How to Make Perfect Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a mouthwatering Chinese-American dish featuring crispy shrimp, sweet honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts. Learn how to make this easy recipe at home!

If you’re a fan of shrimp dishes, be sure to check out our Crispy Shrimp Tacos recipe for another delicious take on seafood.

If you love sweet and savory dishes, you’ll enjoy our Mango Shrimp Salad or the flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe .

Introduction to Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey walnut shrimp is a delicious and indulgent dish that has gained popularity in both Chinese-American cuisine and beyond. This dish combines the savory flavors of perfectly cooked shrimp with the sweet richness of honey, complemented by the crunchy texture of candied walnuts. Often served as an appetizer or main dish in Chinese restaurants, honey walnut shrimp offers a delightful contrast of flavors—sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy—that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

The Key Ingredients of Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey walnut shrimp is a flavorful dish that combines fresh shrimp, a sweet and creamy honey sauce, and crispy, caramelized walnuts. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need, along with the measurements, to make this delicious dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Fresh shrimp works best, but frozen shrimp can also be used after properly thawing and drying them.
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• Walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the dish. These will be toasted and coated in the sweet sauce.
• 1/4 cup honey
• Honey gives the dish its signature sweetness and helps to create a glossy, flavorful sauce.
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the honey with a subtle richness.
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• This ingredient adds additional sweetness and creaminess to the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Lemon juice brightens the sauce and adds a slight tang, balancing out the richness and sweetness of the other ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Cornstarch is used to coat the shrimp before frying, helping them get crispy and golden brown.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Flour is another ingredient used to coat the shrimp, adding to the crispy texture when fried.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Adds a mild kick to balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Used for frying the shrimp to a crisp, golden texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• Optional, but adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the shrimp and walnuts.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Making this dish at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly delicious. With crispy shrimp, a rich honey sauce, and sweet, caramelized walnuts, this dish is sure to be a hit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare it from scratch:

Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts

1. Toast the Walnuts
   In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes, until they become golden brown and fragrant. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
2. Coat the Walnuts in Sugar
   Once toasted, add 1/4 cup of honey to the walnuts in the pan, stirring to coat them evenly. Let the honey bubble and caramelize for about 1-2 minutes, then remove the walnuts from the pan and set them aside on a plate lined with parchment paper to cool.

2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season the Shrimp
   Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This will enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp.
2. Make the Coating
   In a shallow bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Coat each shrimp evenly with this mixture, shaking off any excess flour.

1. Fry the Shrimp
   In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry the shrimp in batches if necessary. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

3: Make the Honey Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients
   In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. For added richness, you can mix in 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. This combination will create a creamy, sweet sauce with a subtle tang.
2. Heat the Sauce
   Pour the sauce into the pan where you cooked the shrimp and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine the Shrimp, Sauce, and Walnuts

1. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce
   Add the fried shrimp to the pan with the honey sauce, tossing them gently to coat each shrimp evenly with the sweet sauce. The shrimp should be nicely glazed and coated with the honey mixture.
2. Add the Walnuts
   Add the caramelized walnuts to the pan with the shrimp, gently tossing them together. The nuts will add a crunchy, nutty texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet shrimp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Dish
   Arrange the honey walnut shrimp on a serving plate, making sure to evenly distribute the walnuts and shrimp. You can garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
2. Serve Immediately
   This recipe is best served right away while it’s warm and crispy. Pair it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Serving Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey walnut shrimp is a visually appealing and flavor-packed dish that can be served in various ways to make it a perfect addition to any meal. The balance of crispy shrimp, sweet honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts makes it a delightful option for both casual dinners and special occasions. Here’s how to serve it to impress your guests and elevate your meal:

1. Best Ways to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

1. Serve Over Steamed Rice
   One of the most popular ways to serve honey walnut shrimp is over a bed of steamed white or jasmine rice. The rice acts as a perfect base that soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a satisfying and balanced dish. You can also opt for brown rice for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
2. Pair with Stir-Fried Vegetables
   Honey walnut shrimp pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. The freshness and crunch of the vegetables complement the richness of the shrimp and sauce, adding color and texture to the meal. Consider serving the vegetables in a simple garlic sauce or with a light soy-based dressing.
3. Garnish with Fresh Herbs
   To add a burst of freshness and color to your presentation, garnish the the meal with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish.
4. Serve in Individual Bowls or Platters
   For an elegant presentation, serve the it in individual bowls or on a large platter, ensuring the shrimp and walnuts are evenly distributed. A platter-style presentation is perfect for family-style meals or gatherings, allowing guests to help themselves while appreciating the beautiful arrangement of the dish.

2. Serving as an Appetizer or Main Dish

1. As an Appetizer
   Honey walnut shrimp can be served as an elegant appetizer before a larger meal. In this case, serve the shrimp in small individual portions, perhaps in cocktail glasses or on small plates, with extra walnuts sprinkled on top. This allows guests to enjoy the dish in bite-sized portions without overwhelming the rest of the meal.
2. As a Main Course
   If you’re serving honey walnut shrimp as the main dish, make sure to accompany it with sides that complement the dish’s rich flavors. Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will provide a contrast to the sweet and savory shrimp, creating a well-rounded meal.

3.Make It a Feast with Sides and Desserts

1. Side Dishes
   Honey walnut shrimp is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Alongside the rice and vegetables, you can serve dishes like egg rolls, dumplings, or crispy spring rolls for added texture and flavor. A light miso soup or hot and sour soup can also serve as a comforting appetizer.
2. Desserts to Complete the Meal
   Finish off the meal with a refreshing dessert to cleanse the palate . Consider serving a light fruit sorbet, coconut milk ice cream, or a refreshing citrus salad with oranges, mint, and a drizzle of honey to complement the tropical flavors of the shrimp dish.

Honey walnut shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways to suit different occasions. Whether you’re having a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, this dish is sure to delight your guests. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements will make every bite memorable, and its beautiful presentation will leave a lasting impression.

Variations of Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular dish that combines crispy shrimp, a sweet and creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts. While the traditional recipe is beloved for its rich and indulgent flavor, there are several ways to tweak the dish to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp
   Add a touch of heat by incorporating chili flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of hot sauce into the honey sauce. This spicy version balances the sweetness with a fiery kick.
2. Coconut Honey Walnut Shrimp
   Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before frying for a tropical twist. The coconut adds texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the honey sauce.
3. Lemon Honey Walnut Shrimp
   For a zesty variation, mix in some lemon juice or lemon zest with the honey sauce. The citrusy notes add brightness and contrast to the richness of the dish.
4. Garlic Honey Walnut Shrimp
   Sauté minced garlic in the sauce before adding the honey. The garlic provides a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the sweet walnuts and shrimp.
5. Tempura Honey Walnut Shrimp
   Instead of breading the shrimp, dip them in a light tempura batter for an ultra-crisp texture. The airy crunch enhances the overall experience of the dish.
6. Vegetarian Honey Walnut “Shrimp”
   Replace shrimp with plant-based protein or crispy tofu for a vegetarian version. The honey sauce and walnuts will still provide the signature flavor and texture.
7. Cashew Honey Walnut Shrimp
   Swap out walnuts for cashews, which offer a different flavor profile but still provide that desired crunch and richness in the dish.
8. Pineapple Honey Walnut Shrimp
   Add small chunks of fresh pineapple to the dish to introduce a juicy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and the crunch of the walnuts.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create a version of Honey Walnut Shrimp that suits your taste while maintaining the delicious core of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions about Honey Walnut Shrimp

1. What kind of shrimp is best for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
   Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are typically used for Honey Walnut Shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but be sure to pat them dry before frying to ensure a crispy texture.
2. Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time?
   While the shrimp can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge, it’s best to prepare the sauce and walnuts fresh. This ensures the shrimp stays crispy and the walnuts maintain their crunch.
3. Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
   Yes! You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like cashews, almonds, or pecans for a different flavor or texture. Each nut brings its own unique taste to the dish.
4. How can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp healthier?
   To make a healthier version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them, use a lighter sauce (perhaps with less sugar or a sugar substitute), and opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened nuts.
5. Is Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free?
   Traditional recipes may include flour for the batter, which contains gluten. To make the dish gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the coating.
6. Can I use frozen shrimp for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
   Yes, frozen shrimp works well for this dish. Just make sure to thaw and drain them completely before cooking to avoid excess water, which can affect the crispy texture.
7. What can I serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
   Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad. You can also serve it with noodles or over a bed of lettuce for a refreshing meal.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized in many ways to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer it spicy, citrusy, or with a different nut, there’s a variation for everyone. With a few simple tips and adjustments, you can enjoy this sweet and savory favorite at home, tailored to your personal preferences.

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