Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a perfect blend of crispy, tender shrimp coated in a luscious, sweet and creamy sauce with candied walnuts adding delightful crunch. This restaurant-quality dish is easy to prepare at home and features fresh shrimp fried to golden perfection, tossed in a honey-mayonnaise sauce enriched with sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice. Ideal as a main dish or appetizer, it offers unmatched flavor harmony and texture contrast, making it a favorite for any occasion.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Shrimp and Coating
- 12 oz medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or potato starch
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)
Candied Walnuts
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Prepare the Candied Walnuts: Toast walnuts gently in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. In a separate pan, combine sugar and water; heat until sugar dissolves and forms a syrup. Toss walnuts in the syrup quickly to coat evenly, then spread on parchment paper to cool and harden into a sweet, glossy candy crunch.
- Coat the Shrimp: Whisk the egg white in a bowl until slightly frothy. Dip each shrimp into the egg white, then dredge thoroughly in cornstarch to create an even, light coating essential for crispiness.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy, forming the flavorful sauce that bonds the dish.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the fried shrimp gently with the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Add the candied walnuts on top or fold them in to add a delightful crunchy texture. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Properly candied walnuts are essential for the signature sweet crunch.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure shrimp fry quickly and aren’t greasy.
- Ensure shrimp are evenly coated in cornstarch for a consistent crispiness.
- Mix the sauce just before serving to keep its creamy texture intact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Honey Walnut Shrimp, crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, honey sauce, creamy shrimp recipe, Chinese appetizer, gluten-free shrimp recipe