Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that dances tantalizingly on your taste buds, marrying the crunch of golden-brown shrimp with sweet, sticky honey and toasted walnuts. This delightful medley is perfect for those moments when you want to impress guests or simply indulge in a bit of culinary luxury at home.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you whip up this creamy, dreamy dish. It’s like a warm hug from an old friend, bringing back memories of family gatherings and celebrations. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, Honey Walnut Shrimp never fails to deliver unforgettable flavors and smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Honey Walnut Shrimp combines simplicity with gourmet flair, making it easy for anyone to master
- The exquisite balance of sweet and savory will leave your taste buds singing
- Visually stunning with its glossy sauce and crunchy walnuts, it’s sure to impress on any dinner table
- Perfect for both weeknight dinners and fancy occasions, this dish is versatile enough for any gathering
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use large, fresh or frozen shrimp; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add that crucial crunch; you can roast them yourself or buy pre-toasted ones.
Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise provides creaminess; you can use light mayo if you’re counting calories.
Honey: Use pure honey for the best flavor; its natural sweetness elevates the dish.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: A touch of this adds richness; don’t skip it if you want that authentic taste.
For the Sauce:
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the savory notes without overpowering the sweetness.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors; use it sparingly to keep the balance.
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 Your Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that crispy texture when cooked.
Step 2: Toss with Cornstarch
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This magical ingredient will help form a crispy exterior when fried.
Step 3: Fry Those Shrimp
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the shrimp in batches. Fry until they turn golden brown—about two minutes per side. Remove them and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust sweetness according to your preference; remember, balance is key!
Step 5: Incorporate Walnuts
Add toasted walnuts into the sauce mixture and stir well so they’re completely coated in that creamy goodness.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Finally, gently fold in the fried shrimp into the sauce. Make sure every shrimp gets a luscious coating before serving.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about all those happy moments tied to this delightful Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe!
You Must Know
- This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe combines crispy shrimp with a sweet and creamy sauce, creating a delightful dish that impresses everyone
- It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet fancy enough for entertaining
- Prepare to be the star of your next dinner party!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by coating the shrimp in cornstarch and frying until golden and crispy. While they cool, prepare the honey sauce and toast walnuts. Finally, combine everything and serve over rice or greens for a delicious finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans or cashews for a different crunch. You can also mix in some sautéed bell peppers or broccoli for added color and nutrition. Don’t hesitate to play with spice levels by adding a hint of chili sauce!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring the shrimp retains its crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this prevents sogginess
- Always coat shrimp evenly for that crunchy texture everyone loves
- Lastly, add the sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant
Sometimes I whip up this Honey Walnut Shrimp when I have friends over, and their jaws hit the floor every time! It’s always fun to see them devour it like it’s the last meal on Earth.
FAQs :
What is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a sweet and creamy sauce made from honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk. The dish is typically garnished with caramelized walnuts, which add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. It’s often served over rice or alongside vegetables, making it a delightful choice for any meal.
How do I make the sauce for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
To make the sauce for Honey Walnut Shrimp, combine mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and honey in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired. This rich sauce coats the crispy shrimp perfectly, enhancing their flavor while providing a delightful contrast to the crunch of the walnuts.
Can I use other nuts in Honey Walnut Shrimp?
While walnuts are traditional in Honey Walnut Shrimp, you can experiment with other nuts if you prefer. Almonds or pecans can be great substitutes. Keep in mind that they will alter the dish’s flavor profile slightly. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the dish can enhance their taste and provide an additional layer of crunch.
What side dishes pair well with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Steamed jasmine rice is classic, as it balances the dish’s sweetness. You might also consider serving it with sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad to add some freshness and crunch. These sides complement the rich flavors of the shrimp without overpowering them.
Conclusion for Honey Walnut Shrimp :
Honey Walnut Shrimp is an exquisite dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a rich, sweet sauce and crunchy walnuts. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes it a favorite among seafood lovers. By following simple steps to prepare both the shrimp and sauce, anyone can create this delightful meal at home. Pair it with your choice of sides for an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Chinese-American cuisine. Enjoy exploring this delicious recipe!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delectable fusion of crispy fried shrimp, a rich creamy honey sauce, and crunchy toasted walnuts. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether served over rice or alongside vegetables, it’s an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup pure honey
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Toss shrimp in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Stir in toasted walnuts to coat them in the sauce.
- Gently fold fried shrimp into the sauce until well-coated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 200g
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
