The oil in the wok is bubbling fiercely, sending up a fragrant steam that makes your mouth water. Just a few minutes ago, you tossed in the shrimp, and now they’re turning golden brown, perfectly crisping up. Honey walnut shrimp is coming together quickly, and it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste right off the spatula.
This dish is perfect for those weeknights when you’ve got unexpected guests or just want something special without hours of prep. With its unique blend of crunchy walnuts and sweet honey sauce, it’s a delightful twist on traditional shrimp recipes. You’ll impress everyone in under 30 minutes. Get ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This honey walnut shrimp
- Easy to Make: It comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute guests.
- Sweet and Savory: The blend of honey and savory shrimp creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavors you can’t resist.
- Crisp-Tender Texture: The combination of crispy batter and tender shrimp makes each bite delightful and satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or on its own; it fits perfectly into any meal plan or occasion.
- Surprising Protein Boost: This dish packs protein without being heavy, making it a guilt-free indulgence for seafood lovers.
honey walnut shrimp Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined) — make sure they are fresh for the best flavor.
Batter:
- 1 cup cornstarch — helps achieve a crispy texture when fried.
- 1 large egg — binds the ingredients together; can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- 1 cup water — adjust slightly for desired batter thickness.
- 1 teaspoon salt — enhances the overall flavor of the batter.
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey — provides sweetness; try agave syrup for a vegan alternative.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise — adds creaminess; use vegan mayo if needed.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice — brightens the dish; fresh juice is recommended.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce — adds umami flavor; tamari works as a gluten-free option.
Toppings:
- 1 cup walnuts (chopped and toasted) — toasting enhances their nutty flavor, don’t skip this step!
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced) — adds freshness and color to the dish.
Oil for frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil — use enough oil to fully submerge shrimp for even cooking.
*Full measurements in the recipe card below.*
How to Make honey walnut shrimp
1. Prepare the batter: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornstarch, 1 large egg, and 1 cup water with 1 teaspoon salt until smooth. It should be thick enough to coat the shrimp.
2. Heat the oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. You’ll know it’s ready when you see shimmering ripples on the surface.
3. Fry the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy; you’ll hear a satisfying crunch.
4. Drain and cool: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Watch out! Don’t overcrowd the pot — it can lower the oil temperature and make your shrimp soggy.
5. For the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce until well combined.
6. Combine everything: And in a large mixing bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the sauce until they’re fully coated. Add in chopped and toasted walnuts for that perfect crunch.
7. Garnish and serve: Finish with sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch before serving your delicious honey walnut shrimp over rice or as is!
*Exact quantities in the recipe card below.*
How to Store honey walnut shrimp
- Room Temperature: It’s best to enjoy honey walnut shrimp right after cooking, but if you need to leave it out, don’t let it sit for more than 2 hours. Keep it covered with a clean cloth or foil to prevent dust.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just remember, the crispy topping will soften a bit in the fridge.
- Freezer: You can freeze honey walnut shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, but note that the texture may change once thawed.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Look for that golden color to know it’s ready!
What to Serve with honey walnut shrimp?
It’s rich enough to enjoy on its own, but adding something light and tangy keeps the meal from feeling heavy.
- Steamed Broccoli: The bright green color adds contrast and its slight bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Citrus Salad: A mix of oranges and grapefruits provides refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness nicely.
- Jasmine Rice: Its fluffy texture complements the crunchy shrimp without overwhelming it, making each bite satisfying.
- Pickled Cucumber: The crunch and tartness enhance flavor while providing a refreshing temperature contrast.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet yet tangy, it offers a vibrant color contrast and additional freshness that lifts the dish.
- Garlic Noodles: These add a savory depth with a chewy texture; prepare in just 15 minutes for an easy side.
- Coleslaw: The crisp cabbage brings a nice textural difference and a bit of acidity to balance the flavors well.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil, this side provides a charred flavor and earthy taste; grill for about 10 minutes.
honey walnut shrimp Variations
Here’s how to play with this recipe and make it your own!
- Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Citrus Twist: Mix in 1 tablespoon of orange juice with the sauce for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Crunchy Pecan Substitute: Swap walnuts for pecans in equal amounts if you prefer a nuttier taste.
- Creamy Garlic Upgrade: Incorporate 2 minced garlic cloves into the mayonnaise for a rich, savory depth.
- Sweet and Savory Mix: Drizzle an extra tablespoon of honey over the finished dish for added sweetness.
- Sesame Oil Finish: Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for a delightful nutty aroma.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro with the green onions for vibrant flavor.
Make Ahead Options for honey walnut shrimp
I like to prep honey walnut shrimp ahead by making the sauce and toasting the walnuts. You can do this up to three days in advance. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the walnuts in a separate container at room temperature. The batter can also be made ahead, but I recommend mixing it just before cooking to keep it fresh and crispy. When you’re ready to serve, fry the shrimp and toss everything together for that final touch. Just a heads up: while the sauce holds well, the fried shrimp are best enjoyed right after cooking for optimal crispiness. Enjoy your meal!
honey walnut shrimp Recipe FAQs
Can I make honey walnut shrimp ahead of time?
You can prepare parts of this dish ahead. Fry the shrimp and make the sauce in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the shrimp briefly in a hot skillet and toss them with the sauce. However, it’s best to add the walnuts just before serving to keep their crunchiness. Don’t let them sit too long or they’ll lose that delightful texture!
Why did my honey walnut shrimp turn out soggy?
Soggy shrimp can happen if they’re not coated properly or if they’re fried at too low a temperature. Ensure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F) before adding the shrimp; it should sizzle immediately when you drop one in. Frying in batches helps maintain oil temperature. If you notice excess moisture on the shrimp after frying, let them drain on paper towels longer before serving.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you’re looking to replace mayonnaise in this recipe, Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that adds creaminess without all the calories. You can also use sour cream for a similar texture. Both options will slightly alter the flavor but will still work well with the honey and lemon juice. Just remember, each substitution may change the overall taste profile a bit, so adjust seasoning as needed!
How do I know when my fried shrimp are done?
Fried shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn a beautiful golden brown color and have an internal temperature of 120°F to 140°F. They should be crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. If you’re unsure, cut one open; it should be opaque with no translucence left. Keep an eye on them while frying; overcooking can lead to tough shrimp!
Final Thoughts on honey walnut shrimp
Honey walnut shrimp stands out for its delightful combination of textures and flavors, especially with the crispy batter and sweet sauce that coats the shrimp. This dish not only brings a gourmet touch to your dinner table but also saves time with its straightforward preparation process. If you’re looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this is your go-to recipe. Make it once and it’ll earn a permanent spot in the rotation. Let me know how yours turned out in the comments.
honey walnut shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, egg, water, and salt until smooth. Add the shrimp and coat well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, mix together honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and soy sauce until well combined.
- In a large bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce until evenly coated. Top with chopped walnuts and sliced green onions before serving.