Description
Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful Chinese-American dish featuring large shrimp coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sweet, creamy honey sauce with crunchy candied walnuts. Perfect for those craving a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, this recipe offers a restaurant-style treat that you can easily prepare at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Batter
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Candied Walnuts
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the 1/2 cup walnuts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the walnuts are coated and the sugar mixture thickens slightly. Remove the walnuts from the syrup and place them on parchment paper to dry and harden.
- Prepare the Honey Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Make the Batter: In another bowl, beat 2 egg whites until foamy. Gently mix in 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon salt to form a light batter that’s slightly thick but still smooth enough for coating the shrimp.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth suitable for deep frying and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintain the temperature for consistent cooking.
- Fry the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Toss and Serve: While the shrimp are still warm, toss them gently in the prepared honey sauce until evenly coated. Carefully fold in the candied walnuts to combine. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy shrimp and sweet walnuts.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, fry the shrimp twice briefly—first to set the batter and then to finish cooking.
- Keep the honey sauce separate until just before serving to maintain the shrimp’s crunchy texture.
- Substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce variation.
