Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy honey sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This delightful combination of textures and flavors makes it a perfect main course for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/3 cup granulated sugar and bring to a boil. Add 1/2 cup walnut halves and boil for 2–3 minutes. Remove walnuts with a slotted spoon and spread them out on a parchment-lined plate to dry and cool.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Coat the Shrimp: Toss 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp in 1/2 cup cornstarch until fully coated, ensuring a crispy finish once fried.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the prepared sauce until all shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy honey mixture.
- Add Candied Walnuts and Garnish: Add the candied walnuts to the sauced shrimp and toss lightly to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, consider double-frying the shrimp by frying twice, letting them rest briefly between the fryings.
- Serve alongside steamed white rice or shredded lettuce for a complete and balanced meal.
- To accommodate nut allergies, omit walnuts or substitute with toasted seeds if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
