Honey Walnut Shrimp is a tasty dish with crispy shrimp coated in a sweet honey sauce, topped with crunchy walnuts. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that makes it a favorite!
Every time I make it, I feel like a chef in a fancy restaurant! The best part? It’s pretty easy to whip up, and everyone loves the sweet, nutty crunch. Serve it over rice for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe as they stay juicy and provide a satisfying bite. If you need a substitute, you can use chicken or tofu for a different twist, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Walnuts: These add a delightful crunch and nuttiness. If you don’t have walnuts, pecans or cashews can work as substitutes. They bring a different flavor but still add that essential crunch!
Mayonnaise: It gives the honey sauce a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise. This keeps the flavor while catering to different dietary needs.
Honey: For a replaceable sweetener, agave syrup works well. If you prefer a sugar-free version, try using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
Lemon juice: This adds brightness to the sauce. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) can give a similar tang.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch on Your Shrimp?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is key to a great Honey Walnut Shrimp. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Start by thoroughly drying the peeled shrimp to remove excess moisture. This ensures the cornstarch adheres well.
- Coat the shrimp evenly with cornstarch. Don’t rush this step; make sure each piece is nicely covered.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough—test it by dropping a piece of cornstarch in. If it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Fry in small batches, so the temperature of the oil doesn’t drop too much. This maintains that crunch.
- Drain on paper towels right after frying to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
With these tips, you’ll make deliciously crunchy shrimp that will delight your taste buds every time!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating shrimp)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk (or sweetened condensed milk)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying shrimp)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making Honey Walnut Shrimp will take you about 30 minutes in total. This includes around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick dish that delivers big on flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Walnuts:
Start by toasting the walnuts. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep stirring them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they smell nice and are slightly browned. This step enhances their flavor. Once done, take them out of the pan and set them aside.
2. Butter Up the Walnuts:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the toasted walnuts back into the skillet and sauté them for 1-2 minutes, coating them well in the buttery goodness. Once they are coated, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
3. Get the Shrimp Ready:
Now, it’s time to prepare the shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. Take the cornstarch and coat each shrimp evenly, shaking off any excess cornstarch to ensure it won’t clump when frying.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
In a large pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of cornstarch in; it should sizzle), fry the shrimp in batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, take them out and drain them on paper towels.
5. Make the Honey Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice or rice vinegar. Stir until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. This is the magic that will tie everything together!
6. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
Take the fried shrimp and gently toss them in the honey sauce until they are well-coated. Be careful not to break the shrimp as you mix them in!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to plate up! Place the honey-coated shrimp over a bed of cooked white rice. Top everything with the sautéed walnuts and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for some fresh color and flavor. Dive in and enjoy your delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to completely thaw them before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Can I Prepare the Honey Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the honey sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using as it may thicken a bit while chilling.
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Store any leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook the shrimp.
What Can I Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or fried rice. You could also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal or a fresh side salad for some crunch and freshness.
