There’s something incredibly uplifting about the sound of shrimp sizzling in a hot pan, and the moment I first tasted Honey Walnut Shrimp, I was hooked. This dish, with its crispy texture and sweet, creamy sauce, perfectly complements the vibrant crunch of candied walnuts and the bright green of fresh broccoli. It’s a lighter, quicker version of the beloved Cantonese classic, capturing all the rich flavors without the hassle of deep frying.
Imagine bringing this restaurant-inspired dish to your dinner table in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re looking to impress guests with your culinary skills or simply seeking a satisfying weeknight meal, this Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is the answer. It combines the best of all worlds—deliciousness, ease, and a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. Let’s dive in and create a dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Honey Walnut Shrimp a Must-Try?
Deliciously Quick: This recipe offers a tasty dish ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Crispy Greatness: The pan-frying method results in crispy shrimp without any mess or hassle of deep frying.
Balanced Flavor: Sweet honey and creamy mayonnaise blend beautifully, providing a satisfying richness.
Versatile Choice: You can easily customize this recipe by substituting walnuts with your favorite nuts or adjusting the sauce for extra zest.
Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, everyone will rave about this delicious meal! Enjoy over steamed rice to soak up those delightful flavors.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Ingredients
• Discover what you need for this delightful dish!
For the Candied Walnuts
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness for the candied walnuts; brown sugar can create a richer flavor.
- Walnut Halves – Add a crunchy texture; substitute with pecans or sliced almonds for allergen-friendly options.
For the Shrimp and Broccoli
- Shrimp (26-30 count, peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish, offering a delightful texture; ensure they’re thawed and dried.
- Broccoli – A colorful side that balances the richness; cut into florets for even cooking.
For the Coating and Cooking
- Cornstarch – Coats the shrimp for an irresistible crispiness; can be replaced with batter if desired.
- Vegetable Oil – Used for frying the shrimp; choose a high smoke point oil like canola or grapeseed.
For the Sauce
- Kewpie Mayonnaise – Creamy and tangy, forming the base of the sauce; regular mayonnaise can be used if necessary.
- Honey – Adds sweetness and floral notes; not recommended to substitute for this specific taste.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Contributes creaminess and sweetness; omitting will change the flavor profile.
For Garnish
- Green Onions – Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor for garnish; chop finely to sprinkle on top.
Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying an unforgettable Honey Walnut Shrimp experience!
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, mix granulated sugar with a splash of water. Boil this mixture until thickened, then add walnut halves. Cook for about 3 minutes until golden, then drain on a wire rack.
- Prepare Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn a vibrant green. Drain and set aside to stay crisp.
- Season Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season them lightly with kosher salt, then coat them evenly in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is covered.
- Fry Shrimp: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together Kewpie mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss the crispy fried shrimp in the creamy sauce until well-coated. Serve on plates alongside the broccoli and sprinkle with the candied walnuts for that delightful crunch.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice for an extra zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that create harmony on your plate.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, enhancing each bite. A classic pairing that never disappoints!
- Crispy Egg Fried Rice: This savory side introduces a delightful crunch and additional flavors, giving your meal an extra layer of satisfaction. Plus, it’s a perfect accompaniment to soak up the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Garlic Green Beans: These tender-crisp green beans seasoned with garlic add a fresh pop of color and lively crunch, balancing the creamy richness of the dish.
- Sesame Noodles: The nutty flavor of sesame noodles complements the honey-glazed bites, creating a satisfying, fuller meal that still feels light and refreshing.
- Citrus Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and citrus fruits offers a bright contrast, refreshing your palate in between each mouthful of that sweet shrimp.
- Chilled Cucumber Salad: The cool, crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch, while a zesty dressing cuts through the richness of the honey walnut shrimp beautifully.
- Sweet Soy Glazed Carrots: Roasted carrots drizzled with soy sauce add a touch of sweetness and earthiness, harmonizing with the dish’s flavors.
- Sparkling Lemonade: This refreshing drink can cleanse the palate, enhancing the flavors of your hearty meal while offering a hint of citrus zest.
- Mango Sorbet: Serve this light dessert to finish off your meal with a cool touch. Its fruity essence pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the honey walnut shrimp, leaving everyone satisfied.
Storage Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Room Temperature: Store any leftovers at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
Fridge: Keep Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days to preserve flavor and quality.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp without the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To regain crispiness, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, ensuring the shrimp are heated through before serving again.
Expert Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Dry Shrimp Well: Ensure shrimp are completely dry before coating them in cornstarch to achieve maximum crispiness during frying.
- Batch Frying: Fry shrimp in small batches; this prevents overcrowding in the pan, helping them cook evenly and avoiding steaming.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce according to your taste; an extra drizzle enhances the sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh Broccoli Tips: Blanch broccoli just until bright green to preserve its crunch. Overcooking can lead to mushy florets that don’t complement the shrimp.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container but be aware the shrimp may lose crispness; re-crisp in a pan before serving again.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the candied walnuts and the creamy sauce up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the sauce in an airtight jar. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dish, cook the broccoli and fry the shrimp fresh for optimal crispiness. To ensure everything stays fresh and flavorful, avoid combining the shrimp with the sauce until just before serving. With these prep-ahead tips, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time, making busy weeknights a breeze!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Variations
Customize this dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts and use toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without allergens.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery twist that complements sweetness beautifully.
- Coconutty Delight: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with coconut cream for a tropical flair and subtly different texture.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in colorful bell peppers or snap peas for additional crunch and nutrients without altering the dish’s essence.
- Cauliflower Swap: Use cauliflower florets in place of broccoli, offering a low-carb alternative that’s equally vibrant.
- Gluten-Free: Swap cornstarch for gluten-free flour or a gluten-free breading mix, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this recipe.
- Creamy Alternative: Try Greek yogurt instead of Kewpie mayonnaise for a healthier, protein-rich sauce that’s creamy and delicious.
- Sweet Citrus: Add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a refreshing note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Embrace your creativity and let your taste shine through in your honey walnut shrimp!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe shrimp?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for those that are firm to the touch and have a mild, ocean-like scent. The shells should be clean and shiny, with no dark spots or discoloration. Fresh shrimp are typically translucent and should be bright in color, so avoid any that appear dull or have a strong fishy smell.
How should I store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Good question! You can store any leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to allow it to cool before sealing it up. For the best quality, try to eat it within this timeframe, as the shrimp will lose some of their crispness. You can briefly reheat them in a skillet to help bring back some of that crunchy texture before serving!
Can I freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp, but it’s best to freeze just the shrimp without the sauce. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Whenever you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in a skillet on medium heat until heated through.
What if my shrimp mixture is soggy?
The more the merrier! If your shrimp are coming out soggy, the most common issue is excess moisture. To prevent this, make sure to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before coating them with cornstarch; moisture can prevent them from getting crispy. Additionally, frying in small batches is essential – overcrowding the pan can cause steaming rather than crisping.
Are there any dietary considerations for allergies?
Very much! If you’re concerned about allergies, you can easily adapt this recipe. Substitute walnut halves with pecans or sliced almonds for those who are allergic, and make sure to check the labels for ingredients like Kewpie mayonnaise, which may contain allergens. It’s always best to know your guests’ dietary restrictions beforehand so you can provide a safe and delicious meal!
How can I customize the sauce for different flavors?
I’m glad you asked! For a spicy kick, consider adding a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili sauce to the mayonnaise blend. If you prefer a tangy twist, a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice can add a refreshing acidity that balances the sweetness beautifully. Mix and match according to your taste preferences – it’s all about creating your ideal Honey Walnut Shrimp experience!
Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp: Quick, Crispy, and Irresistible!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, mix granulated sugar with a splash of water. Boil until thickened, then add walnut halves. Cook for about 3 minutes until golden, then drain on a wire rack.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with kosher salt, then coat evenly in cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Kewpie mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Toss the shrimp in the creamy sauce until well-coated. Serve with broccoli and sprinkle with the candied walnuts.
