Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Crispy, Sweet & Savory Delight

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its irresistible combination of crispy fried shrimp, candied walnuts, and a creamy, sweet sauce. This recipe provides a detailed guide to making this restaurant-quality dish at home, ensuring perfectly cooked shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and a balanced, flavorful sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable treat!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe focuses on achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance: crispy shrimp that stay crispy even after being coated in sauce, crunchy candied walnuts that aren’t overly sweet, and a sauce that complements the shrimp and walnuts without being overpowering. The secret lies in careful attention to each component: properly preparing the shrimp, using the right frying technique, and creating a sauce with the ideal sweetness and tang.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp:

For the Shrimp:

* **1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined:** Use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
* **1/2 cup cornstarch:** Cornstarch is crucial for achieving that light, crispy coating.
* **1/4 cup all-purpose flour:** Adds a little extra structure to the coating.
* **1 teaspoon baking powder:** Helps the shrimp become extra crispy.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Seasons the shrimp and coating.
* **1/4 teaspoon white pepper:** Adds a subtle warmth.
* **1 large egg, lightly beaten:** Acts as a binder for the coating.
* **1/4 cup water:** Helps create a smooth batter.
* **Vegetable oil, for frying:** Canola or peanut oil also work well. Use an oil with a high smoke point.

For the Candied Walnuts:

* **1 cup walnut halves:** Use fresh walnuts for the best flavor and texture.
* **1/4 cup sugar:** Granulated sugar provides the sweetness.
* **2 tablespoons water:** Helps the sugar dissolve and coat the walnuts.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

For the Honey Sauce:

* **1/2 cup mayonnaise:** Full-fat mayonnaise provides the creaminess and richness.
* **2 tablespoons honey:** Adds sweetness and a distinct honey flavor.
* **1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk:** Contributes to the sweetness and adds a smooth texture.
* **1 tablespoon lemon juice:** Provides acidity and balances the sweetness.

Optional Garnishes:

* **Toasted sesame seeds:** Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
* **Chopped green onions:** Provides a fresh, slightly pungent flavor and a pop of color.

Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment for this recipe:

* **Mixing bowls:** For preparing the shrimp batter, candied walnuts, and honey sauce.
* **Whisk:** For combining the ingredients for the batter and sauce.
* **Large skillet or wok:** For frying the shrimp.
* **Slotted spoon or spider:** For removing the shrimp from the oil.
* **Paper towels:** For draining the fried shrimp.
* **Candy thermometer (optional):** For ensuring the sugar syrup for the walnuts reaches the correct temperature.
* **Baking sheet lined with parchment paper:** For spreading out the candied walnuts to cool.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. **Pat the shrimp dry:** Thoroughly dry the shrimp with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy coating. Excess moisture will prevent the batter from adhering properly.
2. **Make the batter:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and white pepper.
3. **Add wet ingredients:** In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the water and whisk to combine.
4. **Combine wet and dry:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher coating.
5. **Coat the shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the batter and toss to coat evenly. Ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated.

Step 2: Make the Candied Walnuts

1. **Combine ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the walnut halves, sugar, water, and salt.
2. **Cook the mixture:** Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
3. **Continue cooking:** Continue cooking, without stirring, until the syrup turns a light golden brown color and the walnuts are coated. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using a candy thermometer, aim for a temperature of 300-310°F (149-154°C).
4. **Spread out the walnuts:** Immediately transfer the candied walnuts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. Let them cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Honey Sauce

1. **Combine ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
2. **Taste and adjust:** Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce or more lemon juice for a tangier sauce.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

1. **Heat the oil:** Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into it. If the batter sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. **Fry the shrimp in batches:** Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
3. **Fry until golden brown:** Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. **Drain the shrimp:** Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. **Combine shrimp and sauce:** In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce until they are evenly coated.
2. **Add the walnuts:** Add the candied walnuts to the bowl and gently toss to combine.
3. **Serve immediately:** Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for Success

* **Use fresh, high-quality shrimp:** The quality of the shrimp will directly impact the taste and texture of the dish. Look for shrimp that are firm, plump, and have a fresh, clean smell.
* **Thoroughly dry the shrimp:** As mentioned earlier, drying the shrimp is crucial for achieving a crispy coating. Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry before coating them in the batter.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying:** Frying the shrimp in batches ensures that the oil temperature remains consistent, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy shrimp.
* **Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the sauce to your liking:** The honey sauce is easily customizable. Adjust the amount of honey and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
* **Serve immediately:** Honey Walnut Shrimp is best served immediately after it’s made. The longer it sits, the softer the shrimp will become.
* **Toasting the Walnuts:** Toasting the walnuts before candying them adds more depth of flavor. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
* **Consider adding a touch of orange zest to the walnuts** for a bright citrusy note.
* **For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper** or a dash of Sriracha to the honey sauce.

Variations

* **Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Sriracha to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Coconut Shrimp:** Substitute the cornstarch and flour in the batter with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
* **Shrimp Tempura:** Use a tempura batter instead of the cornstarch-based batter for a lighter and crispier coating.
* **Honey Walnut Chicken:** Substitute the shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken for a different protein option.
* **Vegan Honey Walnut “Shrimp”:** Use tofu or plant-based shrimp alternatives. Press tofu to remove excess moisture and then coat and fry as directed in the original recipe. Ensure the vegan alternatives are suitable for frying.
* **Air Fryer Method:** You can air fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying for a healthier alternative. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the battered shrimp lightly with oil and air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Walnut Shrimp is delicious served as an appetizer or a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Serve over steamed rice:** A classic pairing that allows the flavors of the shrimp and sauce to shine.
* **Serve with stir-fried vegetables:** Add some colorful and nutritious stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, for a complete meal.
* **Serve as part of a Chinese-inspired buffet:** Include Honey Walnut Shrimp alongside other popular dishes, such as General Tso’s Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, and Lo Mein.
* **Serve as an appetizer:** Present the shrimp on a platter with dipping sauces for a delightful appetizer.
* **Serve with Noodles:** Lo mein or chow mein noodles work very well as a base, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. You can toss the noodles with a light sauce of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of rice vinegar.

Make Ahead

While Honey Walnut Shrimp is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time:

* **Candied Walnuts:** The candied walnuts can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
* **Honey Sauce:** The honey sauce can also be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Shrimp Preparation:** You can peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. However, do not batter the shrimp until just before frying, as the batter will become soggy.

Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Reheating:** The shrimp will lose some of its crispness when reheated. To reheat, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be aware that it will become even softer. For best results, it’s recommended to consume it fresh.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress. With its crispy shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and sweet and savory sauce, it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures. By following this detailed recipe, you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Enjoy!