As I scrolled through my favorite food blogs, a sudden craving crept up on me—crisp, golden-brown shrimp drizzled in a glossy honey sauce with crunchy walnuts. This irresistible vision inspired me to whip up my own version of Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp. In just 30 minutes, this homemade delight transforms ordinary ingredients into a tantalizing dish that perfectly balances creamy richness and satisfying crunch. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to wow friends at your next gathering. Not only is this recipe customizable for dietary preferences, but it's also a fantastic way to bring a taste of takeout right to your kitchen. Care to join me on this culinary adventure? Let's dive in!
Why is Honey Walnut Shrimp so beloved?
Deliciously Crunchy: This Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp has the perfect texture, featuring a light batter that gives way to succulent shrimp and crunchy walnuts.
Quick to Make: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable Option: Love spice? Add sriracha! Prefer a vegan version? Swap the honey for agave and use an egg replacer. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting dinner or cooking for the family, this dish is sure to impress everyone with its vibrant presentation and enticing aroma.
Balance of Flavors: The harmony of sweet honey, creamy sauce, and a hint of spice creates a truly delightful culinary experience that is beloved by many.
Elevate your home cooking with these special touches, and check out more ideas in our Servings Suggestions section to complement your meal. Enjoy!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Ingredients
• Get ready for a tasty adventure with these key elements for the ultimate Honey Walnut Shrimp!
For the Candied Walnuts
- Walnut Halves – Adds the perfect crunch and sweetness; you can swap with pecans for a different taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the walnuts beautifully; try brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Water – Essential for boiling the walnuts; this ingredient is irreplaceable in the process.
For the Creamy Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the sauce; Greek yogurt works well for a lighter alternative.
- Honey – Delivers that signature sweetness; agave syrup is a great swap for a vegan option.
- Condensed Milk – Contributes to the richness; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a nice hint of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
For the Shrimp
- Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish, choose wild shrimp for the best flavor.
- Egg Whites – Creates a light, airy batter; an egg replacer can be used for a vegan option.
- Cornstarch – Coats shrimp for a crispy texture; arrowroot powder can serve as a substitute.
- Vegetable Oil – Perfect for frying; canola or peanut oil are good alternatives for your frying needs.
Get your shopping list ready and prepare to craft this delectable Honey Walnut Shrimp that will surely delight everyone at your table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet, pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy, as the right temperature is crucial for frying your shrimp to a perfect golden brown. Once heated, the oil should shimmer invitingly, ready for your crispy honey walnut shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the Candied Walnuts
In a pot, bring 1 cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar to a boil. Add in 1 cup of walnut halves and let them boil for about 2 minutes. This quick cooking time will have the walnuts coated in syrup. After boiling, drain the walnuts and spread them on paper towels to dry, ensuring they’ll be nice and crunchy once baked.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of condensed milk, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. This creamy sauce should be silky and well-combined, with the sweetness balanced by just a hint of heat. Set this delicious mixture aside, as it will elevate your honey walnut shrimp.
Step 4: Prepare the Shrimp Batter
In a separate bowl, beat 2 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold in ½ cup of cornstarch to create a light batter. This batter is key to achieving that crispy texture that makes the honey walnut shrimp so irresistible. Make sure the mixture is well combined without overmixing, which can lead to a denser coating.
Step 5: Coat and Fry the Shrimp
Taking your peeled and deveined large shrimp, dip each one into the egg white batter, ensuring they’re well-coated. Carefully place the battered shrimp in the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan for ensuring even frying.
Step 6: Toss the Shrimp with Sauce
Once the shrimp are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate. While they’re still hot, toss them gently with the creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl. This allows the shrimp to be fully coated and ensures that every piece of your honey walnut shrimp is tantalizingly flavorful.
Step 7: Add the Walnuts and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the candied walnuts over the sauced shrimp and give them a gentle toss to distribute evenly. This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness on top of the crispy honey walnut shrimp. Serve the dish hot, and watch as your family and friends dig into this scrumptious, homemade delight!
How to Store and Freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the shrimp crispy, it's best to keep the sauce separate until serving.
Freezer: Cooked honey walnut shrimp (without sauce) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a hot skillet or oven for optimal crispiness.
Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, adding a splash of oil if needed to revive the crispy texture.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the candied walnuts and creamy sauce in advance, refrigerating them separately for up to 2 days. Assemble and fry the shrimp just before serving for the best results.
What to Serve with Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp
Dive into a delightful culinary experience, as you savor each bite of rich, creamy shrimp paired with satisfying textures and flavors.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, jasmine rice adds a fragrant base to balance the dish.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas not only enhances nutrition but also adds crunch and freshness.
Indulge in a vibrant and healthful side that complements the shrimp’s richness with its crisp textures and colorful hues.
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Coconut Sticky Rice: This sweet and chewy counterpart brings a delightful contrast, immersing your palate in tropical bliss alongside the shrimp’s crunch.
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Garlic Noodles: For a fun twist, pair your shrimp with buttery garlic noodles; the savory flavor enhances the sweetness of the dish beautifully.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: A refreshing addition, this salad adds a crisp and cooling element to counter the warmth and richness of the shrimp.
Complete your meal with a glass of sparkling water with lime to cleanse your palate or enjoy a light, fruity dessert like mango sorbet to round off this delightful feast!
Expert Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Fresh is Best: Always use fresh shrimp for optimal flavor; if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and dry to achieve the best results.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Fry shrimp in small batches to keep the oil hot. This prevents sogginess and ensures that each piece gets that perfect crispy texture.
• Sauce Timing: Toss the honey walnut shrimp with the creamy sauce just before serving. This will maintain the desired crunch and prevent the shrimp from getting soggy.
• Don’t Skip the Nuts: The candied walnuts are crucial for texture and flavor. Ensure they’re crisp and ready to enhance the dish!
• Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with spices—add a dash of sriracha if you like heat, or use agave instead of honey for a vegan version of this delicious honey walnut shrimp.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights. You can prepare the candied walnuts and creamy sauce up to 3 days in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their quality. Just before serving, you’ll only need to fry the shrimp, which can be coated in the egg white batter and stored for up to 24 hours in the fridge, covered tightly to avoid drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish, simply fry the shrimp, toss them with the sauce, and garnish with the candied walnuts for that satisfying crunch—just as delicious as if made fresh!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to express your culinary creativity and make this recipe your own!
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Vegan Option: Swap honey for agave syrup and use an egg replacer to create a totally plant-based dish.
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Spicy Kick: Add fresh ginger or a few dashes of sriracha to your creamy sauce for an exciting twist that heats things up!
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Nut-Free Delight: Substitute walnuts with toasted sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative that still offers a satisfying crunch.
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Add More Veggies: Toss in some vibrant broccoli or crunchy sugar snap peas for extra nutrition and beautiful color.
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Crispier Texture: Try using panko breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch to achieve an even crunchier outer layer that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
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Citrusy Explosion: A squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice drizzled over the shrimp will brighten the dish, adding a refreshing zing.
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Deepened Flavor: Infuse your sauce with a splash of hoisin or soy sauce for a richer, deeper flavor that compliments the sweetness beautifully.
By mixing and matching, you can transform this Honey Walnut Shrimp into something uniquely yours. For serving suggestions, consider pairing it with creamy pasta dishes like Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a complete meal! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What are the best walnuts for this recipe?
I recommend using walnut halves for their perfect crunch and sweetness. They give that delightful texture to the Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp! However, if you want a different flavor profile, pecans are a great substitute and will add a unique twist to the dish.
How should I store leftover honey walnut shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain that crispy texture, it’s best to keep the creamy sauce separate until just before serving. This way, your shrimp will stay crunchy and delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I freeze honey walnut shrimp?
Absolutely! Cooked honey walnut shrimp without the sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little oil to help revive that crispy coating.
What if I want to make a vegan version of honey walnut shrimp?
No problem! For a vegan adaptation, swap out the honey for agave syrup and use an egg replacer instead of egg whites in the batter. Also, consider replacing the mayonnaise and condensed milk with coconut cream and a plant-based yogurt, respectively. This way, you can still enjoy a deliciously crispy honey walnut shrimp that's plant-based!
How can I troubleshoot if my shrimp aren’t crispy?
If your shrimp aren’t getting that desired crispy texture, be sure you’re using fresh shrimp—frozen shrimp should be completely thawed and dried beforehand. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying; this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and lead to sogginess. Fry in small batches to ensure each piece gets the golden, crispy goodness we all love!
What spices can I add for more flavor?
If you enjoy a kick, you can add a touch of sriracha or increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. Alternatively, try mixing in fresh ginger or garlic powder to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices to make this dish truly your own!
Honey Walnut Shrimp: Easy Recipe for Crispy Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a deep skillet, pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- In a pot, bring 1 cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar to a boil. Add in 1 cup of walnut halves and let them boil for about 2 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of condensed milk, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold in ½ cup of cornstarch to create a light batter.
- Dip each large shrimp into the egg white batter and fry in small batches for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Once the shrimp are crispy, toss them gently with the creamy sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the sauced shrimp and serve hot.
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