Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crispy, battered shrimp and sweet candied walnuts tossed in a creamy, honey-laced sauce. A beloved Chinese-American restaurant classic that's surprisingly easy to make at home for a special dinner.
For 4 servings
Candy the Walnuts
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of water and the granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the walnut halves and continue to boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the walnuts and let them drain briefly. Discard the sugar water.
- In a separate wok or small pot, heat about 1 cup of the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the drained walnuts and fry for 1-2 minutes, until light golden brown. Watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
- Remove the walnuts and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Let them cool completely to become crisp.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl (big enough to hold all the shrimp and walnuts), whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Batter the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a critical step for achieving a crispy coating.
- In a medium bowl, toss the dry shrimp with the lightly beaten egg white until evenly coated.
- In a separate shallow dish or plate, combine the cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Working one by one, dredge each egg-coated shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure it's fully coated. Shake off any excess.
Fry the Shrimp
- In a wok or deep pot, heat the remaining 2 cups of oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Working in 2-3 small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. They will float to the surface when done.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and let them drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
Combine and Serve
- Add the hot, freshly fried shrimp and the completely cooled candied walnuts to the bowl with the creamy sauce.
- Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the shrimp and walnuts are evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with thinly sliced scallions, and serve immediately with steamed white rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Serve immediately. The crispy coating on the shrimp will soften if it sits in the sauce for too long.
- 2Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry before battering. Any moisture will create steam and prevent a crispy result.
- 3Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy shrimp.
- 4For the most authentic restaurant flavor, use Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise, which is richer and tangier than American-style mayo.
- 5Make sure the candied walnuts are fully cooled and crisp before mixing them into the sauce to prevent them from becoming sticky.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier
For a lighter version, coat the shrimp with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be less crispy than deep-frying but still delicious.
SpicySpicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or your favorite chili garlic sauce to the mayonnaise mixture for a spicy kick.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Omit the walnuts entirely. You can add a different crunch by topping the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried wonton strips.
FruityFruity
Add 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice or yuzu juice to the sauce for a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Shrimp is a lean source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Walnuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), which are beneficial for brain health and reducing inflammation.
Provides Key Minerals
Shrimp offers important minerals like selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, and iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp contains approximately 550-650 calories, primarily from the fried shrimp, walnuts, and creamy sauce. Restaurant versions can often be higher.