Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy, golden shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts make this Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting friends, this recipe is perfect for satisfying cravings without the need for takeout. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that is both budget-friendly and bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy homemade honey walnut shrimp without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet honey, creamy mayo, and crunchy walnuts creates a deliciously unique taste that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use simple pantry staples and easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish and watch your guests be impressed by its beautiful colors and textures.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, ensure you have the right tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Tongs or chopsticks
• Slotted spoon
• Wire rack or paper towel lined baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Prevents sticking while frying shrimp and makes cleanup easier.
• Tongs or chopsticks: Great for tossing shrimp in batter and removing them from hot oil safely.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off the fried shrimp, keeping them crispy.

Ingredients

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts. This quick and easy honey walnut shrimp is ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients. This beats Chinese takeout saving you money and is fantastic for the family!

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 the Candied Walnuts:

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

For Garnish:

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Set aside.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

In a non-stick pan on medium heat, add sugar followed by cold water. Stirring constantly, bring to a simmer until syrup thickens.

Step 3: Coat Walnuts

Once thickened, quickly add walnuts to the syrup and mix to coat evenly. Remove from heat when a crust forms around each walnut.

Step 4: Season Shrimp

In a large bowl, toss peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Prepare Batter

In another bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy. Mix in cornstarch until you achieve a runny paste.

Step 6: Coat Shrimp

Add seasoned shrimp to the batter and mix well using tongs or chopsticks until thoroughly coated.

Step 7: Fry Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350-375 degrees F), fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until crispy.

Step 8: Drain Shrimp

Remove fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a wire rack or paper towel lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 9: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix crispy shrimp with candied walnuts followed by the sauce. Toss everything gently to combine.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your dish with finely chopped green onions before serving warm. Enjoy your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp makes for a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Its combination of crispy shrimp and sweet walnuts pairs wonderfully with different sides, enhancing the overall meal experience.

With Steamed Rice

• A classic pairing, steamed rice absorbs the sauce beautifully and balances the flavors.

Over Noodles

• Serve your shrimp over a bed of noodles for a heartier option that adds texture to each bite.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Fresh, colorful stir-fried veggies add crunch and nutrition, making your meal more vibrant and healthy.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a light option, serve the shrimp in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb alternative.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To achieve the best results with your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavor, texture, and presentation.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh jumbo shrimp ensure better flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at 350-375 degrees F is crucial for achieving crispy shrimp without being greasy.
• Mix Sauce Thoroughly: Ensure the honey walnut sauce is well combined before adding it to the shrimp for even distribution of flavors.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve an even golden color on each piece.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve right after preparation for maximum crispiness.
• Garnish: Don’t skip garnishing with green onions; they add freshness and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to complement this delicious main course:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and egg that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Sesame Green Beans: Crisp green beans tossed in sesame oil add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
3. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup that can be served as an appetizer, providing warmth and comfort.
4. Chow Mein: Soft noodles stir-fried with vegetables make for a fulfilling side that complements the dish’s sweetness.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with thinly sliced cucumbers dressed lightly to balance the richness of the shrimp.
6. Bok Choy Stir-Fry: Quickly sautéed bok choy offers a slight bitterness that contrasts nicely with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the shrimp: This can lead to rubbery shrimp. Cook them just until they turn golden brown.
• Skipping the candied walnuts: They add a crucial crunch and sweetness. Don’t skip this step for an authentic taste.
• Using too much oil: Excess oil can make your dish greasy. Use just enough to fry without overcrowding the pan.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency: A thick sauce coats better. Ensure it’s the right thickness before adding to the shrimp.
• Not seasoning adequately: Proper seasoning enhances flavors. Remember to season both the shrimp and the batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Place cooled shrimp and walnuts in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Yes, substitute regular mayo with vegan mayo or use condensed coconut milk in the sauce.

How should I store leftovers of Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What can I serve with Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Is there a healthier version of Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

You can use less sugar in the sauce or bake instead of frying for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy shrimp with sweet, crunchy walnuts. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Feel free to customize it with different nuts or spices according to your taste!