If you love the sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors of honey walnut shrimp, you’re in for a treat! This homemade honey walnut shrimp recipe is a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home. With crispy, golden shrimp, candied walnuts, and a rich honey-mayo sauce, every bite is packed with deliciousness.
This dish, often found in Chinese-American restaurants like Panda Express, is known for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving takeout-style food, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, with step-by-step instructions and expert tips, you can recreate this popular dish with ease.
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What Is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved Chinese-American dish featuring crispy, golden-fried shrimp tossed with sweet candied walnuts and a luscious honey-mayo sauce. It’s a staple at many Chinese restaurants and a popular choice at Panda Express, thanks to its irresistible combination of crunch, sweetness, and savory richness. Inspired by this delicious version, you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality meal at home with simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method.
Origins and Influence
While honey walnut shrimp is often associated with Chinese takeout, it’s actually a fusion dish that blends traditional Cantonese cooking techniques with Western-style ingredients. The concept of deep-fried shrimp in a sweet glaze is common in Chinese cuisine, but the addition of mayonnaise and condensed milk is a modern twist that originated in Chinese-American restaurants.
What Makes It So Special?
Several key features make honey walnut shrimp stand out:
- Crispy Shrimp: The shrimp are coated in a light batter, usually made from cornstarch and egg whites, to create a delicate, airy crunch.
- Candied Walnuts: These add a sweet, caramelized crunch that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Creamy Honey Sauce: A combination of honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk creates a rich, velvety glaze that coats the shrimp, giving it a unique sweetness.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The crunchy texture of the shrimp and walnuts pairs beautifully with the smooth and creamy sauce, making every bite irresistible.
A Dish for Any Occasion
Honey walnut shrimp is often served as a main dish with steamed rice or fried rice, making it a satisfying and complete meal. It’s also a popular appetizer at banquets and celebrations due to its elegant presentation and indulgent taste. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish always impresses!
Ingredients for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
The secret to making the best honey walnut shrimp recipe lies in using simple yet high-quality ingredients that create the perfect balance of crispiness, creaminess, and sweetness. Below, we break down the essential components of this dish, along with optional ingredients to customize it to your taste.
1. Main Ingredients
These are the core ingredients that give honey walnut shrimp its signature texture and flavor:
- Shrimp – Use large, raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp to ensure the best taste and texture.
- Walnuts – The candied walnuts add a sweet, caramelized crunch to the dish. You’ll coat them in a sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
- Honey Sauce – This creamy, sweet sauce is what makes this dish stand out. It’s made with a combination of:
- Honey – Provides natural sweetness and a glossy texture.
- Mayonnaise – Creates a rich, velvety coating for the shrimp.
- Condensed Milk – Adds a touch of creaminess and enhances the sweetness.
- Lemon Juice (Optional) – A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps balance out the richness of the sauce.
2. Batter & Frying Ingredients
To achieve perfectly crispy shrimp, you’ll need a light batter that creates an airy, golden crust:
- Egg Whites – Helps the batter stick to the shrimp and creates a light, crispy texture.
- Cornstarch – The key to a crispy and delicate coating. Unlike flour, cornstarch creates a lighter crust.
- Oil for Frying – Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for deep-frying. These oils have a high smoke point and won’t overpower the shrimp’s flavor.
3. Optional Additions & Substitutions
Want to customize your honey walnut shrimp recipe? Try these variations:
Healthier Version – Instead of deep-frying, you can air-fry or bake the shrimp for a lighter option. You can also replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative.
Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
Green Onions – Adds a fresh, slightly spicy contrast to the creamy sauce.
Spicy Kick – If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Making the best honey walnut shrimp recipe at home is easier than you think! By following these simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll achieve crispy, golden shrimp, perfectly candied walnuts, and a rich, creamy honey sauce that coats every bite. Let’s break it down into four main steps: candying the walnuts, frying the shrimp, preparing the sauce, and assembling the dish.
1: Candy the Walnuts
Candied walnuts add the signature sweet crunch that balances out the crispy shrimp and creamy sauce. Here’s how to make them:
- Prepare the sugar syrup: First, in a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Simmer the walnuts: Next, add 1 cup of walnut halves to the syrup and let them simmer for about 2–3 minutes. This allows them to absorb the sweetness while developing a glossy coating.
- Drain and dry: Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the walnuts and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry for at least 10–15 minutes until they harden. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect crunch.
2: Prepare and Fry the Shrimp
The secret to perfectly crispy shrimp is using a light, airy batter and frying at the right temperature.
- Prepare the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 egg whites until foamy. Then, gradually add ½ cup of cornstarch and gently mix until you achieve a light, smooth batter.
- Coat the shrimp: One at a time, dip 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp into the batter, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat the oil: Meanwhile, in a deep frying pan or wok, heat 2–3 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the shrimp: Carefully drop the battered shrimp into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and set aside: Finally, transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. This helps keep them light and crispy.
3: Make the Honey Sauce & Assemble
Now it’s time to prepare the creamy honey sauce and bring everything together.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for balance)
- Toss the shrimp: Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy shrimp and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated. Be sure to mix lightly to maintain the crunch.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving plate and sprinkle with the candied walnuts for an irresistible final touch.
4: Garnish & Serve
To enhance the flavor and presentation, garnish your honey walnut shrimp with:
- Sesame seeds – for extra nuttiness
- Chopped green onions – for a fresh contrast
- A drizzle of extra honey – for a glossy finish
Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp
1. Achieve Extra Crispy Shrimp
- First, use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Moreover, avoid overmixing the batter to maintain an airy consistency.
- Most importantly, ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying. Otherwise, the shrimp may become greasy.
2. Make the Perfect Candied Walnuts
- After candying, allow the walnuts to cool completely so they maintain their crunch.
- For an even richer taste, lightly toast the walnuts after candying.
- If you prefer a different flavor, consider using pecans or almonds as an alternative.
3. Keep the Dish from Becoming Soggy
- To preserve crispiness, toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving.
- Similarly, use chilled mayonnaise to maintain a thick and stable sauce.
- Lastly, serve the dish immediately after assembling for the best texture.
4. Balance the Flavors
- To brighten the dish, add a small amount of lemon juice to the sauce.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, adjust the sweetness by reducing the honey or sweetened condensed milk.
- For extra texture and flavor, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Variations to Customize Your Honey Walnut Shrimp
1. Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp
- To add heat, mix in sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili garlic sauce.
- Additionally, adjust the spice level based on personal preference.
2. Lighter, Healthier Version
- Instead of deep-frying, use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes with minimal oil.
- Furthermore, replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-calorie sauce.
- To reduce the sweetness, use less honey or a sugar substitute.
3. Gluten-Free Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Make sure all ingredients, including cornstarch, mayonnaise, and condensed milk, are gluten-free.
- In addition, use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if adding extra seasoning.
4. Vegetarian Honey Walnut “Shrimp”
- Instead of shrimp, use crispy tofu or battered cauliflower as a plant-based alternative.
- Also, swap regular mayonnaise and condensed milk for vegan substitutes to make the dish dairy-free.
Serving Suggestions
- For a complete meal, serve over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.
- To balance the richness of the dish, pair it with steamed bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Finally, drizzle with a small amount of honey or sesame oil before serving to enhance the flavor.