Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish

Honey walnut shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the crunchiness of walnuts and the tenderness of shrimp. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just when you want to treat yourself to something delicious. Follow this easy-to-read guide to make a perfect honey walnut shrimp that will impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make honey walnut shrimp:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Candied Walnuts:

• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Honey Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts

1. Boil the Water and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Add the Walnuts: Add the walnuts to the boiling sugar water. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the walnuts are coated with the syrup.
3. Dry the Walnuts: Remove the walnuts from the syrup with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and dry.

Step 2: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Coat the Shrimp: Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, then dip them in the beaten eggs, making sure each shrimp is well-coated.
3. Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Honey Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Mix the Shrimp with the Sauce: Toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce until they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Combine Shrimp and Walnuts: Place the coated shrimp on a serving platter and sprinkle the candied walnuts on top.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the honey walnut shrimp immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give you the best taste and texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the shrimp greasy.
• Serve Hot: This dish is best served hot and fresh to maintain the crispiness of the shrimp.

FAQs

What type of shrimp should I use?

Large, fresh shrimp are ideal for this recipe. You can also use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer.

What Can I Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Honey walnut shrimp pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.

Is There a Substitute for Sweetened Condensed Milk?

You can use regular milk with a little sugar as an alternative, but the taste may be slightly different.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight box in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the candied walnuts and sauce ahead of time, but fry the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is gluten-free as long as the cornstarch you use is certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Honey walnut shrimp is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in perfect harmony. With this simple recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home and impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious treat and happy cooking!