Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious dish that features crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy sauce with crunchy walnuts. It’s a tasty blend of textures and flavors that everyone loves!
This dish always puts a smile on my face! I love serving it over a bed of rice for a fun twist. Plus, who can resist those sweet, candied walnuts? They’re the cherry on top! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe as they provide a nice bite and hold up well during frying. If you need a substitution, consider using chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Walnuts: The walnuts add a crunchy texture that’s irresistible. If you’re allergic, try pecans or cashews instead. They will give a similar feel to the dish!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute it with Greek yogurt. It’s just as delicious and a bit healthier!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives a rich sweetness to the sauce. If you want to go dairy-free, look for coconut cream or a plant-based condensed milk as alternatives.
Cornstarch: This is used for coating the shrimp to achieve crispiness. If you don’t have it, potato starch or regular flour can work in a pinch, though the texture may vary slightly.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Fried Shrimp?
Getting your shrimp crispy is all about the coating and frying technique. Here’s how to do it:
- First, make sure your shrimp are completely dry before coating them. Pat them with a paper towel.
- Whisk the egg white until it’s frothy; this helps the cornstarch stick better.
- Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch thoroughly, shaking off any excess. This step is what gives the shrimp that crunchy coating!
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. If it’s too cool, the shrimp will absorb oil and become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and get that golden color.
- Once fried, let the shrimp drain on paper towels to remove extra oil.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown shrimp every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Serving:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Fresh mint or parsley leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes to make this tasty dish. This includes around 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. Then, you can enjoy the delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts:
First, grab a small saucepan and place it over low heat. Add the walnuts and toast them for about 2-3 minutes until they smell wonderful. Once toasted, take them off the heat and toss them with 1 tablespoon of honey. Spread the walnuts on parchment paper to cool—they’ll get nice and crunchy!
2. Make the Honey Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey, and lemon juice. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your yummy sauce!
3. Coat the Shrimp:
In a clean bowl, whisk the egg white until it’s foamy. Take each shrimp and dip it into the egg white. Then, coat it thoroughly with cornstarch, making sure it’s well covered. This will help achieve that delightful crunch!
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Now, heat up some vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove them carefully and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
5. Toss the Shrimp in Sauce:
Gently toss the crispy shrimp in the honey sauce until they’re well-coated. This is where the magic happens!
6. Serve It Up:
Place some cooked white rice on serving plates. Spoon your sauced shrimp over the rice and sprinkle the candied walnuts on top.
7. Garnish and Enjoy!
Finish off your dish by garnishing with fresh mint or parsley leaves. If you like, you can also add chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, crunchy, and creamy goodness of Honey Walnut Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. For quick thawing, place the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave them for a quick meal.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want to add some heat, consider sprinkling in a bit of red pepper flakes or adding a dash of sriracha to the honey sauce. Adjust it to your taste for a zingy kick!
How Do I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make it a bit lighter, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Simply coat them as instructed, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
