Irresistible Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe to Impress

Honey walnut shrimp is a dish that dances on your taste buds, combining sweet, crunchy walnuts with tender, juicy shrimp in a creamy sauce that might just make you swoon. Imagine the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts mingling with succulent shrimp, all drizzled in a luscious sauce that brings the flavors together like an epic culinary hug. This dish doesn’t just taste amazing; it looks like a plate of happiness, ready to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table.

The first time I made honey walnut shrimp, I was hosting a dinner party and had dreams of grandeur. Spoiler alert: the guests were practically licking their plates clean! It’s perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat when you want to impress yourself (because let’s be honest, we all deserve that). You can practically hear the applause from your friends and family as they take their first bites—trust me; it’s that good!

I remember the look on my friend Lisa’s face when she took her first bite; it was pure joy mixed with disbelief that something so delicious could come from my kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor; fresh or frozen both work well.

• Walnuts: Toasting these brings out their nutty flavor; always use raw walnuts for the freshest taste.

• Honey: A natural sweetener that adds depth; choose high-quality honey for maximum flavor impact.

• Mayonnaise: This binds everything together while adding creaminess; opt for full-fat mayonnaise for richer taste.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess; don’t skip this unless you’re feeling rebellious!

• Lemon Juice: Fresh juice brightens the flavors; bottled lemon juice doesn’t quite cut it here.

• Cornstarch: Used for coating the shrimp before frying; helps achieve that crispy exterior everyone loves.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best to control saltiness while enhancing umami flavor.

• Water: Just enough to mix into your sauce without making it too watery; adjust according to preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Shrimp: Start by rinsing those lovely shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels because nobody likes soggy seafood.

Make Your Coating: In one bowl, mix cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a crispy magic layer when frying.

Fry Those Shrimp!: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the shrimp until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Create That Saucy Goodness!: In another bowl, whisk together honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and soy sauce until smooth and creamy—yes please!

Toss in Walnuts!: After draining excess oil from the fried shrimp, toss them in the prepared sauce along with toasted walnuts until evenly coated.

Serve It Up!: Plate your gorgeous creation hot off the stove. Garnish with extra walnuts and a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling fancy—because why not?

Now you’re armed with all you need to create this show-stopping honey walnut shrimp that’s not only easy but also ridiculously delicious! Enjoy every bite as your taste buds take a joyride through Sweet Town!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by toasting the walnuts in a dry pan to enhance their flavor. Prepare the shrimp while they cool. Fry the shrimp until golden brown, then toss them in the honey sauce for that sticky perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans or add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flair. Experiment with garlic and ginger in the sauce for a zesty twist on this classic dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover honey walnut shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

It was during a family gathering when I first served honey walnut shrimp, and everyone raved about it! My cousin even asked if I could make it every holiday—it felt fantastic!

FAQ

What can I serve with honey walnut shrimp?

Pair it with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make honey walnut shrimp ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead and assemble later.

How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Avoid overcooking by frying just until they turn golden brown; less than three minutes is ideal.

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Honey Walnut Shrimp

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Honey walnut shrimp is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, featuring crispy, toasted walnuts paired with tender shrimp in a creamy, luscious sauce. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds an elegant touch to your dining table. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, honey walnut shrimp is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp water
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Toast walnuts in a dry pan until golden; set aside.
2. Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
3. In a bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and pepper.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Coat shrimp in cornstarch and fry until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, soy sauce, and water until smooth.
6. Toss fried shrimp in the sauce along with toasted walnuts until evenly coated.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra walnuts and a drizzle of honey.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider substituting walnuts with pecans or adding sesame seeds. Experiment with garlic or ginger for a zesty twist to the sauce.