If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, crunch, and tender seafood, I can’t recommend this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe enough. It’s a beloved classic that delivers crispy fried shrimp coated in a luscious honey sauce and topped with beautifully candied walnuts. Whether you’re recreating a takeout favorite or just want to impress guests with something special, the harmony of flavors and textures here will make this dish an instant go-to in your kitchen.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe plays a vital role. From the crispiness of the shrimp to the sticky-sweet walnuts and the creamy honey sauce, each component contributes to making this dish a spectacular combination of taste, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll gather:

Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein that gets a perfect crispy coating when fried.
Walnuts (1/2 cup): These get candied to add crunch and a nutty sweetness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Water (1/2 cup): Used in candying the walnuts to achieve that glossy, hardened finish.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and caramelizes the walnuts, as well as flavors the honey sauce.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Essential for creating that irresistibly crispy coating on the shrimp.
Egg whites (2): Lightly whipped to help the cornstarch adhere to the shrimp for crispiness.
Vegetable oil: Needed for frying to golden perfection (about 2 to 3 inches deep).
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Forms the creamy base of the honey sauce.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness and sticky richness in the sauce.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce a velvety texture with a subtle milky sweetness.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the sauce with a hint of citrus balance.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Candy the Walnuts

Begin by bringing water and sugar to a rolling boil in a small saucepan. Adding walnuts to this mixture and letting them boil for just a couple of minutes transforms them into glossy, sweet, and hardened delights. Using a slotted spoon, remove and place them on parchment paper to dry. This step creates the ultra-crunchy, sweet walnuts that make this dish unforgettable.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Coating

Whisk your egg whites until they become frothy and light. Toss the shrimp gently in this mixture to help the cornstarch stick perfectly. Then, dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch, shaking off the excess. This technique gives the shrimp that desirable crisp exterior once fried.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil but keep all that crunch and flavor locked in.

Step 4: Whisk the Honey Sauce

Combine mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is what ties all the elements of the dish together with sweet, tangy, and creamy notes.

Step 5: Toss and Assemble

Finally, toss the crispy shrimp in the honey sauce until evenly coated. Plate immediately, then sprinkle the candied walnuts on top. Serve right away for the best experience — the contrast of textures and flavors will delight your palate.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle some finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the dish. A few lemon wedges on the side not only brighten the plate but offer an optional zesty twist for those who want to add a little citrus kick.

Side Dishes

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of that scrumptious honey sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or alongside crisp lettuce cups for a fun handheld option. Light stir-fried vegetables such as snow peas or bok choy make a balanced and vibrant meal complementing the rich shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve the shrimp nestled in butter lettuce cups topped with a drizzle of extra sauce and candied walnuts for a lovely bite-sized appetizer. Alternatively, plate the shrimp elegantly over a mound of greens or on a sleek white platter for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp and walnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the shrimp retains its coating, reheating is best done carefully to maintain crispness. Avoid leaving the shrimp sitting in the sauce to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately (without sauce) for up to one month, the texture after thawing may be less crisp. For best results, freeze the shrimp before frying and fry directly from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is by warming it in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes, which helps re-crisp the coating without drying out the shrimp. Avoid microwaving since it tends to make the shrimp soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! While walnuts provide a classic flavor and crunch, you can substitute pecans or macadamia nuts for a delicious twist. Just follow the same candying process for best results.

Is there a healthier way to make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe?

Yes! Instead of deep frying, you can air-fry or bake the shrimp to cut down on oil while still achieving a crispy texture. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and proceed with the sauce and walnuts as usual.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely. The honey sauce can be made and refrigerated up to two days ahead. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the fried shrimp to keep everything creamy and smooth.

What kind of shrimp is best?

Large shrimp that are peeled and deveined work best for this recipe. They offer the right size and texture for frying and provide a juicy bite that balances well with the crispy coating.

How do I keep the walnuts crunchy?

Ensure that you candy the walnuts properly and allow them to cool and harden on parchment paper. Store them separately from the shrimp if not serving immediately to maintain their crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with surprisingly straightforward steps. It’s perfect for a special night in or any time you crave something sweet, crunchy, and indulgent. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious favorite as much as I do!