If ever there were a dish that could instantly transport you to your favorite Chinese restaurant, it’s got to be Honey Walnut Shrimp. This beloved takeout classic is all about crisp, golden-fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce, then crowned with glossy candied walnuts. It’s a total flavor and texture delight: crunchy, succulent, cool, and comforting all at once. Don’t be surprised if homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp becomes your new go-to for impressing friends, family, or just pampering yourself with something truly special!

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beneath its restaurant-worthy flair, Honey Walnut Shrimp relies on simple pantry staples and a handful of standout ingredients. Every component has a role to play, whether adding crunch, creaminess, or irresistible sweetness. Here’s what you need, plus a few tips to help highlight their magic.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best—they hold up to frying while staying juicy inside.
Walnuts: Raw walnut halves are ideal for candying, giving that signature crunch and nutty depth.
Sugar: White sugar creates a shiny, crackly glaze on the walnuts for that addictive sweetness.
Water: Just a bit helps dissolve the sugar and sets up the perfect candy coating.
Egg Whites: Whisked into a froth, egg whites help the cornstarch cling to the shrimp and ensure a crisp exterior.
Cornstarch: The secret to super-light, crispy fried shrimp—coat each piece well for best results.
Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy, dreamy base for the sauce. Full-fat yields the smoothest consistency.
Honey: Adds floral sweetness and those gorgeous sticky notes to the sauce.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Just a spoonful gives the sauce its unmistakable velvety richness and shine.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the sauce and keeps the dish balanced—don’t skip it!
Vegetable Oil: For frying the shrimp, choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the sweet notes.
Optional Garnishes: Think thinly sliced scallions or black sesame seeds for a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Candy the Walnuts

Begin by preparing the walnuts, the crunchy crown of any great Honey Walnut Shrimp. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the walnuts and simmer for a couple of minutes until they’re coated and slightly translucent. Scoop them out and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set. The result? Shiny, sweet nuts that are impossible to stop snacking on!

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Honey Sauce

While the walnuts are cooling, make the luscious sauce. Stir together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and a squeeze of lemon juice in a bowl. This combo might seem quirky, but it’s the very heart of Honey Walnut Shrimp, bringing together tang, richness, and sweet notes in one smooth blend. Pop it in the fridge while you fry the shrimp so it’s ready to toss.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

For that coveted crisp texture, dip each shrimp first into frothy egg whites, then dredge well in cornstarch. Shake off any excess to prevent clumping. This two-step coating helps lock in moisture and ensures that irresistible airy crunch once fried. It’s a classic Chinese technique and totally worth it!

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok until shimmering—test by dropping in a bit of cornstarch, which should sizzle right away. Working in batches, fry the shrimp for just 2 to 3 minutes each side until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding, which keeps the oil temperature just right and the shrimp ultracrisp. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Transfer the fried shrimp into a large bowl, pour over the creamy sauce, and toss gently to coat. Add those dazzling candied walnuts and give everything one last toss. Now step back and admire—your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp is every bit as gorgeous and fragrant as your favorite restaurant’s!

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely sliced scallions or chives adds color and fresh flavor. For pizzazz, toss on black or white sesame seeds, or shave a touch of lemon zest over the top right before serving to highlight the sauce’s citrusy glow. A handful of extra walnuts never hurts for crunch!

Side Dishes

Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs perfectly with a simple bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Or, try serving it alongside garlic sautéed green beans, broccoli, or a crisp Asian slaw for something fresh and vibrant. The sweetness of the shrimp is magical with mildly savory sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, serve Honey Walnut Shrimp in individual lettuce cups or atop cucumber slices for a fun finger-food twist. For a family-style feast, arrange it on a big platter and scatter extra candied walnuts for dramatic effect. Or tuck it into bao buns for a fusion bite that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp—lucky you! Store cooled shrimp and walnuts in an airtight container in the fridge, ideally separate from the sauce so the coating stays as crisp as possible. The dish is best within 1 to 2 days but remains safe for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While you can freeze the fried shrimp for up to 2 months, the sauce doesn’t freeze as gracefully. For the very best texture, freeze only the cooked, un-sauced shrimp in a single layer, then thaw and toss with freshly made sauce and walnuts right before serving.

Reheating

To recapture that signature crunch, reheat shrimp in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. Warm the sauce gently and toss with the shrimp just before serving, then add the candied walnuts.

FAQs

Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp without deep frying?

Absolutely! While deep frying gives the classic crunch, you can oven-bake or air-fry the coated shrimp for a lighter version. Just spritz the shrimp with a little oil and cook until golden and crisp.

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk in the sauce?

If you’re out of sweetened condensed milk, try a touch more honey with a splash of cream, or use evaporated milk and add extra sugar to taste. The result will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.

What type of shrimp works best?

Large or extra-large shrimp are best, as they stay juicy and substantial after cooking. Always peel and devein for the most appealing presentation and flavor.

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Why not? Candied pecans make a tasty twist, and almonds bring their own delicate crunch. Just be sure to candy them so you keep that iconic sweet, glossy touch.

How can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free?

Use a certified gluten-free cornstarch and double-check your mayonnaise and condensed milk labels—most are gluten-free by nature, so small swaps make this dish super accessible for all.

Final Thoughts

If you love treating yourself to something a little bit special, Honey Walnut Shrimp just begs to be made at home. Bursting with crunchy, creamy, and sweetly caramelized flavors, it’s an instant classic for weeknights or celebrations alike. Let your kitchen be the place where takeout dreams come true—give this recipe a try and savor every bite!

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe