This Honey Walnut Shrimp is a tasty dish that’s sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-fresh! Juicy shrimp are coated in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy walnuts. Yum!
I can’t resist the mix of textures – the crunchy walnuts paired with tender shrimp is a delight! Serve this over rice for a meal that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works too. Just be sure to thaw it properly. If shrimp isn’t available, you can use chicken or tofu for a different twist!
Walnuts: Walnuts give that lovely crunch, but if you need an alternative, pecans or cashews can substitute nicely. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking!
Honey: If you’re avoiding honey, agave syrup or maple syrup will give a similar sweetness. Honey also adds a unique flavor, so keep that in mind!
Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It adds creaminess with less fat and a bit of tang.
How Can You Make the Perfect Candied Walnuts?
Candied walnuts are a highlight in this dish! Here’s how to make them perfectly:
- Toast the walnuts first. This enhances their flavor and makes them crunchier.
- When adding sugar and honey, make sure to stir continuously until it’s fully dissolved to prevent burning.
- Spread the toasted walnuts on parchment paper right after coating to let them cool and harden without sticking together.
What’s the Secret to Crispy Fried Shrimp?
Getting that perfect crispiness on the shrimp is all about preparation:
- First, coat the shrimp in egg whites before dredging them in the cornstarch mixture; this helps the coating stick better.
- Heating the oil to the right temperature is crucial (350°F or 175°C); too low and they absorb oil, too high and they burn.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
These tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying Honey Walnut Shrimp that is sure to please! Enjoy your cooking!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Estimated Time:
This delightful dish will take around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. With a little multitasking, you can have this scrumptious Honey Walnut Shrimp ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts:
Start by toasting the walnuts. In a small pan, heat the walnuts over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until they smell nice and fragrant. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Once toasted, take them off the heat.
2. Candy the Walnuts:
In a small saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of sugar with a splash of water. Heat until the sugar melts and the mixture is smooth. Add the toasted walnuts, stirring to coat them well. Then, spread the walnuts out on parchment paper to cool and harden. These will add a lovely crunch!
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, the remaining honey, and sweetened condensed milk. This will create your creamy sauce—set it aside for now!
4. Prepare the Shrimp Coating:
In a different bowl, beat the egg whites until they are nice and foamy. In another bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, and salt. This will be the coating for the shrimp!
5. Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp into the foamy egg whites first, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge them in the cornstarch-flour mixture, making sure they are fully coated. This will help create that perfect crispy texture!
6. Fry the Shrimp:
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated shrimp in batches, frying them for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Toss in the Saucy Goodness:
Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them gently in the creamy sauce until they’re evenly coated. It’s going to look heavenly!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Plate your beautifully sauced shrimp and sprinkle the candied walnuts on top. Add some sliced green onions for a fresh kick, and garnish with lemon slices for visual appeal. Serve immediately, preferably over a bed of steamed rice!
Enjoy your perfectly crispy, sweet, and creamy Honey Walnut Shrimp! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them fully before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight or quickly submerge them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before coating!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before using, as some separation may occur. This will save you time on cooking day!
What Should I Do with Leftover Shrimp?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to avoid making the shrimp tough. You can also add a little extra cream or sauce to refresh the dish.
Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
Definitely! You can use less sugar in the candied walnuts or omit them entirely for a healthier version. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce for a lighter alternative without losing creaminess!