If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, chances are you’ve encountered a Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe on a restaurant menu. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors: crispy fried shrimp, a creamy sweet honey sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts. While it might seem complex, the good news is that it’s easy to recreate at home. With a little preparation and the right ingredients, you can bring this restaurant-quality dish to your table without the hefty price tag.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making this delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe at home, offering tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your dish. You’ll learn how to prepare each element of the dish, from the shrimp to the candied walnuts, and ensure the shrimp stay crispy while the sauce remains creamy and rich. Let’s dive in!
If you enjoy seafood dishes, you might want to try this delicious homemade ramen seafood recipe for a step-by-step guide to another flavorful seafood dish.
Ingredients Overview
Before getting into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients that make this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe a crowd-pleaser:
- Shrimp: The star of this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is the shrimp. Fresh shrimp work best, but frozen shrimp can be used if they are fully thawed. The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and butterflied for the best presentation and texture. Learn how to devein shrimp.
- Walnuts: Candied walnuts add a crunchy, sweet element that complements the creamy sauce and crispy shrimp in the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. You can make the walnuts from scratch or use store-bought candied walnuts.
- Honey: The sweetness of honey is key in balancing out the savory elements of this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. Honey forms the base of the sauce, contributing a sticky, smooth texture that clings to the shrimp perfectly.
- Condensed Milk: This might seem like an unusual ingredient, but sweetened condensed milk adds a creamy richness to the sauce. It pairs well with the honey to create that signature sweet-savory balance.
- Mayonnaise: To achieve the right consistency for the sauce, mayonnaise is essential. Japanese mayonnaise, like Kewpie, is preferred for its tangy, slightly sweet flavor, but regular mayonnaise will also work.
Ingredient Substitutions and Adjustments
- Shrimp Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or are looking for a vegetarian alternative, tofu or tempura vegetables can be used instead. Tofu is an excellent substitute because it crisps up nicely when fried and absorbs the sauce well.
- Walnut Substitutes: For those with nut allergies, the candied walnuts can be replaced with candied pecans, seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds), or even crispy rice noodles for texture.
- Dairy-Free Options: If you’re lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, coconut cream can be used in place of the condensed milk. It provides a similar creamy texture with a slightly different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Making Candied Walnuts
The candied walnuts are an essential part of Honey Walnut Shrimp. Their sweet, crunchy texture pairs beautifully with the fried shrimp and honey sauce. Here’s how to make them:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1/3 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of water, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in 1 cup of walnuts and cook for 5-6 minutes until they are fully coated and the syrup has thickened further.
- Transfer the walnuts to a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet to cool and harden.
2. Preparing the Shrimp
Shrimp is the star of this dish, and properly preparing it is key to achieving that restaurant-quality result.
- Butterfly the Shrimp: Start by making a small incision along the back of each shrimp and flatten them slightly. This helps the shrimp fry evenly and creates more surface area for the sauce to adhere to.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the butterflied shrimp in a bowl and season with:
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
Let the shrimp marinate for about 15 minutes. The cornstarch helps create a light, crispy coating when fried.
3. Frying the Shrimp
For this dish, frying the shrimp is crucial for getting that crisp texture that pairs so well with the creamy sauce.
- Heat oil in a wok or large pan to 325°F. Using a wok is ideal for this type of high-heat frying because it distributes heat evenly. You can learn more about the benefits of cooking with a wok. Learn more about the benefits of cooking with a wok
- In a separate bowl, coat the marinated shrimp lightly in cornstarch, making sure to shake off any excess.
- Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much. Each batch should take about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as this can make them tough and rubbery.
- Once fried, transfer the shrimp to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Making the Honey Sauce
The sweet and creamy honey sauce is what ties the dish together. Here’s how to make it:
- In a bowl, whisk together:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or rice vinegar for a different tangy flavor)
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your preference. If you want the sauce to be thinner, add a little water or lemon juice.
5. Assembling the Dish
Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce, making sure each shrimp is well coated.
- Add the candied walnuts and gently fold them into the shrimp mixture.
- Serve the dish immediately to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with Joy’s banana bread, a classic that complements the richness of this dish.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp
Achieving the perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp requires attention to detail. Here are a few tips to help you master this dish:
- Control the Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at 325°F is key to crispy shrimp. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn; too cold, and they’ll become greasy and soggy. A thermometer is a useful tool for ensuring the correct frying temperature.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the shrimp in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy, undercooked shrimp.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot and fresh. Once the shrimp are tossed in the sauce, they will start to lose their crispiness. Serve the shrimp as soon as you combine them with the sauce.
- Candied Walnuts: If you’re pressed for time, you can use store-bought candied walnuts. However, making them at home allows you to control the sweetness and ensures a fresher flavor.
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier version of this dish, you can use an air fryer to cook the shrimp. The air fryer provides a similar crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes that help balance the flavors and textures of the main dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple side that soaks up the sweet sauce and balances the richness of the dish.
- Fried Rice: For a more indulgent option, serve with fried rice that has a hint of soy sauce and vegetables.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Light, crunchy vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy add freshness to the meal.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a healthier, low-carb option, serve the shrimp in lettuce wraps with a drizzle of extra honey sauce.
If you’re looking for more savory combinations, this seafood macaroni and cheese recipe will be a perfect fit to round out your meal.
Nutritional Information
While Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious dish, it’s also quite indulgent. Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 552
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 29g
- Cholesterol: 211mg
- Sodium: 877mg
To make the dish a bit lighter, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the candied walnuts or use low-fat mayonnaise.
Recipe Variations
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:
1. Vegetarian Honey Walnut Tofu
For a vegetarian version, replace the shrimp with tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then slice it into cubes. Coat the tofu in cornstarch and fry it until crispy. Toss the tofu in the honey sauce and candied walnuts for a delicious plant-based alternative.
2. Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the honey sauce. The heat from the spice contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce, creating a more complex flavor profile.
3. Healthier Option
For a lighter version, you can bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep frying. Use a light mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressing in the sauce to cut down on fat and calories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this dish is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking can result in a tough, rubbery texture. Keep an eye on the frying time and remove the shrimp as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Soggy Walnuts: After caramelizing the walnuts, be sure to let them cool and harden on a flat surface. If they stay in the hot syrup too long, they may become soggy.
- Over-saucing the Shrimp: While the honey sauce is delicious, adding too much can make the shrimp soggy. Toss the shrimp lightly in the sauce and add more if needed.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Can I substitute condensed milk in the sauce?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may change slightly. Coconut cream is a good dairy-free alternative, providing a rich and creamy consistency without the lactose.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispy texture when fried.
What is the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils like avocado or canola are ideal for frying because of their high smoke points. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and a stronger flavor that doesn’t complement this dish.
How do I store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, use a skillet or oven to crisp up the shrimp rather than a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Conclusion About Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. With crispy fried shrimp, sweet candied walnuts, and a luscious honey sauce, this dish is sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, you’ll be able to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors to make it your own! Happy cooking!