Honey Walnut Shrimp: Best Recipe with 10-Minute Prep!

Table of Contents

• Introduction: A Quick & Delicious Treat
• Why This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is the Best
• Ingredients You’ll Need
  • For the Shrimp
  • For the Honey Walnut Sauce
  • For the Candied Walnuts
• How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp: Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Preparing the Shrimp
  • Making the Honey Walnut Sauce
  • Candying the Walnuts
  • Combining Everything
• Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Serving Suggestions
• F.A.Q

Introduction: A Quick & Delicious Treat

Craving a dish that’s both indulgent and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this incredible Honey Walnut Shrimp: Best Recipe with 10-Minute Prep! This classic Chinese-American takeout favorite brings together crispy shrimp, crunchy candied walnuts, and a creamy, sweet-savory sauce that’s simply irresistible.

Forget lengthy cooking times or complicated ingredients. Our recipe is designed for busy home cooks who want to enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!

Why This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is the Best

There are countless reasons why this particular Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe stands out. Firstly, its incredible speed allows you to get dinner on the table in record time, making it perfect for weeknights.

Secondly, we achieve perfectly crispy shrimp without deep-frying, using a clever coating technique. Finally, our balanced sauce hits all the right notes: sweet, tangy, and rich, complementing the shrimp and walnuts beautifully. It’s truly a standout easy shrimp recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails on (or off)
• 1 large egg white
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) for pan-frying

For the Honey Walnut Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp condensed milk
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a subtle tang)

For the Candied Walnuts

• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp water

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time. This easy recipe will become a new family favorite.

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispiness.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the cornstarch and salt, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
3. Add the dried shrimp to the batter, tossing to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
4. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, careful not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Making the Honey Walnut Sauce

1. While the shrimp cooks, combine the mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if using) in a small bowl.
2. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.

Candying the Walnuts

1. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the walnut halves to the sugar syrup. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the syrup thickens and coats the walnuts, becoming almost dry and crystalline.
3. Carefully spread the candied walnuts on a piece of parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking. They will crisp up as they cool. For more details on candying, check out Allrecipes’ guide to candied nuts.

Combining Everything

1. In a large bowl, gently add the cooked, crispy shrimp.
2. Pour the prepared honey walnut sauce over the shrimp. Toss gently to ensure all the shrimp are coated in the luscious sauce.
3. Add the cooled candied walnuts to the bowl. Toss once more to distribute them throughout the dish. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp

For the crispiest shrimp, make sure they are completely dry before coating them in the egg white and cornstarch mixture. Don’t overcrowd your pan when cooking; work in batches if necessary to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure even browning.

To save time, you can candy the walnuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. The sauce can also be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. This makes preparing your Honey Walnut Shrimp even faster!

Serving Suggestions

This delightful Honey Walnut Shrimp makes a fantastic main course served with fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli or asparagus. It also works wonderfully as an impressive appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few fresh chives or green onions for an extra touch of color and flavor. For more Asian-inspired dessert ideas to complement your meal, Read our in-depth guide here.

F.A.Q

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before proceeding with the recipe. Excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from getting crispy.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of honey or condensed milk to your preference. Adding an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a tiny dash of rice vinegar can also help balance the sweetness with a bit more tang.

Can I make candied walnuts in advance?

Yes, candied walnuts can be made up to a few days in advance. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their crispiness and flavor, ready to be added to your walnut shrimp whenever you’re ready to serve.