Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts make this Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp a fantastic dish for any occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet honey and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love this dish, making it a hit for family meals.
• Healthier Alternative: Homemade means you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier version than takeout.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or alongside stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Large bowl
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Ideal for frying shrimp without them sticking, giving you perfectly crispy results.
• Large bowl: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even coating on the shrimp.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Essential for safely removing hot shrimp from oil without excess grease.
• Whisk: Perfectly aerates egg whites to create a light batter that clings to the shrimp beautifully.

this recipe

Ingredients

To make this delectable Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, you’ll need the following 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)
• 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)

For Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside.

Step 2: Candy the Walnuts

1. In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add white granulated sugar followed by cold water.
2. Stir constantly until it starts to simmer.
3. Once thickened enough to coat a spatula, quickly add walnut halves. Mix to coat evenly.
4. Remove from heat when walnuts are coated and crusted. Transfer them one by one onto parchment paper to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a large bowl, season peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper.
2. In another large bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy but not stiff.
3. Add cornstarch to egg whites and mix until smooth. Add seasoned shrimp to this mixture and coat well.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat until it reaches around 350-375 degrees F.
2. Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown; avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Use slotted spoon or tongs to transfer cooked shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. In a large bowl, add crispy shrimp and candied walnuts.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over them and toss everything together gently.
3. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Now you have your delicious Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Serving Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can elevate your dining experience, making it both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delightful dish.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the shrimp over a steaming bed of white or jasmine rice for a satisfying meal that soaks up the sweet sauce.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a crunchy and nutritious addition.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves as wraps filled with shrimp, walnuts, and sauce for a fun and healthy finger food option.

As an Appetizer

• Serve smaller portions as an appetizer at parties. They make for an impressive starter that is sure to please guests.

With Noodles

• Toss the honey walnut shrimp with cooked noodles for a hearty dish. Consider using chow mein or rice noodles for a delicious twist.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Finish off each plate with finely chopped green onions for added flavor and a fresh touch.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To achieve the ultimate Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out just right every time.

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for firm, pink shrimp without any fishy smell.

• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil reaches 350-375 degrees F before frying. This temperature helps achieve the perfect crispy coating on the shrimp.

• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature. This prevents soggy shrimp and ensures even cooking.

• Whisk Egg Whites Properly: Lightly whisk egg whites until foamy but not stiff. This creates a light batter that perfectly coats the shrimp without being dense.

• Quickly Coat Walnuts: When making candied walnuts, work quickly to coat them in syrup before they harden. This ensures they stay crunchy and flavorful.

• Serve Immediately: For optimal texture, serve the honey walnut shrimp right after cooking. It’s best enjoyed hot and crispy!

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Complementing your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits while balancing out the richness of the shrimp.

2. Fried Rice: A classic accompaniment, fried rice brings additional flavors and textures that pair beautifully with honey walnut shrimp.

3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can provide a crunchy contrast to the sweet shrimp, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.

4. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed with garlic deliver vibrant flavor and complement the sweetness of the dish nicely.

5. Quinoa: For a healthier alternative to rice, serve quinoa seasoned with herbs. Its nutty taste pairs well with honey walnut shrimp.

6. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls stuffed with vegetables offer an enjoyable crunch alongside your honey walnut shrimp presentation.

7. Miso Soup: A light miso soup serves as a soothing starter that warms up your meal while adding umami flavor contrasts.

8. Vegetable Lo Mein: Soft lo mein noodles stir-fried with assorted vegetables create a filling side that enhances your overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, it’s easy to make mistakes that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

• Bold ingredient preparation: Not properly peeling and deveining shrimp can lead to an unappetizing dish. Always ensure your shrimp are clean and ready for cooking.

• Bold overcooking shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long can make them rubbery. Keep an eye on them while frying; they should only take 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

• Bold ignoring oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp won’t fry properly, leading to sogginess. Use a thermometer or drop a piece of batter into the oil to check if it sizzles.

• Bold neglecting seasoning: Skipping seasoning in the batter will result in bland shrimp. Ensure you season the shrimp with salt and pepper before coating them.

• Bold rushing the candying process: Candied walnuts need time for the sugar syrup to thicken. Don’t rush this step; it’s essential for achieving that perfect crunch.

• Bold skipping garnishes: Forgetting to garnish with green onions can take away from both aesthetics and flavor. Always finish your dish with fresh ingredients!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to freeze the shrimp and walnuts separately.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 1 month.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick pan on low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp:

How do I make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp crispy?

To achieve crispy shrimp, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes! Feel free to use cashews or pecans as alternatives. They will offer a different flavor profile while still providing a nice crunch.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You may use less sugar in the sauce and incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week before using it with your shrimp.

What is a good side dish for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Serving it with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables pairs wonderfully with this dish!

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests—give it a try!

Print

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

---

• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, a dish that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet experience in just 30 minutes. This quick recipe features crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce, complemented by crunchy candied walnuts, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests during gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this restaurant-style favorite at home without any hassle. Serve it over rice or alongside vibrant stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 egg whites
• 2/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup Japanese mayo
• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)
• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or sub with brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp water (cold)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

---

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice for the sauce; set aside.
2. In a non-stick pan over medium heat, combine sugar and cold water to candy the walnuts until thickened, then add walnuts to coat.
3. Season shrimp with salt and pepper in a separate bowl; whisk egg whites and cornstarch together until smooth before coating shrimp.
4. Heat oil in a large pan; fry shrimp in batches until golden brown (2-3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
5. In a large bowl, mix crispy shrimp with candied walnuts and drizzle the sauce over; toss gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: For added crunch, try using cashews or pecans instead of walnuts. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey used. To make it healthier, incorporate more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.