I’ve got to tell you about this Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe—it’s honestly a game changer for weeknight dinners. Envision this: crispy shrimp, sweet candied walnuts, and a creamy sauce that’s just, well, divine. Trust me, the first time I made it, I felt like a total kitchen rock star—and then I realized I’d forgotten the salt, but let’s keep that between us. Curious how to whip this up? Stick around; you won’t want to miss it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it transforms ordinary shrimp into a dish that feels fancy yet is surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
I mean, who doesn’t want to impress friends with honey walnut shrimp? The crispy texture and sweet, creamy sauce make this dish a total crowd-pleaser.
When I first tried making it, I thought I’d mess it up—let’s be honest, cooking can be nerve-wracking. But it turned out beautifully!
The candied walnuts add that perfect crunch, and the shrimp are so juicy you might just forget they were once swimming.
Trust me, once you serve this, everyone will think you’re a restaurant-quality chef.
Equipment List
Let’s talk about the gear you’ll need to create this delightful honey walnut shrimp. First up, grab a good-sized frying pan or deep fryer—trust me, you want that crispy goodness.
A mixing bowl for whisking the egg whites is essential, too. You’ll need a sturdy spatula or tongs for flipping the shrimp, and don’t forget a slotted spoon for retrieving those heavenly bites from the oil.
A candy thermometer will help you nail that perfect frying temperature, which is vital.
Oh, and a baking sheet lined with paper towels works great for draining. I once used a plate, and let’s just say, it was a total mess.
Additionally, having quality cooking equipment can significantly enhance your culinary results. Anyway, with the right gear, you’re all set for success.
Our Ingredients
When it comes to whipping up a delicious batch of Honey Walnut Shrimp, gathering the right ingredients is key. Trust me, nothing’s worse than being halfway through cooking only to realize you’re missing something essential or substitute your way into a culinary catastrophe.
So, let’s get together all the good stuff to create a dish that’s rich, sweet, and absolutely drool-worthy.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb large peeled, deveined shrimp
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2/3 cup cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional spices (like paprika or garlic powder) for a little extra kick
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Green onions for a lovely garnish
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. Fresh shrimp are your star here, so be sure to pick good-quality, large ones—don’t skimp.
The mayo, honey, and sweetened condensed milk form that creamy sauce that envelopes your shrimp in deliciousness. Oh, and those candied walnuts? They give a sweet crunch that takes everything to the next level.
If you’re feeling adventurous (and want to show off a bit), butterfly the shrimp before you batter them. This adds extra surface area for crispiness and helps that sauce cling on for dear life. No one wants their sauce sliding off into oblivion, right?
And don’t forget, you can play around with the optional spices to make it your own. Happy cooking, friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful journey that brings together flavors of creamy sweetness and crispy texture—perfect for impressing your family or friends. Don’t worry, the steps are super easy to follow! Let’s get into this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone begging for your secret.
1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or white vinegar). Stir until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. Take a moment to taste it—it’s pretty heavenly, right? Set the sauce aside for later.
2. Candy the Walnuts: Grab a small saucepan and combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add in 1/2 cup walnuts. Cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely coated and looking like little jewels.
Once done, pour the walnuts onto a piece of parchment paper to cool. Just a tip—don’t try to taste them right away; they’re like tiny molten lava rocks.
3. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk 4 egg whites until they’re foamy. This shouldn’t take too long—maybe 2 minutes. Now, fold in 2/3 cup cornstarch, and sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and any optional spices you fancy (think paprika or garlic powder).
Mix until everything’s combined, but don’t overdo it; a few lumps can add character.
4. Prepare the Shrimp: Take your 1 pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp (really, use the good stuff) and season them with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, butterfly them for extra surface area. Trust me, it makes a difference—the sauce clings better, and who doesn’t love that?
5. Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, making sure they’re fully coated. Shake off any excess before moving to the next step—too much batter will just be sad when frying.
6. Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to around 350-375°F. When the oil is hot (you can test it with a small drop of batter—it should sizzle right away), carefully add the shrimp in batches.
Fry them for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You know you’ve hit the jackpot when they’re beautifully golden. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil.
7. Toss it Together: Now, in a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp with your delicious sauce from Step 1. Gently toss the shrimp, coating them fully but being careful not to break them.
Add the cooled, candied walnuts from Step 2, and toss a bit more—that sweet crunch is about to rock your world.
8. Serve and Garnish: Finally, serve your Honey Walnut Shrimp on a platter, garnished with chopped green onions for that pop of color and flavor.
And voilà! You’ve just created a stunning dish that looks restaurant-worthy on your dinner table. Make sure to elevate your cooking experience with premium seafood cooking equipment that can help you achieve the best results.
Enjoy your culinary creation! And don’t be surprised if you get requests for seconds. Who could resist such a delightful combination?
Tips & Variations
While I love the classic Honey Walnut Shrimp, there are so many fun ways to mix things up and make this dish your own.
You can easily add a kick by tossing in some chili flakes or cayenne to the batter. I’ve even swapped out walnuts for pecans when I’m feeling adventurous.
If you want a lighter version, try baking the shrimp instead of frying—though I’ve to admit, my frying game needs a little work. Ever see a shrimp leap out of the oil? Yeah.
Instead of mayo, Greek yogurt can add a tangy twist to the sauce. Oh, and don’t forget to butterfly your shrimp for extra crispiness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
How to Serve?
Serving Honey Walnut Shrimp can feel like an art form, and trust me, I’m no Picasso in the kitchen. To impress your guests, I like to arrange the shrimp on a large platter, creating an inviting centerpiece.
Drizzle the extra sauce over the shrimp—it adds a glossy touch that looks fancy. Scatter those candied walnuts around for crunch and garnish with chopped green onions for that pop of color. You can even pair it with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed broccoli to balance the dish.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab some chopsticks; it makes for a fun experience, and who doesn’t love a little culinary adventure?
Just remember, presentation is key, and we eat with our eyes first.
Storage & Reheating Guide
Even though I wish I could say Honey Walnut Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, sometimes life gets in the way, and leftovers happen.
If you find yourself with some delicious shrimp to store, pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about three days. Just remember, the longer it’s in there, the less crispy it gets—sad but true.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F, place the shrimp on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain some crispiness. It’s always a good idea to have an essential measuring spoon set to ensure your ingredients are accurately measured.
Microwaving? Well, that’s a gamble. It could end up soggy. But hey, even soggy shrimp can taste good if you’re hungry enough, right?
Final Thoughts
Storing leftovers isn’t the most exciting part of cooking, but let’s face it—sometimes, we’ve got more shrimp than we can eat in one sitting. I know I do.
The good news is, Honey Walnut Shrimp reheats surprisingly well, but I can never quite get the crispiness back. Do I want to risk a soggy shrimp? Not really.
Instead, I savor those leftovers cold, maybe on a salad. Trust me, it’s a delightful twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even wrap them in rice paper and make spring rolls. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it?
No matter how you enjoy your Honey Walnut Shrimp, remember it’s meant to be relished. So grab a fork, and dig in—who’s judging?