I can’t get enough of this Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe. Seriously, it’s like a hug in food form. With crispy shrimp wrapped in a dreamy sauce, who could resist? And those candied walnuts? They’re the cherry on top. Trust me, the first bite will have you wondering how something so simple can taste so amazing. Got a family gathering or just want to impress someone special? Let me show you how to whip this up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love shrimp as much as I do, you’re in for a treat with this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe. Seriously, what’s not to love? The shrimp are crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside, giving you that satisfying crunch with each bite.
And let’s not forget the sweet and creamy sauce—it’s like a party in your mouth. Plus, those candied walnuts? They add a delightful crunch and a touch of sophistication that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even if you burned toast last week.
You’ll impress your friends and family, and they’ll keep asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a family favorite. How can you resist?
Equipment List
When diving into this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe, having the right equipment can make all the difference.
You’ll need a sturdy frying pan or a deep fryer, depending on how daring you’re feeling. A mixing bowl is essential for whipping up that delicious sauce—don’t forget a whisk! For frying, grab a slotted spoon to rescue those golden shrimp.
And let’s not skimp on the measuring cups and spoons; they’ll keep you on track, trust me. Investing in an Essential Measuring Cup Set can ensure you’re precise with your ingredients. A cutting board will help prep everything, plus a sharp knife will make your life easier.
Finally, have some paper towels handy for draining oil. With these tools, you’ll be whipping up this dish like a pro—no pressure, right?
Our Ingredients
Let’s talk about the star of our show: the ingredients for our Honey Walnut Shrimp. This dish isn’t only delicious but also surprisingly easy to whip up at home—promise.
Imagine that crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy sauce, mingled with those crunchy, candied walnuts. Yum. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a culinary genius at your next dinner party, while you secretly know it took you just a little bit of work and a lot of love.
Now, let’s get into what you’ll need to make this dreamy dish happen.
Here’s your ingredient list:
- 1 lb large peeled, deveined shrimp
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg white
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Green onions for garnish
When it comes to ingredients, freshness is key. You definitely want to grab the freshest shrimp you can find—nothing frozen, if you can avoid it.
Trust me, you can taste the difference; just like how some of us can tell when our favorite snack has been sitting in the pantry a little too long (ew). And about that mayonnaise—if you can find Japanese mayo, splurge a little; it’s richer and creamier. Your taste buds will thank you.
Don’t forget about the candied walnuts; they add a sweet crunch that takes this dish to another level. And as for the honey, go for the good stuff—preferably something local. Each ingredient plays a role, so let’s use them wisely and get ready to cook something magical.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful little adventure in cooking! It might sound fancy, but I assure you—it’s not as intimidating as it seems. You’ll mix up a sweet and creamy sauce, candy some walnuts, fry some shrimp to golden perfection, and voila—you’ll impress everyone around you! So, roll up those sleeves, and let’s embark on the step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of honey, and 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. If you’re feeling a little zesty, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so don’t skimp on the mixing (you want it to be beautifully blended).
2. Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add in 1/2 cup of candied walnuts and let them simmer for about 3 minutes. After that, drain the walnuts and let them cool on a baking sheet. You’ll notice they get a nice sugary coating, which is just heavenly.
3. Prepare the Batter: Grab a mixing bowl and whisk 1 egg white until it’s frothy (this will help your shrimp be nice and light). Now, add in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix, or your shrimp could end up heavy—yikes).
4. Season the Shrimp: Take 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp and give them a good seasoning with a little salt and pepper. You want those flavors to peek through the creamy sauce later.
5. Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep pan—enough to submerge the shrimp (about 2-3 inches should do). Once the oil is hot (you can drop a tiny bit of batter to test—it should sizzle), coat each shrimp in the batter.
Then gently drop them into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and delicious, flipping them halfway through for an even cook. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Combine and Garnish: In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried shrimp and candied walnuts together with the sauce you made earlier. Make sure everything gets a good coating.
Finally, for a pop of color and a hint of freshness, garnish with chopped green onions.
And there you have it—Honey Walnut Shrimp that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a high-end restaurant. You might just find that this dish becomes a favorite for special occasions, family dinners, or honestly, any night you’re feeling a bit fancy. Using premium kitchen appliances can elevate this dish to new heights.
Enjoy your culinary creation—trust me, it’s going to be a hit!
Tips & Variations
While you’re creating your Honey Walnut Shrimp, keep in mind that there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own.
For instance, I love using Japanese mayo instead of regular—it adds a nice, rich flavor.
And, let’s not overcrowd the frying pan; it’s like a party in there and nobody likes a crowded party.
You can switch up the nuts too; cashews or pecans work great if you’re feeling adventurous.
If you want a little kick, toss in some chili flakes, or go wild with a splash of lime juice for zing.
Oh, and if the shrimp goes rogue, don’t stress. Just pretend it’s part of the plan—crispy surprises are still delicious.
How to Serve?
Serving Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of my favorite parts because it’s all about presentation and those enticing aromas wafting through the air.
I usually serve it over a bed of fluffy rice—it just soaks up all the sticky sweetness.
Don’t skimp on the candied walnuts; they add a delightful crunch that I can’t resist.
I like to sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for that pop of color.
Honestly, you could even add a side of stir-fried veggies for balance.
And if I’m feeling fancy, I set the table with chopsticks.
Trust me; it’s a fun touch. Your friends will be impressed, and you get to feel like a culinary star—at least until it’s time to clean up!
Storage & Reheating Guide
After enjoying that delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp over rice—or whatever fancy setup you’ve got going on—you might be wondering what to do with the leftovers.
Well, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure they’re cooled down first; no one likes a soggy shrimp situation, right? When it comes to reheating, I usually opt for a skillet over a microwave. It keeps the shrimp crispy, and honestly, who wants sad leftovers? Just warm them on medium heat for a few minutes, tossing occasionally.
If you do use the microwave, cover your shrimp with a damp paper towel to minimize dryness. Trust me, it makes a difference. To keep your leftovers fresh and flavorful, use airtight food storage containers for optimal results. Enjoy your leftovers!
Final Thoughts
As you savor each bite of that delightful Honey Walnut Shrimp, you might find yourself thinking about how fun and rewarding it was to make.
Honestly, cooking can feel a bit intimidating, right? But I promise, this recipe is easier than it looks. You might even impress your friends—who knew you could whip up restaurant-style shrimp at home?
The blend of creamy, sweet, and a hint of crunch from those candied walnuts? It’s simply divine.
And hey, if you spill a little flour here or there, it just means you’re having fun. Plus, experimenting is part of the journey.
