Honey Walnut Shrimp

This Honey Walnut Shrimp dish is a delightful combination of crispy fried shrimp coated in a luscious honey-mayo sauce, topped with candied walnuts for a touch of crunch and sweetness. It’s a perfect marriage of savory and sweet that makes each bite rich, flavorful, and indulgent.

Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or want to recreate your favorite Chinese restaurant dish at home, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions that call for a memorable seafood treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup walnut halves

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

2. Add the walnuts and cook for 2–3 minutes. Remove and place the walnuts on parchment paper to cool and harden.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside.

4. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper, and coat evenly in cornstarch.

5. In a skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

6. Once all shrimp are cooked, toss them gently in the creamy honey sauce.

7. Plate shrimp and top with candied walnuts and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 530 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp: Sweet, Crispy & Irresistible

Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and elegance. With its rich, creamy sauce coating golden fried shrimp and the delicate crunch of candied walnuts, it’s no wonder this dish has earned its place as a favorite on Chinese-American restaurant menus.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Honey Walnut Shrimp. From its cultural origins to tips on achieving the perfect texture, plus how to store leftovers, this page is your all-in-one resource.

What Is Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved Chinese-American dish made by deep-frying shrimp in a light batter, tossing them in a creamy honey-mayo sauce, and topping them with sweet, caramelized walnuts. Often served over steamed white rice, this dish combines textures and flavors in a way that’s both luxurious and approachable.

The contrast of hot, crispy shrimp with cool, creamy sauce and crunchy walnuts creates a mouthfeel that’s hard to resist. The natural sweetness of honey and condensed milk enhances the shrimp’s flavor without overpowering it, while the walnuts add a nutty complexity that cuts through the richness.

Origins of Honey Walnut Shrimp

This dish has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine, a hybrid culinary tradition that evolved in the United States as Chinese immigrants adapted traditional recipes using available ingredients and local preferences.

While you won’t typically find Honey Walnut Shrimp in mainland China, it has become a hallmark of upscale Cantonese-inspired menus in North America, especially in cities with large Chinese-American communities. Restaurants like Panda Express and PF Chang’s helped popularize it further, but it’s believed to have been introduced in the 1980s by chefs who wanted to create a seafood dish that balanced Eastern flavors with Western palates.

A Deep Dive into the Key Ingredients

Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you appreciate how this dish comes together and allows for better customization.

Shrimp

Use large or extra-large shrimp for the best bite and presentation. Fresh is ideal, but thawed frozen shrimp work well too, just make sure they are patted completely dry to ensure crispiness during frying.

Pro Tip: Tail-on shrimp add elegance to presentation, but tail-off shrimp are easier to eat and more practical for family-style meals.

Walnuts

These are more than just a garnish. Candied walnuts add a necessary crunch and sweetness that elevates the dish. Cooking them in a sugar syrup hardens their exterior, giving them a candy-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy shrimp.

Sauce Base

The sauce is the soul of the dish, a dreamy blend of mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and a dash of lemon juice. This mix is what gives Honey Walnut Shrimp its signature creamy texture and light sweetness.

• Mayonnaise provides the rich, silky base.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk enhances the creaminess and introduces a smooth sweetness.

• Honey deepens the sweetness with floral undertones.

• Lemon Juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness.

Cornstarch Coating

Cornstarch is used to create the shrimp’s crispy exterior. Unlike flour, which creates a denser crust, cornstarch fries up light and ultra-crunchy, ideal for absorbing just the right amount of sauce.

Cooking Method Breakdown

One of the most important parts of this dish is technique. Here’s a closer look at the major steps, so you understand why each one matters.

Frying for Crispiness

The shrimp must be fried at the right temperature, around 350°F (175°C), to achieve golden crispiness without being greasy. Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and to keep the shrimp from sticking together.

If you prefer a healthier version, air frying or baking the shrimp is possible, though the traditional deep-frying method yields the best texture.

Candied Walnuts

These take only a few minutes to make but require attention. Stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning. Once the walnuts are caramelized, transfer them immediately to parchment paper to cool. They will harden as they sit, adding that delightful crunch.

Sauce Coating

It’s essential to toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving to preserve the crispy texture. If left too long, the coating can become soggy. Use a gentle folding motion to avoid breaking the shrimp or knocking off the coating.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Walnut Shrimp is typically served with a side of steamed jasmine or white rice, which soaks up the extra sauce beautifully. You can also try these pairings:

• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Adds color and balances the richness.

• Fried Rice: For a full takeout-style experience.

• Asian Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil cuts through the creaminess.

• Lettuce Cups: Serve the shrimp in butter lettuce cups for a lighter, bite-sized appetizer version.

For beverages, a lightly sweet Riesling or a crisp sparkling water with citrus pairs well. Want something non-alcoholic? Try iced green tea with a splash of lemon.

Storage & Reheating

Like most fried foods, Honey Walnut Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers:

Storing

• Keep shrimp and sauce separate if possible.

• Store shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Sauce and candied walnuts can be stored in separate containers at room temperature or in the fridge.

Reheating

• Reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.

• Rewarm the sauce gently and toss with the shrimp just before serving.

Customization Tips

Love to personalize your recipes? Here are a few ideas:

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cornstarch and double-check the condiments.

• Lighter Alternative: Bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying.

• Nut-Free Version: Replace walnuts with crispy rice noodles or omit them entirely.

You can also try this same technique with scallops or tofu for variation.

Why You’ll Love Making This at Home

What sets this dish apart when made at home is the ability to control every ingredient. Store-bought or restaurant versions can sometimes be too sweet, greasy, or lack real shrimp flavor. When you make it yourself, you can dial in the richness, balance the sweet-to-savory ratio, and ensure your shrimp are cooked perfectly.

Plus, there’s the added bonus of impressing your guests or family with a dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end Chinese bistro but took you under 30 minutes to make.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is more than just a popular takeout favorite; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that work in complete harmony. From the creamy, honey-kissed sauce to the crisp shrimp and crunchy candied walnuts, every bite is indulgent yet well-balanced.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home, meal prepping for the week, or putting together a dish to wow friends, this recipe is a reliable showstopper. It’s fast, flavorful, and totally customizable, proof that you don’t need a culinary degree to bring restaurant-quality food to your table.

So next time you’re craving that iconic creamy shrimp dish, skip the takeout and bring the magic into your own kitchen with this delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp. You might just find it becomes a new go-to in your meal rotation.