Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Sweet and Savory Delight - The Housewife in Training Files

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Last updated on April 22nd, 2023 at 08:13 am

Honey walnut shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of honey and walnuts with succulent shrimp.

This dish is loved by many for its unique blend of tastes and textures. If you’re a fan of seafood and enjoy sweet and savory flavors, you’ll love honey walnut shrimp.

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Meg

This honey walnut shrimp recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines crispy shrimp, a sweet and savory sauce, and toasted walnuts for added texture and flavor. The shrimp is coated in cornstarch and egg whites, then fried until golden brown before being tossed in a sauce made with honey, mayonnaise, condensed milk, and lemon juice. This recipe is quick and requires only a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 15

Course Appetizer, Dinner, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small saucepan
Deep fryer or large saucepan for frying

Slotted spoon
Paper towels
Cutting board

Sharp knife for chopping walnuts
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or fork for mixing the sauce

Serving dish for presenting the honey walnut shrimp

Ingredients

1 lb medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cornstarch

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp 2 egg whites, lightly beaten

1 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tbsp condensed milk
1 tbsp lemon juice
Vegetable oil for frying

Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper together. Add the shrimp to the bowl and coat each piece evenly with the cornstarch mixture.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Add the shrimp to the bowl with the egg whites and coat each piece evenly.

In a deep fryer or a large saucepan, heat up enough vegetable oil to deep-fry the shrimp. Once the oil is hot (around 375°F), carefully drop the shrimp into the oil, a few at a time, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In a small saucepan, toast the chopped walnuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, condensed milk, and lemon juice until well combined. Add the fried shrimp to the mixing bowl and toss them in the sauce until they are fully coated.

Add the toasted walnuts to the bowl and toss them with the shrimp until they are evenly distributed.
Serve the honey walnut shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions.

Video

Notes

Make sure to devein and peel the shrimp before cooking. Leaving the shell on can make it harder to coat the shrimp evenly.

Be careful not to over-fry the shrimp, as this can make them tough and chewy. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
Toasting the walnuts adds extra flavor and texture to the dish. Be sure to keep an eye on them while toasting to prevent burning.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking. You can add more or less honey, depending on your preference.

Make sure to whisk the sauce thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
When tossing the shrimp in the sauce, do it quickly so that the shrimp stay crispy. Over-tossing can make the coating soggy.
Serve the honey walnut shrimp immediately after tossing them in the sauce. The longer they sit in the sauce, the softer the coating will become.

You can serve the honey walnut shrimp with steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Keyword Honey Walnut Shrimp

Tips for Making the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some tips for making the best honey walnut shrimp:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and walnuts will give your dish the best flavor and texture.

Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your honey walnut shrimp to be less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or sweetened condensed milk.
Fry the shrimp in batches: To prevent overcrowding the skillet and ensure even cooking, fry the shrimp in batches.
Garnish with green onions: Chopped green onions make a great garnish for honey walnut shrimp and add a fresh flavor.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them entirely and pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can use other nuts like pecans or almonds. However, the taste and texture may be different from using walnuts.

Can I skip the egg whites in the recipe?

When fried, the egg whites help the cornstarch stick to the shrimp and create a crispy texture. Skipping the egg whites may result in a less crispy coating.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?

You can try baking the shrimp in the oven instead of frying them, but they may not be as crispy as the fried version.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use. Just make sure to whisk it again before tossing it with the shrimp.

Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup, which will alter the dish’s taste.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

You can use other types of oil for frying l,ike canola oi peanut oil. Just make sure to use an oil with a high smoke point.

Can I use shrimp with tails on?

Yes, you can use shrimp with tails, but eating them with the seats on may be harder.

Can I use a different type of vinegar for the sauce?

You can use a different type of vinegar l,ike rice vinegar or white vinegar, but it will alter the taste of the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make more servings. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Final Thought On Making This Honey Walnut Shrimp Dish

Honey walnut shrimp is a delicious and unique dish that is sure to please. By following these tips and using fresh ingredients, you can make a dish that is both sweet and savory, and full of flavor.