Honey Walnut Shrimp has always been a favorite in my family, a delightful blend of sweet and savory that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. I first encountered this dish during a family gathering where my cousin, who had recently returned from a trip to Hong Kong, introduced it to us. The combination of crunchy shrimp and sweet candied walnuts was a hit, and it quickly became a staple at our family dinners. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit our tastes, and today, I’m excited to share it with you.
One of the things I love most about Honey Walnut Shrimp is its versatility. It’s a dish that you can easily adjust to suit your preferences. For instance, if you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the sweet sauce. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can do wonders. I’ve also tried substituting the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and it turned out just as delicious.
Another tweak that I’ve found appealing is using different nuts. While walnuts are the traditional choice, pecans or almonds can also provide a delightful crunch and unique flavor. This flexibility makes Honey Walnut Shrimp a wonderful dish to experiment with, ensuring it never becomes boring.
Serving this dish is always a pleasure. The golden, crispy shrimp drizzled with the smooth, sweet sauce and topped with glossy candied walnuts make for a visually stunning presentation. It’s perfect for a special occasion but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with steamed rice and a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, Honey Walnut Shrimp is sure to impress. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Making Honey Walnut Shrimp
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 pound peeled shrimp
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (plain)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 6 tablespoons water
Directions
- Combine 1/4 cup honey and 6 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it thickens. Mix in the walnut halves until coated. Spread the walnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- For the sweet sauce, whisk mayonnaise, 1/4 cup honey, and yogurt in a medium bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- In a shallow dish, blend cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In a separate dish, whisk the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mix, then the egg mix, and back into the cornstarch mix.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the shrimp in batches in the hot oil until golden and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Place cooked shrimp on a wire rack while frying the rest.
- After all the shrimp are cooked, drizzle them with the sweet sauce and sprinkle with the candied walnuts. Serve immediately.
FAQs:
What type of shrimp is best for honey walnut shrimp?
Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for this recipe. They provide a succulent texture and are easy to prepare.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor and texture. Ensure they are similarly candied to maintain the dish’s sweetness.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a healthier version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying. Additionally, using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise can reduce the fat content while keeping the creamy texture.
What side dishes pair well with honey walnut shrimp?
Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad are excellent side dishes that complement the rich flavors of honey walnut shrimp.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness.
Can I prepare any components of this dish in advance?
Yes, you can candy the walnuts and prepare the sweet sauce a day ahead. Store them in separate airtight containers and combine them with freshly cooked shrimp when ready to serve.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1 cup walnuts halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup honey and 6 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Add the walnut halves and stir to coat. Spread the coated walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them cool.
- To make the sweet sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup honey, and yogurt in a medium bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- In a shallow dish, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Dip each shrimp into the cornstarch mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the cornstarch mixture.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
- Working in batches, fry the shrimp in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Place the cooked shrimp on a wire rack while frying the remaining shrimp.
- Once all the shrimp are cooked, drizzle them with the sweet sauce, sprinkle with candied walnuts, and serve immediately.
