Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved Chinese takeout dish featuring golden-fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-tangy sauce and topped with glossy candied walnuts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup raw walnut halves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: sliced scallions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then add walnuts and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove and spread on parchment to dry.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Chill until ready to use.
- Whisk egg whites in a bowl until frothy. Dip shrimp in egg whites, then dredge in cornstarch. Shake off excess.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss fried shrimp with sauce and candied walnuts. Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Serve over jasmine rice or with sautéed greens or Asian slaw for a balanced meal.
- Try lettuce cups, cucumber slices, or bao buns for creative presentation.
- Store leftovers separately—keep sauce, shrimp, and walnuts apart for best texture.
- Reheat shrimp in oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for maximum crispiness.
- Substitute with pecans or almonds if preferred; candy them the same way.
- Use gluten-free cornstarch and confirm condiments are gluten-free for a safe swap.
- Oven or air-frying the shrimp is a lighter, still-delicious alternative to deep frying.
