Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that dances on your palate like a finely tuned orchestra, with sweet, crunchy walnuts harmonizing with succulent shrimp. Imagine a plate full of crispy shrimp coated in a luscious honey sauce, drizzled over a bed of fluffy rice – it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen.
Every bite of Honey Walnut Shrimp brings back memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations where laughter echoed through the dining room. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Get ready to savor the sweet and savory experience that awaits!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a breeze to make, even for kitchen novices
- The flavor profile balances sweetness and crunch that will wow your taste buds
- Its stunning presentation makes it perfect for any special occasion or casual dinner
- Versatile enough for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners, this dish will become your go-to favorite
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use large, raw shrimp for the best texture; they should be deveined and peeled for easy cooking.
Walnuts: Opt for raw walnuts; roasting them will bring out their rich flavor and add crunch to the dish.
Honey: Choose pure honey for the best sweetness; it’s essential for creating that sticky glaze that defines this dish.
Mayonnaise: A touch of mayo adds creaminess; it balances the sweetness and helps the sauce adhere to the shrimp.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient delivers an extra layer of sweetness; it’s key for achieving that indulgent flavor.
Eggs: Beaten eggs are crucial for coating the shrimp before frying; they help achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to dust the shrimp before frying; it gives them a nice crunch when cooked.
For the Sauce:
Butter: Use unsalted butter to sauté the walnuts; it adds richness without overpowering other flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse and dry the shrimp while preheating your frying oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
In one bowl, beat your eggs until frothy. In another bowl, place flour mixed with some salt and pepper. Dip each shrimp first into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with flour.
Step 3: Fry the Walnuts
Add butter to a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in your raw walnuts and sauté until golden brown and fragrant, about five minutes. Set them aside on paper towels.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place each coated shrimp into your hot oil in batches. Fry until they turn golden brown, about three minutes per side. Remove them from oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add fried shrimp into this mixture and toss gently until every piece is well coated.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Finally, fold in those beautifully toasted walnuts into your sticky shrimp mix. Serve immediately over fluffy white rice or crisp lettuce leaves.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional honey if you’re feeling adventurous! Enjoy your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp while basking in all its glorious sweetness!
You Must Know
- Honey Walnut Shrimp is not just a dish; it’s a celebration on a plate
- The crunchy walnuts and sweet honey create a delightful harmony, making every bite feel like a special occasion
- This dish is perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by frying the shrimp until golden brown, then set them aside. In the same pan, prepare the honey sauce while toasting walnuts for that perfect crunch. Combine everything at the end for a delicious finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if you’re looking for alternatives. Experiment with spices like chili flakes for heat or add vegetables like broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always pat shrimp dry before frying to ensure they crisp up nicely
- Adjust the honey level based on your sweetness preference
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking; it leads to uneven frying
There was that one dinner party where I made Honey Walnut Shrimp for my friends, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! One even declared it “life-changing,” which made me wonder what their life was like before this dish!
FAQs:
What is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine that features crispy shrimp coated in a sweet honey sauce. It typically includes candied walnuts and is often served over a bed of rice. The dish combines savory and sweet flavors, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. With its crunchy texture and rich taste, Honey Walnut Shrimp has gained widespread popularity in both restaurants and home kitchens.
How do I make the sauce for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
To make the sauce for Honey Walnut Shrimp, combine honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a touch of salt in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. This creamy sauce adds a delightful sweetness to the crispy shrimp and pairs perfectly with the candied walnuts. Adjust the honey to your desired sweetness level. Once mixed, toss the fried shrimp in the sauce just before serving for maximum flavor.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute some ingredients in Honey Walnut Shrimp to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. For example, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, if you prefer not to use shrimp, chicken or tofu can be substituted as protein alternatives. Adjusting the type of nuts or using agave syrup instead of honey are also viable options while maintaining the dish’s essence.
What should I serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs well with various side dishes to create a balanced meal. Common accompaniments include steamed jasmine rice or fried rice, which absorb the delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad for added freshness and crunch. These sides complement the richness of the shrimp while enhancing your overall dining experience.
Conclusion for Honey Walnut Shrimp:
In summary, Honey Walnut Shrimp is an enticing dish that brings together crispy shrimp and sweet candied walnuts in a luscious honey sauce. This recipe allows for ingredient substitutions to suit various dietary needs while maintaining its signature flavor profile. Whether enjoyed at home or made for special occasions, this dish will surely impress your guests with its delightful combination of taste and texture. Enjoy creating this culinary delight!
Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances crispy shrimp and crunchy walnuts enveloped in a luscious honey sauce. This delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors makes it a fantastic choice for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Served over fluffy rice, every bite delivers a satisfying crunch and rich taste that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Rinse and dry the shrimp while preheating frying oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Coat the shrimp: In one bowl, beat eggs; in another, mix flour with salt and pepper. Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat with flour.
- Fry the walnuts: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté walnuts until golden brown (about 5 minutes) and set aside on paper towels.
- Fry the shrimp: Carefully place coated shrimp into hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown (about 3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- Make the sauce: In a large bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Toss fried shrimp in this mixture until well coated.
- Combine: Fold in toasted walnuts into the sticky shrimp mix. Serve immediately over rice or lettuce leaves.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
