The aroma of sizzling shrimp fills the kitchen as you anticipate a dish that’s both sweet and savory—honey walnut shrimp. This delightful treat is not just another meal; it’s an experience that will tickle your taste buds and make your stomach do a happy dance.
you whip up this dish for a cozy family dinner or perhaps to impress friends at a gathering. The crunch of walnuts paired with tender shrimp in a luscious glaze creates a moment that’s downright magical. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This honey walnut shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Every bite bursts with flavor, offering a delightful balance between sweetness and crunch
- Its vibrant presentation will make you the star of any dinner table
- Versatile enough for special occasions or casual meals, it’s sure to please everyone!
I remember the first time I made honey walnut shrimp—it was an adventurous Saturday night cooking session gone right! My friends were amazed by the flavors and kept asking for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen large shrimp; they’re perfect for absorbing the flavors.
- Walnuts: Lightly toasted walnuts add an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor.
- Egg Whites: Using egg whites makes the batter light and crispy.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best for coating the shrimp.
- Honey: Go for pure honey to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances the sweetness in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture; don’t skimp on quality!
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and color as a garnish.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying; ensure it has a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
For the Sauce:
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce; use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: A little garlic powder elevates the flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
- Sesame Oil: Just a touch adds depth and authentic Asian flair to your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together!
Preparation of Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining your large shrimp if they aren’t already prepared. Rinse them under cold water until clean. Pat dry using paper towels.
Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together egg whites with flour until smooth. The mixture should resemble pancake batter but slightly thicker.
Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter generously so they are completely covered. This will ensure they get perfectly crispy when fried.
Fry those Beauties: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F), carefully place coated shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy—around 2-3 minutes per side.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and mix in honey, sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, heavy cream, and sesame oil. Stir continuously until everything melds into a silky sauce.
Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Toss your crispy fried shrimp into the saucepan filled with sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated before adding toasted walnuts.
Serve immediately while hot! Garnish with chopped green onions for that fresh pop of color and flavor.
And there you have it—your very own homemade honey walnut shrimp! With its sweet glaze and crunchy walnuts, it’s bound to be a hit at your next gathering or just as an indulgent treat after a long day. Enjoy every mouthful because you’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- Honey walnut shrimp is not just a dish; it’s an experience!
- The crunch of the walnuts, the sweetness of honey, and the tender shrimp create a delightful combination
- This dish can impress guests or be a cozy family dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting your walnuts for extra crunch. Then, fry the shrimp until golden brown before mixing in the sauce. Finally, combine everything gently to coat without breaking the shrimp.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist or toss in some veggies for added color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best honey walnut shrimp, ensure your shrimp are fresh and not overcooked
- A light batter keeps them crispy
- Toasting nuts adds flavor depth, while adjusting sweetness balances taste perfectly
It was during my first dinner party that I realized how much joy this dish could bring. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and someone even asked for seconds—talk about winning at life!
FAQ
What type of shrimp works best for honey walnut shrimp?
Use large, fresh shrimp for better texture and flavor in honey walnut shrimp.
Can I make honey walnut shrimp ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead for quick assembly.
How do I keep the walnuts crunchy?
Toast the walnuts just before serving to maintain their delightful crunchiness.
Irresistible Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately four servings 1x
Description
Irresistible honey walnut shrimp combines crispy shrimp with a sweet glaze and crunchy walnuts, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup walnuts (lightly toasted)
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 green onions (chopped for garnish)
- Vegetable oil for frying (high smoke point)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry. In a bowl, whisk together egg whites and flour until smooth.
- Dip each shrimp into the batter thoroughly to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and mix in honey, sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, heavy cream, and sesame oil, stirring until combined.
- Toss crispy shrimp in the sauce until well-coated. Add toasted walnuts and mix gently.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
- Substitute walnuts with pecans for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist or toss in colorful vegetables for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg