Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts make this Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp a delightful meal. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this fantastic dish using simple ingredients, ensuring you save money and time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of crispy shrimp and sweet honey sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own; this dish fits any occasion!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit for family meals.
• Easy Ingredients: Most ingredients are staples found in your pantry, making it convenient to prepare anytime.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you achieve the best results for your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Large bowl
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Prevents sticking and makes frying easy without excessive oil absorption.
• Large bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without mess.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Ideal for safely removing shrimp from hot oil without losing their crispiness.

Ingredients

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts make this Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp a delightful meal.

Ingredients:
– 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)
– 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)
– 1/2 cup walnut halves
– 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or sub with brown sugar)
– 1 tbsp cold water
– 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: Japanese mayo, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Candied Walnuts

1. In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add white granulated sugar followed by cold water.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Once thickened enough to coat the back of your spatula, quickly add walnut halves and mix well to coat them evenly.
4. When coated and crust forms around each walnut, remove from heat. Use tongs to place them on parchment paper to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a large bowl, season peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper.
2. In another large bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy—not meringue-like—and then add cornstarch to create a runny paste.
3. Add seasoned shrimp into the batter and mix thoroughly until coated.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375 degrees F.
2. Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer cooked shrimp onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. In a large bowl, add crispy shrimp along with candied walnuts and pour the prepared sauce over them.
2. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
3. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Serving Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is all about enhancing its flavors and making the meal even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve alongside fluffy steamed white rice for a classic pairing that absorbs the sauce beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

• Create a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and avocado. The crunch of the veggies complements the shrimp perfectly.

As an Appetizer

• Present smaller portions on skewers or in bite-sized cups. Perfect for parties or gatherings!

With Noodles

• Toss the shrimp with stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal that combines textures and flavors.

Garnished with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauce

• Offer a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping. It adds an extra layer of taste to each bite.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To achieve restaurant-quality Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp at home, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Gather all ingredients before cooking to streamline the process and ensure nothing is missed.
• Control Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for perfect frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to keep the oil hot and ensure crispy results.
• Whisk Egg Whites Just Right: Aim for foamy egg whites, not meringue. This helps create a light batter that crisps beautifully.
• Coat Evenly: Make sure each shrimp is well-coated in batter before frying to achieve that signature crunchy texture.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your honey walnut shrimp right after cooking for maximum crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great side options:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful option that complements the sweet shrimp and provides additional texture.
2. Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls add crunch and freshness, making them a great appetizer.
3. Garlic Broccoli: Lightly sautéed broccoli drizzled with garlic oil offers a nutritious balance to the meal.
4. Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup pairs nicely, adding warmth and comfort.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing can cleanse your palate between bites.
6. Chow Mein: Stir-fried chow mein noodles can soak up any leftover sauce while adding an extra layer of flavor.
7. Miso Soup: This light soup serves as a comforting starter, perfectly balancing the richness of the shrimp dish.
8. Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or meat make for a delightful addition to any meal table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you perfect your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the pan: When frying shrimp, avoid adding too many at once. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp instead of crispy ones.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your shrimp with salt and pepper. This step enhances flavor and ensures that every bite is delicious.
• Using direct heat: Frying on high heat without monitoring can lead to burnt shrimp. Be sure to maintain a steady medium-high heat for optimal cooking.
• Not preparing the sauce ahead: Preparing your sauce while cooking can waste time. Mix the sauce ingredients beforehand so you can toss them with the shrimp right after frying.
• Ignoring oil temperature: Using oil that’s not hot enough will yield greasy shrimp. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of shrimp to ensure proper frying temperature (350-375°F).

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Ensure that the shrimp and walnuts are at room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Use within 1 month for best quality; label containers with the date.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp:

Can I make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the shrimp just before serving for maximum crispiness.

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

Jumbo shrimp work well as they remain tender inside while achieving a crispy coating. However, medium-sized shrimp can also be used if preferred.

How do I customize my Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color! You could also experiment with different sauces if desired.

What if I don’t have Japanese mayo?

Regular mayonnaise is an acceptable substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly. You can also use homemade mayonnaise for a fresher taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use cornstarch (or its substitutes) instead of flour, this dish remains gluten-free and delicious!

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is not just delightful but also versatile. With its crispy texture and sweet-savory sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting sweetness levels. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!