Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you looking for a dish that perfectly 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 delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
How to Make a Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients and Directions
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Intermediate4
servings20
minutes15
minutes500
kcalTo begin, gather 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 cup vegetable oil for frying
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 the shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat them evenly with the cornstarch mixture.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated shrimp until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a separate pan, toast the chopped walnuts over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, honey, mayonnaise, and sweetened condensed milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
- In a large bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the shrimp and mix gently.
- Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
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, then coat it with the cornstarch mixture. Set the coated shrimp aside on a plate.
Frying the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep 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. This should take 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 pan, toast the walnuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. 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. Drizzle the honey sauce over the shrimp and walnuts, and toss gently to ensure even coating. Serve the honey walnut shrimp recipe immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Honey walnut shrimp recipe 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 provide toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the honey walnut shrimp into crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing and light presentation.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best results when making honey walnut shrimp recipe, 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.
- Fry the shrimp in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Serve the dish immediately after tossing the shrimp with the sauce to maintain the crispiness of the coating.
Pairing Suggestions:
Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages. For a classic Chinese-American combination, serve this dish alongside a bed of steamed white rice or fried rice. The neutral flavor and texture of the rice provide a perfect backdrop for the sweet and savory shrimp. If you’re looking to add some extra vegetables to your meal, consider stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, or a colorful medley of bell peppers and onions. These crisp, fresh veggies offer a nice contrast to the richness of the shrimp.
When it comes to beverages, a light and refreshing option like green tea or jasmine tea can help balance the sweetness of the dish. For those who prefer a more robust pairing, a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer wine can complement the flavors beautifully. These slightly sweet, aromatic wines have the acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
Variations and Customization:
One of the beautiful aspects of cooking is the ability to customize recipes to suit your tastes and preferences. If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the honey mixture for a subtle kick of heat. For a nuttier flavor profile, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as cashews or peanuts, in place of the walnuts.
Vegetarians can also enjoy a version of this dish by substituting the shrimp with firm, pressed tofu. Simply slice the tofu into bite-sized pieces, coat them in the cornstarch mixture, and fry until golden and crispy. The honey sauce will still provide the same delightful sweetness and stickiness that makes this dish so irresistible.
Lastly, if you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, consider baking the shrimp instead of frying them. 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 in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
Leftovers and Storage: Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
While Honey Walnut Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you may find yourself with leftovers. To store any remaining shrimp, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where the shrimp will keep for up to 3 days.
To reheat the shrimp, avoid using the microwave, as this can cause them to become rubbery and lose their crispy texture. Instead, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir gently until they are heated through, about 2-3 minutes. This method will help preserve the texture and flavor of the shrimp.
If you find yourself with leftover honey sauce, you can store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The sauce can be used as a dip for other fried foods, such as chicken nuggets or spring rolls, or as a glaze for grilled meats and vegetables.
At Stars Recipe , we believe that cooking is a journey of exploration and creativity. By sharing tips, variations, and storage suggestions, we aim to empower you to make the most of your culinary experiences and enjoy delicious meals with confidence.
Conclusion Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Honey walnut shrimp is a delightful dish that showcases the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. With its crispy exterior, tender shrimp, and crunchy walnuts, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily recreate this beloved Chinese-American dish at home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible taste of honey walnut shrimp recipe!
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