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Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a perfect blend of sweet and crispy, featuring tender battered shrimp coated in a luscious honey glaze and topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This easy-to-make dish offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures—sweet, creamy, and crunchy—making it a delightful treat suitable for weeknights or special occasions. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, it is an irresistible seafood dish that can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Batter

  • 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 egg whites, lightly whisked
  • ½ cup cornstarch or gluten-free flour
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Candied Walnuts

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup water

Honey Sauce

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo for dairy-free version)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp condensed milk (or coconut cream for dairy-free version)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar

Instructions

  1. Candy the Walnuts: Combine sugar and water in a pan over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Add walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until they become glossy and caramelized. Transfer the walnuts onto parchment paper and let cool completely to harden and create a crunchy texture.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp Batter: Lightly whisk egg whites. Coat each peeled shrimp evenly with cornstarch or gluten-free flour for a fine, even crust. The light batter is essential for achieving the desired crispy texture when fried.
  3. Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil to medium-high (around 350°F to 375°F). Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crisp, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil while preserving crispiness.
  4. Make the Honey Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice or vinegar. Mix well until smooth and creamy, balancing sweetness with a touch of acidity.
  5. Combine and Serve: Gently toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle the candied walnuts on top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
  • Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F to ensure shrimp cook evenly and stay crispy without absorbing excess oil.
  • A light coating of cornstarch or gluten-free flour is sufficient—avoid overcoating to prevent heaviness.
  • Prepare candied walnuts first as they cool and harden quickly, saving time during cooking.
  • When tossing shrimp with sauce, do so gently to preserve the crispy coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Walnut Shrimp, sweet and crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, seafood appetizer, gluten-free shrimp recipe, easy shrimp recipe