If you have a craving for something sweet, crunchy, and downright delicious, this Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines crispy fried shrimp tossed in a luscious honey-mayo sauce with the irresistible crunch of candied walnuts. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds and impressing any guests you serve it to. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, the recipe is straightforward enough to fit any schedule while still delivering big on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredient list. Each component plays an essential role, from the plump shrimp that provide juicy bites to the candied walnuts that add a caramelized crunch. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy in the sauce brings everything together beautifully.
- Jumbo shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for easy preparation and perfect cooking.
- Egg whites (4): Used as a light coating to help the cornstarch stick to the shrimp.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle hint of warmth and spice to the coating.
- Cornstarch (⅔ cup): Creates the crispy exterior; potato, tapioca, or sweet rice flour are great alternatives.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup): For frying, ensuring the shrimp get golden and crunchy.
- Japanese mayo (¼ cup): Or regular mayo for a creamy base in the sauce.
- Sweetened condensed milk (3 tbsp): Adds luscious sweetness and richness; coconut condensed milk works well too.
- Honey (2 tbsp): The star sweetener that ties the sauce and walnuts together.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Provides bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Walnut halves (½ cup): Candied to create that addictive crunch and a nutty flavor boost.
- Granulated sugar (3 tbsp): Or brown sugar, for making the candied walnuts.
- Cold water (1 tbsp): Helps dissolve the sugar when making the walnut coating.
- Green onion (1): Finely chopped for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Make Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Candy the Walnuts
Start by caramelizing the walnuts to achieve their signature sweet crunch. Heat the sugar and cold water in a small pan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture becomes bubbly and syrupy. Add in the walnut halves and toss them around to coat each piece evenly in this sticky sweetness. Once coated, spread the walnuts out on parchment paper and let them cool completely. This step transforms simple walnuts into bite-sized bursts of caramelized delight that complement the shrimp perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare and Fry the Shrimp
Whisk the egg whites with salt and black pepper in a bowl until combined. Coat the peeled and deveined shrimp in cornstarch, then dip each piece into the egg white mixture to ensure a light but crispy exterior. Heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the shrimp in batches until they turn golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Draining them on paper towels afterward will keep the shrimp crisp and free of excess oil. The result is a perfectly crunchy shrimp ready to be coated in that dreamy honey sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Honey Sauce
In a clean bowl, mix together the Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This sauce is where all the creamy sweetness and tang come together, perfectly coating the crispy shrimp. The balance of flavors here is so comforting and satisfying, it will quickly become your favorite part of the Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Toss the fried shrimp gently in the honey sauce until each piece is evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the candied walnuts and the finely chopped green onions on top for a burst of color, texture, and fresh flavor. Serve immediately for the best contrast between crispy shrimp and crunchy nuts with that luscious, creamy sauce binding everything in pure harmony.
How to Serve Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion bite that cuts through the richness, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a light dusting of chili flakes can add an extra dimension of flavor. These finishing touches not only look beautiful but also heighten the eating experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed broccoli to keep things light and balanced. A side of sautéed bok choy or crisp snap peas would add freshness and a welcome crunch, complementing the shrimp’s smooth, sweet sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special meal, try serving the shrimp on a bed of mixed greens or inside lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld treat. You can also arrange each shrimp skewer-style with alternating candied walnuts and finish each skewer with a drizzle of the honey sauce for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the shrimp crispy and prevents the sauce from making them soggy, so you can enjoy them tasting almost as good as fresh the next day.
Freezing
While the shrimp fry best fresh, you can freeze plain cooked shrimp (without sauce or nuts) in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and toss with freshly made sauce and walnuts.
Reheating
To reheat, warm shrimp gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispness, or use an air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Add the sauce and candied walnuts just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be candied and used as a substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delicious crunchy element.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative like tapioca or sweet rice flour, both of which will still deliver that perfect crispy coating.
Can I prepare the candied walnuts ahead of time?
Yes, the candied walnuts can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and ready to go.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or even a small amount of evaporated milk mixed with sugar, but the original flavor and richness might vary slightly.
How spicy is this dish?
This Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is sweet and mildly tangy with no inherent spiciness, but you can easily add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is a sensational dish that brings together a perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess with minimal effort. It’s truly one of those recipes that feels special yet is refreshingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or craving something indulgent on a busy day, this recipe is bound to bring pure joy to your table. Give it a try – I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite!
Print
Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe features crispy fried jumbo shrimp coated in a luscious honey-mayo sauce, topped with crunchy homemade candied walnuts and fresh green onions. A perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with a delightful crunch, ideal as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 egg whites
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅔ cup cornstarch (or potato/tapioca/sweet rice flour)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce
- ¼ cup Japanese mayo (or regular mayo)
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup walnut halves
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp cold water
Garnish
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- Candied Walnuts: Heat the granulated sugar and cold water in a small pan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar mixture becomes bubbly. Add the walnut halves and stir quickly to coat them evenly with the caramelized sugar. Immediately spread the walnuts on parchment paper in a single layer and let them cool completely to harden.
- Prepare Shrimp: In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites, salt, and black pepper until frothy. Toss the shrimp in cornstarch thoroughly, then dip each shrimp into the egg white mixture, coating well. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pan or skillet. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Toss and Serve: Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and toss gently with the prepared sauce to coat each shrimp evenly. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle the cooled candied walnuts on top, and garnish with finely chopped green onions. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh jumbo shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F for crispy shrimp.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut condensed milk and vegan mayo.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Make sure the walnuts are spread out while cooling to prevent sticking.
- This dish is best served immediately to retain the shrimp’s crispiness.
