This honey walnut shrimp delight brings together golden, crispy shrimp, a silky honey-lemon sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts for a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet easy enough for a busy weeknight. Sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp elements come together in perfect balance, making every bite satisfying and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick to prepare and delivers impressive flavor without complicated steps. It uses simple pantry ingredients while still feeling special enough for guests. The contrast between crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts creates a texture-rich dish that appeals to both kids and adults. It is also versatile and pairs well with rice or vegetables, making it a reliable dinner option any time of the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shrimp and batter
1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 large egg whites
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.67 cup cornstarch
1 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Sauce
0.25 cup mayonnaise
3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Candied walnuts
0.5 cup walnut halves
3 tbsp white granulated sugar
1 tbsp cold water

Garnish
1 green onion, finely chopped

Directions

Begin by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.

To candy the walnuts, place the sugar and cold water in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture simmers and thickens enough to coat the back of a spatula. Add the walnut halves quickly and stir to coat evenly. Once the walnuts are glossy and hardened, remove from heat and spread them on parchment paper to cool separately.

Season the shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until lightly foamy, then stir in the cornstarch to form a smooth, runny batter. Gently toss the shrimp in the batter until fully coated.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat to about 350–375°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp, candied walnuts, and prepared sauce. Toss gently until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onion and serve immediately.

Variations:
For a lighter sweetness, reduce the honey slightly and add extra lemon juice. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish. You can also substitute walnuts with almonds or cashews for a different nutty flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time is approximately 22 minutes.
Cooking time is about 8 minutes.
Total time is around 30 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the shrimp and sauce separate. Reheat the shrimp in a hot oven on a wire rack to restore crispness, then toss with sauce just before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep the shrimp crispy?

Use hot oil and fry in small batches, then drain on a wire rack to prevent steam from softening the coating.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat them dry before battering to avoid excess moisture.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Potato starch or tapioca starch work well and give a similar crisp texture.

Is this dish very sweet?

It is mildly sweet, but the lemon juice balances the honey and condensed milk nicely.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What oil works best for frying?

Any neutral oil with a high smoke point works well for frying the shrimp evenly.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Baking is possible, but the shrimp will not be as crispy as when fried.

How do I prevent the walnuts from sticking together?

Spread them out immediately on parchment paper after candying so they cool separately.

What should I serve with honey walnut shrimp?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or lightly cooked vegetables pair very well with this dish.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, the steps are straightforward and forgiving, making it beginner-friendly.

Conclusion

Honey walnut shrimp delight is a comforting yet impressive meal that combines crisp shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts in one irresistible dish. With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavor, it is a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again for both family dinners and special occasions.

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