Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts makes this Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or just craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready in just 30 minutes, it brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your home while being easy to prepare and budget-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of creamy sauce and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
• Healthier Alternative: Skip takeout and make a homemade version that lets you control the ingredients.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served over rice for a filling meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need to make your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Non-stick pan
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Whisk
• Wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Ideal for mixing ingredients without making a mess.
• Non-stick pan: Prevents sticking while frying shrimp, ensuring they come out crispy.
• Whisk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency in the batter for shrimp coating.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To create this delicious Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, gather the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2/3 cup cornstarch (or sub with potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup Japanese mayo (aka Kewpie Mayo or sub with normal mayo)
• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for dairy-free version)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

For Candied Walnuts

• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or sub with brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp water (cold)

Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Set aside once mixed well.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

1. In a non-stick pan on medium heat, add sugar followed by cold water.
2. Stir constantly until it simmers and thickens enough to coat a spatula.
3. Quickly add walnut halves to the syrup and mix to coat evenly.
4. Once coated with syrup and crusted, remove from heat and transfer walnuts to parchment paper to cool.

Step 3: Coat Shrimp

1. In a large bowl, season shrimp with salt and black pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy but not stiff; add cornstarch to form a runny paste.
3. Coat seasoned shrimp in this batter using tongs or chopsticks.

Step 4: Fry Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350-375 degrees F.
2. Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown; avoid overcrowding.
3. Remove shrimp using slotted spoon or tongs; drain excess oil on wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. In a large bowl, toss crispy shrimp with candied walnuts and sauce until everything is well-coated.
2. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp as an impressive yet simple dish ready in no time!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Serving Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful experience that can elevate your dining occasion. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes, enhancing its flavors and presentation.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the sweet sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the shrimp over a mix of fresh greens, such as spinach or arugula, for a light and refreshing meal.

With Chopped Green Onions

• A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions adds color and a burst of freshness to your dish.

As an Appetizer

• Serve smaller portions as an appetizer at parties or gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy the crispy shrimp in one bite.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauce

• A side of soy sauce or sweet chili sauce provides an extra layer of flavor for those who enjoy dipping their shrimp.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To achieve the best results with your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, consider the following tips that enhance texture and flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh shrimp ensures better taste and texture. Look for firm and translucent shrimp for optimal results.
• Monitor Oil Temperature – Keeping the oil at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit will ensure crispy shrimp without absorbing too much oil.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan – Frying in small batches allows even cooking and prevents steaming, which keeps the shrimp crispy.
• Whisk Egg Whites Properly – Achieving the right foam consistency helps create a light batter that clings well to the shrimp.
• Serve Immediately – For the best experience, serve the dish right after preparation while the shrimp are still warm and crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fried Rice – A savory fried rice mixed with vegetables complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry – A colorful stir-fry with bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds crunch and nutrition.
3. Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar offers a refreshing contrast to the rich shrimp.
4. Garlic Noodles – Flavorful garlic noodles provide a delightful carb option that pairs well with honey walnut sauce.
5. Miso Soup – This warm soup adds depth to your meal while keeping it light and comforting.
6. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness that complements the overall dish perfectly.
7. Quinoa Salad – A zesty quinoa salad with herbs adds texture while being nutrient-rich for health-conscious diners.
8. Steamed Broccoli – Simple steamed broccoli provides a nutritious touch while balancing out the dish’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your recipe turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always season your shrimp to enhance their taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you add too many shrimp at once, they will steam rather than fry, resulting in a soggy texture. Fry in small batches for crispy results.
• Not monitoring oil temperature: Cooking shrimp in oil that’s not hot enough will result in greasy shrimp. Use a thermometer or drop a small piece of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately if the oil is ready.
• Neglecting candied walnut timing: Allowing candied walnuts to cool too long in the syrup can make them hard to remove. Transfer them quickly to parchment paper for best results.
• Using stale ingredients: Ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are fresh for optimal texture and flavor. Check expiration dates before starting.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• For longer storage, freeze the shrimp without sauce or walnuts.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container; it lasts up to 3 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly until warmed; this may soften the crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp.

What type of shrimp should I use for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

You should use jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined for optimal texture and flavor in this recipe.

Can I make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute cornstarch with potato starch or tapioca starch to maintain gluten-free status while frying.

How do I achieve crispy shrimp when making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before adding shrimp, and avoid overcrowding the pan during frying.

Can I customize my Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Absolutely! You can adjust sweetness by changing honey or condensed milk amounts or add different nuts like pecans for variety.

How long does it take to prepare Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

This delicious dish takes only about 30 minutes from prep time to serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp offers a delightful blend of crispy textures and sweet flavors that your family will love. With simple adjustments and customization options available, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion. Try it today!