and spread them on parchment paper to cool. Once cooled, the walnuts will develop a sweet, crispy texture that adds a delightful crunch to the dish. - Prepare the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, add cornstarch. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat with cornstarch. Fry the shrimp in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy. After frying, set the shrimp aside on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This frying process ensures that the shrimp stay crispy, even when coated in the rich honey-mayo sauce. - Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more honey or lemon juice if needed. The sauce should strike a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, complementing the crispy shrimp without overwhelming their flavor. - Combine and Serve
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the honey-mayo sauce until the shrimp are evenly coated. Add the candied walnuts to the bowl and mix them in gently to avoid breaking them. Finally, transfer the shrimp and walnuts to a serving plate. For extra flair, sprinkle with sesame seeds or add a side of steamed broccoli. This dish pairs beautifully with white rice, fried rice, or noodles, making it a versatile option for any meal.
For more inspiration on side dishes that pair well with seafood, explore this guide to vegetable pairings.
Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp
Fresh shrimp offer the best flavor and texture for this dish. When using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water. Pat the shrimp dry before coating them in cornstarch to ensure they fry up crisp and golden. - Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent
Maintaining the right oil temperature is key to achieving perfectly crispy shrimp. The oil should be heated to around 350°F. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp may burn before cooking through, and if it’s too cold, the shrimp may absorb too much oil and become greasy. Therefore, using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature can help ensure that your shrimp come out perfectly every time. - Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
When frying the shrimp, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp. Instead, fry the shrimp in small batches, giving them plenty of space to cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
For more in-depth tips on perfecting your frying technique, check out this helpful guide on frying seafood.
Variations on Honey Walnut Shrimp
Healthier Honey Walnut Shrimp
For a lighter version of this dish, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Coat the shrimp in the egg and cornstarch mixture as directed, then place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are crispy and cooked through.
You can also reduce the amount of mayonnaise in the sauce or substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. Using steamed broccoli or cauliflower as a side dish adds fiber and helps balance out the sweetness of the shrimp, making the dish more wholesome without sacrificing flavor.
Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp
If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding chili flakes or sriracha to the honey-mayo sauce. The heat from the chili adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dish, creating a flavor profile that’s both sweet and spicy. You can also drizzle some chili oil over the finished shrimp for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Honey Walnut Chicken
For those who prefer chicken over shrimp, this recipe can easily be adapted. Simply substitute bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh for the shrimp, and follow the same steps for coating, frying, and tossing the chicken in the honey-mayo sauce. The result is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for those who don’t eat seafood but still want to enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this classic recipe.
For more creative variations of classic dishes, explore this recipe collection that puts a healthy twist on comfort food.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Here are a few ideas for serving this dish:
- Serve with Jasmine Rice: The light floral notes of jasmine rice complement the sweet and savory flavors of the shrimp.
- Add Steamed Broccoli or Bok Choy: These vegetables balance the richness of the shrimp with their fresh, crisp texture.
- Use as an Appetizer: Arrange the shrimp on a platter and serve as an appetizer for parties or gatherings. This dish’s striking appearance and bold flavors make it a perfect choice for special occasions.
For additional pairing ideas, check out this article on what goes well with seafood.
Conclusion: Enjoying Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and crispy textures in one irresistible meal. By following this guide, you’ll be able to recreate this restaurant favorite at home with ease. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just because you’re craving those takeout flavors, this recipe is sure to impress.
Experiment with variations like baking the shrimp for a healthier version, adding a spicy kick with chili flakes, or substituting chicken for shrimp to suit your preferences. Pair the dish with your favorite sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds.
For more culinary inspiration, explore the recipe collection at Anny’s Recipes, where you’ll find endless ideas to elevate your home-cooked meals.