Sweet Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish combining crispy shrimp with a sweet, creamy sauce and crunchy walnuts. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes for a satisfying appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp until golden and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix honey and mayonnaise until smooth. Toss the fried shrimp with this sauce and add the walnuts. Mix gently to combine.
- Step 3: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the walnuts lightly for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy note.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness and add the sauce just before serving to keep the texture fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before frying to get the best crispy texture.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, baking the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes can be a healthier alternative, but frying gives a crispier result that complements the creamy sauce well.
PrintSweet Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet honey mayonnaise sauce, garnished with candied walnuts for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Walnuts
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare Candied Walnuts: In a small pan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar caramelizes and coats the walnuts, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and spread the walnuts on parchment paper to cool and harden.
- Fry Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). Coat each shrimp evenly with cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Honey Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Shrimp with Sauce and Walnuts: Place the fried shrimp into a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey mayonnaise sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat evenly. Add the cooled candied walnuts and toss lightly again.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving plate immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the shrimp and the crunch of the walnuts.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the shrimp in cornstarch before frying.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- Serve this dish immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the shrimp and candied walnuts.
- If desired, add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a brighter flavor.
- Use fresh shrimp and make sure they are thoroughly dried before coating to avoid oil splatter during frying.
Keywords: Honey Walnut Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, Chinese-American Recipe, Honey Mayonnaise Sauce, Candied Walnuts
