There’s something magical about Honey Walnut Shrimp that makes it the star of any dinner table. Picture this: succulent shrimp, perfectly coated in a sweet, creamy sauce, and topped with crunchy walnuts that add a delightful texture. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a burst of flavor with every bite.
Every time I whip up this dish, I’m transported back to my first taste at a local Chinese restaurant. It was my birthday, and I felt like royalty with each mouthful. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, Honey Walnut Shrimp will have your taste buds dancing and your heart singing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This honey walnut shrimp recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for special occasions
- The flavor is a harmonious blend of sweetness and crunch that everyone will love
- Visually stunning, it brightens up any plate with its golden hues and textures
- Versatile enough to serve over rice or as an appetizer at gatherings
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Large Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience; fresh or frozen works great.
Walnuts: Raw walnuts are ideal; toasting them enhances their flavor and crunch.
Mayonnaise: A smooth base for the sauce that brings out sweetness—choose full-fat for creaminess.
Honey: Opt for pure honey to add natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds richness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness.
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them; nobody likes burnt nuts!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and soy sauce until smooth. You want it creamy yet pourable—think of it as liquid gold!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet over low heat. Pour the sauce over them and toss gently to coat every piece evenly in that luscious mixture. Let it warm through for about 2-3 minutes but be careful not to overcook!
Step 5: Add Walnuts
Finally, add those toasted walnuts into the mix! Fold them in gently so they stay crunchy while distributing their nutty goodness throughout.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer your glorious creation onto serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle some extra sauce on top if you’re feeling fancy!
The perfect finishing touch? Serve it over fluffy white rice or alongside steamed broccoli for color and nutrition!
There you have it! A mouthwatering Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe that’s sure to impress even your most discerning guests—or just yourself after a long day at work! This dish shines bright whether it’s an ordinary Tuesday night or a special celebration—because who doesn’t deserve delicious food every day? Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy shrimp, sweet honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts
- This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a tasty weeknight dinner
- It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by coating the shrimp in cornstarch for that irresistible crunch. While frying the shrimp, prepare your honey sauce. Once the shrimp is golden and crispy, toss them in the sauce and finish with toasted walnuts.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra color and nutrition. You can also swap out walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat to retain its crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly fried shrimp, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding them; this prevents sogginess
- Toss shrimp gently in the sauce to keep them crunchy
- Lastly, serve immediately for the best texture and flavor
Sometimes I whip up Honey Walnut Shrimp when friends visit, and I’ll never forget their faces when they take that first bite—pure joy! It feels great to share something so delicious!
FAQs :
What is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish that features crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and creamy sauce made from honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk. This dish is often garnished with candied walnuts, which add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Served over rice or alongside vegetables, Honey Walnut Shrimp makes for a delicious meal that balances sweetness with savory elements.
How do you make Honey Walnut Shrimp crispy?
To achieve the perfect crispy texture for Honey Walnut Shrimp, start by coating the shrimp in cornstarch before frying. This helps create a crunchy exterior when cooked in hot oil. Additionally, ensure the oil temperature is high enough to fry the shrimp quickly without absorbing excess oil. Frying in small batches also contributes to achieving a nice crispiness.
Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp healthier?
Yes, you can make a healthier version of Honey Walnut Shrimp by using grilled or baked shrimp instead of fried. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce to lower calories while maintaining creaminess. You can also reduce sugar by using less honey or opting for natural sweeteners like agave nectar, allowing you to enjoy this dish with fewer calories.
What can I serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs wonderfully with various sides. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice that complements the sweetness of the dish. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance flavors and textures. For an Asian twist, consider serving it with fried rice or lo mein noodles for a complete meal experience.
Conclusion for Honey Walnut Shrimp :
In summary, Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of crispy shrimp and sweet, creamy sauce topped with crunchy walnuts. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile regarding side dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it on special occasions or as an everyday meal, its rich flavors are sure to please everyone at your table. With simple modifications, you can even create healthier versions without sacrificing taste. Enjoy this beloved dish today!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful fusion of crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy sauce and topped with crunchy walnuts. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge shrimp in cornstarch and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove from skillet.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Return shrimp to the skillet over low heat. Add the sauce and toss gently to coat. Warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Fold in toasted walnuts and serve immediately over rice or with vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
