Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is a beloved Chinese-American dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. With crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweetened sauce and topped with candied walnuts, this dish is irresistible. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step to make the best Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe will surely impress.
Introduction
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is a well-known dish frequently available in Chinese dining establishments. It’s known for its juicy shrimp that are lightly battered and fried, then tossed in a creamy, sweet sauce and topped with crunchy, candied walnuts. This recipe features the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and condensed milk, paired with the savory flavor of crispy shrimp.
Creating this dish at home might seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy if you follow the steps carefully. With simple ingredients such as shrimp, honey, walnuts, sugar, and mayonnaise, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your kitchen. Let us explore the process of preparing this delectable dish in a systematic manner.
Ingredients
1 pound of large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and pat dry)
1 cup of walnuts halves
½ cup of water
½ cup of sugar
¼ cup of honey
¼ cup of mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie mayo for an authentic taste)
2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional for tanginess)
1 cup of mochiko flour (or regular flour for the batter)
½ cup of cornstarch
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of white pepper
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for frying)
The most suitable oils for deep frying are canola oil or vegetable oil.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Prepare the Candied Walnuts
To begin, we’ll make the candied walnuts. These sweet, crunchy walnuts are the perfect topping for Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe, adding a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness.
Boil the water and sugar: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring ½ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar to a boil over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This process should take around 2-3 minutes.
Add the walnuts: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the walnut halves into the sugar syrup. Let the walnuts simmer for about 3-5 minutes until they become slightly translucent and coated with sugar.
Drain and fry the walnuts: Drain the walnuts and let them dry on a wire rack for a few minutes. Once dry, heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet or pot over medium heat. Fry the walnuts until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
Set aside: Remove the candied walnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Set them aside to cool.
Fry the Shrimp
Now that your walnuts are ready, it’s time to fry the shrimp to get that crispy, golden texture.
Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mochiko flour, ½ cup of cornstarch, 2 egg whites, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of white pepper. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick, perfect for coating the shrimp.
Coat the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Lightly coat each shrimp in the batter, ensuring an even coating.
Fry the shrimp: Heat enough vegetable oil or canola oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to cover the shrimp. The oil should reach a temperature of about 350°F (180°C). Carefully drop the battered shrimp into the hot oil in batches, frying each batch for about 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy.
Drain the shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.
Make the Creamy Sauce
While the shrimp are frying, you can prepare the creamy, sweet sauce that will coat the shrimp.
Mix the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional), and ¼ cup of honey. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This sauce will give the dish its signature sweet and savory flavor.
Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce
Combine shrimp and sauce: Once the shrimp have finished frying and drained, place them in a large bowl. Pour the creamy sauce over the shrimp and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Serve and Garnish
Plate the shrimp: Transfer the saucy shrimp to a serving dish.
Top with candied walnuts: Generously sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top of the shrimp.
Garnish with lemon slices or green onions (optional): For a pop of color and extra flavor, you can garnish the dish with lemon slices or chopped green onions.
Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Use large shrimp: For the best texture and presentation, opt for large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Jumbo shrimp work well for this dish and allow for a meatier bite.
- Pat shrimp dry before frying: To achieve that crispy outer layer, make sure the shrimp are completely dry before coating them in the batter. This helps the batter stick better and ensures even frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan: When frying the shrimp, be sure to work in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp.
- Use Kewpie mayonnaise for a more authentic taste: Kewpie mayo is creamier and has a richer flavor compared to regular mayonnaise, making it the perfect choice for Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. However, regular mayo will also work if you don’t have Kewpie.
- Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe immediately after tossing it in the sauce. The shrimp will remain crispy and the sauce will be at its peak flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and cornstarch in the batter. Make sure to check that your other ingredients, such as mayonnaise and condiments, are also gluten-free.
2. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s not recommended to use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe, as they won’t have the same juicy texture or the ability to get crispy when fried. Using raw shrimp ensures the best results.
3. What can I serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe?
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs well with steamed white rice or fried rice. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal.
4. How can I store leftovers?
Preserve any remaining food by placing it in an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for a maximum of two days. To reheat, place the shrimp in the oven to help them regain some of their crispiness, as microwaving will make them soggy.
Final Thoughts
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crispy textures that makes it one of the most popular dishes in Chinese-American cuisine. This recipe is easy to follow and results in restaurant-quality Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe, complete with candied walnuts and a creamy, indulgent sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to please.
The crispy fried shrimp paired with the sweet and creamy sauce is a match made in heaven, and the addition of candied walnuts adds an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it’s the perfect meal for any occasion!
