This Honey Walnut Shrimp is a sweet and crunchy dish that’s super fun to eat! Juicy shrimp is coated in a creamy sauce, topped with caramelized walnuts for the perfect crunch.
Every bite is like a little party in your mouth! I love serving it over rice, but really, it’s just as yummy on its own. Trust me, you won’t have leftovers! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen large shrimp work great. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using chicken or tofu as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
Walnuts: These add crunch and sweetness. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them or use sunflower seeds for a nice alternative.
Honey: The star ingredient for sweetness! Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used if you prefer a vegan option.
Mayonnaise: It gives the sauce a creamy texture. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise if you want to keep it plant-based.
How Do I Get the Perfect Fry on My Shrimp?
Frying shrimp can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it just right! Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) to get a nice crispy texture; if it’s too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and be greasy. Here’s a quick guide:
- Keep your batter thick enough to cling to the shrimp, but fluid enough to coat easily.
- Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
- After frying, drain the shrimp on paper towels to get rid of excess oil, keeping them crispy.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly crispy shrimp every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Shrimp Batter:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold water (adjust to make batter smooth)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk or sugar (optional, for creamier sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or rice vinegar (optional, for slight tang)
- Pinch of salt
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and roughly 20-30 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts:
In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the walnuts and honey, cooking and stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the walnuts are nicely glazed and the syrup thickens. Remove the walnuts with a slotted spoon and spread them out on parchment paper to cool and harden.
2. Prepare the Batter for the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the cold water, stirring until you achieve a smooth batter that is slightly thick yet fluid enough to coat the shrimp well.
3. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Dip each shrimp into the batter, coating them thoroughly, then fry them in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and let them drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a clean bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk (if using), lemon juice or vinegar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine and Serve:
Gently toss the fried shrimp in the honey-mayo sauce to coat them evenly. Add the candied walnuts and carefully mix everything together. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if you’d like, and serve hot over steamed white rice or enjoy it on its own!
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, creamy Honey Walnut Shrimp! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker option.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
If you want to make Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. This will keep the batter deliciously crispy while accommodating gluten sensitivities!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to keep the shrimp crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
What Can I Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which soak up the creamy sauce. For a healthier option, consider serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.