Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts. This Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is ready in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish offers a delightful taste that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout while saving you money!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, creamy mayo, and crunchy walnuts creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or over rice for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy shrimp and sweet sauce.
• Cost-Effective: Making honey walnut shrimp at home is more economical than ordering takeout.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or chopsticks
• Slotted spoon
• Wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Prevents sticking while frying and makes cleanup easier.
• Whisk: Ensures egg whites are properly aerated for better batter consistency.
• Slotted spoon: Allows you to drain excess oil from fried shrimp effectively.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2/3 cup cornstarch (or sub with potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour)

For Frying

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup Japanese mayo (aka Kewpie Mayo or sub with normal mayo)
• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for dairy-free version)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

For the Candied Walnuts

• 1/2 cup walnut (halves)
• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or sub with brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp water (cold)

Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients: Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

In a non-stick pan over medium heat:
1. Add sugar followed by cold water.
2. Stir constantly until it comes to a simmer.
3. Once thickened enough to coat your spatula, quickly add walnuts. Stir to coat evenly.
4. Once cooled and crusted, remove walnuts one by one using tongs and place them on parchment paper to set.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl:
1. Add peeled and deveined shrimp.
2. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the Batter

In another large bowl:
1. Add egg whites and whisk until foamy but not meringue-like.
2. Stir in cornstarch until it forms a runny paste.
3. Add seasoned shrimp to the batter; mix until fully coated.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

In a large pan:
1. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (about 350–375°F).
2. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Remove shrimp from oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb excess oil.

Step 7: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, and prepared sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 8: Garnish

Finish off by garnishing with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Now you have a delicious dish of Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp ready to impress! Enjoy your homemade creation!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the shrimp over fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice absorbs the sweet sauce beautifully.

With Fried Rice

• Pair with vegetable fried rice for an extra flavor boost. The textures and tastes complement each other perfectly.

On a Bed of Greens

• Create a refreshing salad by serving the shrimp on mixed greens. Drizzle with extra honey sauce for added sweetness.

As an Appetizer

• Serve small portions as an appetizer at your next gathering. They make for a great finger food option!

With Noodles

• Toss the shrimp with noodles for a satisfying meal. A light soy or sesame dressing enhances the flavors.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Add chopped green onions on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. This garnish brightens the dish visually and taste-wise.

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How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To achieve the best results with your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, follow these handy tips that ensure crispy shrimp and delicious sauce every time.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh jumbo shrimp makes all the difference in texture and flavor. Look for shrimp that smell clean and have a firm texture.
• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (350-375°F) before frying. This prevents greasy shrimp and helps achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature. This ensures even cooking and crispy results.
• Whisk Egg Whites Properly: Whisk egg whites until foamy but not stiff. This creates the ideal batter consistency for coating.
• Make Sauce Ahead: Prepare your honey sauce in advance to save time when serving. It can be stored and reheated easily without losing flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your honey walnut shrimp right after cooking for maximum crispness. The longer they sit, the less crispy they become.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors and create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition to your meal without overpowering the main dish.
2. Fried Rice: A savory vegetable fried rice complements the sweetness of the shrimp while adding heartiness to your plate.
3. Crispy Egg Rolls: These add crunch and are filled with veggies or meat, making them a popular choice alongside this dish.
4. Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances out the richness of the honey walnut shrimp.
5. Garlic Noodles: Flavorful garlic noodles are easy to whip up, providing a great base for soaking up any extra sauce from the shrimp.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers warmth and umami flavors, enhancing your overall dining experience.
7. Sesame Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in sesame oil bring a nutty flavor that pairs well with honey walnut shrimp.
8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings protein and fiber to your meal, making it more filling while keeping it healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making quick & easy honey walnut shrimp can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your shrimp. A little salt and pepper enhance the flavor and make a big difference.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature. This results in soggy shrimp rather than crispy ones. Fry in small batches.
• Not preparing ingredients ahead of time: Having all your ingredients ready before cooking saves time and reduces stress. Prep everything in advance for smoother cooking.
• Ignoring the oil temperature: Cooking shrimp in oil that’s not hot enough won’t give you that crispy texture. Use a thermometer or test the oil with a small piece of shrimp.
• Underestimating cooling time for walnuts: Let candied walnuts cool completely on parchment paper. If you rush this step, they may stick together.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Place cooled shrimp and walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 1-2 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add shrimp, and gently stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Quick & easy honey walnut shrimp is a delicious dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet creamy sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts.

Can I make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute regular mayonnaise with vegan mayo and use condensed coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version.

How do I store leftovers of Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

What type of shrimp should I use for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Using jumbo or large shrimp is best as they hold their shape well during frying and provide a satisfying bite.

Can I customize the sauce for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Absolutely! You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey or experiment with different condiments like sriracha for spice.

Final Thoughts

This quick & easy honey walnut shrimp recipe is not only delicious but also customizable. You can try different sauces or add veggies to suit your taste. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests—give it a try today!