Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crispy battered shrimp tossed in a sweet, creamy honey mayo sauce and topped with candied walnuts.
Details
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg white
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Candy the walnuts: heat sugar and water in a small pan until dissolved. Add walnuts and stir until coated and golden. Spread on parchment to cool.
- 2
Mix cornstarch, flour, and egg white into a batter. Coat shrimp.
- 3
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- 4
Whisk mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice for the sauce.
- 5
Toss fried shrimp in the honey mayo sauce until evenly coated.
- 6
Plate and top with candied walnuts. Serve immediately.
About This Recipe
A triumph of textural contrasts and harmonious flavors, Honey Walnut Shrimp stands as a shining star of Chinese-American cuisine, particularly beloved in Cantonese-style restaurants and a staple on banquet menus. Its allure lies in the ingenious marriage of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements: plump, crispy battered shrimp bathed in a glossy, luscious honey-mayonnaise sauce, counterpointed by exquisitely candied walnuts. The dish, while a modern invention rather than an ancient Chinese tradition, perfectly embodies the spirit of culinary innovation, adapting to local preferences with a touch of indulgent flair. Achieving its signature perfection relies on several key techniques. First, the shrimp must be properly battered and fried to a delicate, airy crispness, often benefiting from a brief double-fry for ultimate crunch. Simultaneously, the walnuts are transformed into glistening, caramelized gems, providing an essential sweet snap. The sauce itself is an artful emulsion, where the richness of mayonnaise and condensed milk meets the floral sweetness of honey and a vital zest of lemon, which cleverly cuts through the sweetness, ensuring a balanced, addictive finish. Serve this culinary delight immediately to savor its optimal texture, either as a captivating appetizer, alongside other family-style dishes like stir-fried greens, or simply over a bed of warm jasmine rice to capture every drop of its golden, delectable sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- • To ensure your shrimp achieve maximum crispness, pat them thoroughly dry before coating with the batter. After frying, immediately transfer them to a wire rack set over paper towels, which allows air circulation and prevents them from steaming and becoming soggy.
- • For a slightly lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess, consider substituting half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, which also introduces a pleasant tang. Alternatively, pecans can be used instead of walnuts for the candied component.
- • To prepare components ahead of time, candy the walnuts and fry the shrimp in advance, storing them in airtight containers at room temperature and in the refrigerator, respectively. Re-crisp the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer just before assembling the dish with freshly mixed sauce.
- • This rich and decadent dish pairs wonderfully with lighter, vibrant accompaniments to balance the meal. Serve alongside steamed or stir-fried Asian greens, a simple cucumber salad, or fluffy white rice to absorb the delicious honey-mayonnaise sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)