Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe: A Delightful Fusion of Flavors in 2024

Introduction

Are you looking for a dish that combines the sweetness of honey, the crunch of walnuts, and the succulent texture of shrimp? Look no further than the honey walnut shrimp recipe. This popular Chinese-American dish has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts around the world. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delightful fusion of flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen.

How To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients and Directions

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Course: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

To make honey walnut shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp white pepper

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

• In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and white pepper. Dip shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat with the cornstarch mixture.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated shrimp until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns amber in color, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in honey, mayonnaise, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
• In a separate skillet, toast the chopped walnuts over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
• In a large bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top.
• Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy this sweet and savory dish with steamed rice or your favorite side.

Nutritional Information

While Honey Walnut Shrimp is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional value. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrients per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 550-600
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fat: 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Sugar: 15-20g

Keep in mind that these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. To make the dish healthier, consider using less oil for frying, opting for low-fat mayonnaise, or reducing the amount of honey in the sauce.

Preparing the Shrimp

Start by preparing the shrimp. In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and white pepper. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs and then coat it with the cornstarch mixture. Set the coated shrimp aside on a plate.

Frying the Shrimp

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated shrimp into the skillet and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the fried shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Walnuts

In a separate skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the toasted walnuts from the heat and set them aside.

Making the Honey Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, condensed milk, and lemon juice until well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your preference.

Putting It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp and toasted walnuts. Pour the honey sauce over the shrimp and walnuts, and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve the honey walnut shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Honey walnut shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Over Rice: Serve the honey walnut shrimp over a bed of steamed white rice for a satisfying and complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Arrange the shrimp on a platter and serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or gatherings.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the honey walnut shrimp into crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing and light twist.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with your favorite stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition and color.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results when making honey walnut shrimp, keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when frying the shrimp to maintain their crispiness.
• Toast the walnuts until they are fragrant but not burnt, as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to bitter.
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before coating them in the cornstarch mixture. This helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the shrimp. Fry them in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Toast the walnuts over low heat and stir them frequently to prevent burning. This helps to release their natural oils and enhances their flavor.
• Serve the dish immediately after tossing the shrimp with the honey sauce to maintain the crispy texture of the shrimp and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Pairing Suggestions:

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages. For a classic Chinese-inspired meal, serve this dish alongside steamed white or brown rice, which helps to balance the sweetness of the honey sauce. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas for added nutrition and texture.

If you’re looking for a refreshing beverage to complement the flavors of this dish, consider serving a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity in these wines helps to cut through the richness of the shrimp and honey sauce, while the subtle fruit notes enhance the overall dining experience. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving freshly brewed green tea or a light, citrusy soda.

Variations:

While this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For a spicier version, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the honey mixture. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as cashews or pecans, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

For a healthier variation, consider baking the shrimp instead of frying them. To do this, coat the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture as directed, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray the shrimp lightly with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy

By following these tips and experimenting with different variations and pairings, you can create a Honey Walnut Shrimp dish that’s perfectly tailored to your tastes and preferences. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and frying.
2. Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the honey sauce? You can use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.
3. Can I make the honey sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the honey sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before using.
4. How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil to the honey sauce for a spicy kick. You can also serve the dish with a side of chili sauce for those who prefer more heat.

Conclusion

Honey walnut shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey, the crunch of walnuts, and the succulent texture of shrimp. By following this recipe and tips, you can easily create this popular Chinese-American dish at home. Whether you serve it over rice, as an appetizer, or in lettuce wraps, honey walnut shrimp is sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in this irresistible fusion of flavors!