Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy, sweet, and utterly delicious, Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is the perfect dish for any occasion. This recipe offers a delightful combination of crunchy shrimp and candied walnuts coated in a creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this dish will save you money and time compared to takeout while impressing your family at the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Whip up this dish in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Flavorful Experience: The creamy honey sauce paired with crispy shrimp and crunchy walnuts creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it over rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly: This dish caters to all age groups, making it a hit among kids and adults alike.
• Cost-Effective: Save money by making this delectable dish at home instead of ordering from your favorite restaurant.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to make your preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Ensures that your sugar doesn’t stick while making candied walnuts.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Helps in safely removing shrimp from hot oil without excess oil dripping.
• Large bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

To make the Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp

• 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)

For the Sauce

• 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)

For the Candied Walnuts

• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or sub with brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp water (cold)

Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

In a non-stick pan on medium heat, add sugar followed by cold water. Stir constantly until it simmers.
– Once thick enough to coat a spatula, quickly add walnuts and mix to coat evenly.
– Remove from heat when they are crusted and transfer them to parchment paper.

Step 3: Prepare Shrimp Batter

In a large bowl, season peeled shrimp with salt and black pepper.
– In another large bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy but not meringue-like.
– Add cornstarch to create a runny paste before adding seasoned shrimp. Mix well until shrimp are fully coated.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until hot (around 350-375 degrees F).
– Fry shrimp in small batches for about 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
– Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp from oil onto a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine crispy shrimp with candied walnuts and sauce. Toss everything gently until well-coated.
– Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp as an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Serving Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful experience that can elevate your dining table. The crispy shrimp and sweet sauce pair beautifully with various sides, making for a well-rounded meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve the honey walnut shrimp over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

As a Salad Topper

• Add the shrimp as a topping on mixed greens for a refreshing salad that combines textures and flavors.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with honey walnut shrimp for a fun and interactive meal.

With Noodles

• Toss the shrimp with stir-fried noodles for an indulgent dish that’s both filling and satisfying.

As Appetizers

• Serve smaller portions of the shrimp as appetizers at your next gathering, allowing guests to enjoy bite-sized pieces of this delightful dish.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Perfecting Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp involves attention to detail throughout the cooking process. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out fantastic every time.

• Choose fresh shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen jumbo shrimp.
• Maintain oil temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (350-375°F) before frying. This prevents greasy shrimp and ensures they become crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
• Whisk egg whites properly: Aim for foamy but not stiff egg whites to create the right batter consistency.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your honey walnut shrimp fresh from the pan for optimal crispness.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Complementing your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal even further. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice with peas, carrots, and egg makes a hearty pairing with honey walnut shrimp.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a cool contrast to the warm, sweet shrimp.
4. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic provide crunch and a savory counterpoint to the dish’s sweetness.
5. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables make for a crunchy side that complements the main dish perfectly.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with lemon juice and herbs adds protein and fiber while keeping things fresh.
7. Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa brings an exotic twist that pairs wonderfully with the honey flavors in the shrimp.
8. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice seasoned lightly to absorb any leftover sauce from the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Using stale shrimp: Fresh shrimp is key for the best flavor. Always check the freshness before cooking.
• Not coating shrimp properly: Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated in the batter for that perfect crunch. Mix well until all shrimp are covered.
• Crowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Fry in small batches for optimal crispiness.
• Skipping the candied walnuts: The sweet crunch of candied walnuts makes this dish special. Don’t skip this step; follow the instructions carefully to achieve that perfect candy coating.
• Ignoring oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, your shrimp won’t crisp up. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of batter before frying large batches.
• Not garnishing: Adding green onions as a garnish not only enhances appearance but also adds flavor. Don’t forget this simple step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and flavor.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Freeze portions in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Best used within 1-2 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts (30 seconds), checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What can I serve with Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables, making it a complete meal.

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

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and candied walnuts ahead of time for convenience. Just fry the shrimp just before serving.

What type of shrimp should I use?

Jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe due to their size and texture, but you can use any size you prefer.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.

How do I store leftover Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels. Try this delightful recipe today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy shrimp, sweet candied walnuts, and a creamy honey sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected gatherings, offering a restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up at home. The crunchy textures and irresistible flavor make it a family favorite, while its cost-effectiveness compared to takeout makes it an even more appealing choice. Serve it over rice or as part of a vibrant salad for a deliciously satisfying experience everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 egg whites
• 2/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup Japanese mayo
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients and set aside.
2. For the candied walnuts, heat sugar and cold water in a non-stick pan until it simmers. Add walnuts and stir until coated. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
3. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; whisk egg whites until foamy. Combine with cornstarch to create batter and coat shrimp evenly.
4. Heat oil in a large pan; fry shrimp in batches until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. Toss crispy shrimp with candied walnuts and sauce in a large bowl. Garnish with green onions before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 150mg