Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy, succulent, and drizzled with a sweet sauce, Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your home in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will impress everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy honey sauce and crunchy candied walnuts creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Healthier Alternative: Skip the takeout and make this dish with fresh ingredients for a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that fits various occasions.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this sweet and savory shrimp dish, making it a hit at any family gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smoother, gather these essential tools before you start cooking. Having everything ready will save you time and effort in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Non-stick pan
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without spilling, providing ample space for mixing.
• Non-stick pan: Prevents food from sticking during frying, ensuring crispy results without hassle.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Helps safely remove shrimp from hot oil without excess grease.

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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)

For 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 allow flavors to meld.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

In a non-stick pan on medium heat:
1. Add sugar followed by cold water.
2. Stir constantly until it comes to a simmer.
3. Once syrup thickens enough to coat the back of a spatula, quickly add walnuts.
4. Mix well to coat evenly.
5. Remove pan from heat once coated; transfer candied walnuts onto parchment paper to cool.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl:
1. Add peeled and deveined shrimp.
2. Season with salt and black pepper; mix well.

Step 4: Prepare the Batter

In another large bowl:
1. Whisk egg whites until foamy (not stiff).
2. Add cornstarch and mix until you have a runny paste.
3. Add seasoned shrimp; coat well using tongs or chopsticks.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium-high heat:
1. Once hot (around 350-375 degrees F), fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
2. Avoid overcrowding; use slotted spoon or tongs to transfer cooked shrimp to drain on wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Combine Everything

In a large bowl:
1. Combine crispy shrimp with candied walnuts and sauce.
2. Toss gently until everything is well coated; garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Serving Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can elevate your meal and impress your family or guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement this dish perfectly.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed white rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the sweet sauce, making each bite delicious.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• A colorful mixture of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds freshness and crunch, balancing the sweetness of the shrimp.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Serve the shrimp over egg noodles or rice noodles for a satisfying meal. Toss in some sesame oil for extra flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the shrimp in crisp lettuce leaves. This offers a refreshing crunch and makes for a fun finger food experience.

With a Side Salad

• A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.

As an Appetizer

• Serve smaller portions as an appetizer at your next gathering. Garnish with green onions for an attractive presentation.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Perfecting Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp involves careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean smell.

• Control Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350-375 degrees F for crispy shrimp. If it’s too hot, the coating may burn; if it’s too cold, the shrimp will absorb too much oil.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking.

• Whisk Egg Whites Properly: Aim for foamy egg whites without forming stiff peaks. This helps create a light batter that clings well to the shrimp.

• Make Candied Walnuts Quickly: Once you add walnuts to the syrup, work quickly to coat them evenly before they harden.

• Garnish Thoughtfully: Finish with finely chopped green onions not only for flavor but also for color contrast on your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice with vegetables creates a hearty accompaniment that complements the dish’s sweetness.

2. Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy rolls filled with veggies or chicken pair well and add texture to your meal.

3. Vegetable Lo Mein: Soft noodles stir-fried with mixed vegetables provide a satisfying base that balances the flavors of honey walnut shrimp.

4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers depth and warmth, providing a comforting addition to your dinner spread.

5. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic add freshness and crunch, enhancing the overall texture of your meal.

6. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli drizzled with sesame oil pairs beautifully while adding vibrant color to your plate.

7. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar gives a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of honey walnut shrimp.

8. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs offers nutritious benefits alongside the main dish without overpowering it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the shrimp with salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Always season your shrimp before battering to enhance taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in small batches for perfect crispiness.
• Not preparing the sauce first: Waiting until the end to make the sauce can delay serving time. Prepare your sauce ahead of time so it’s ready when your shrimp is cooked.
• Ignoring the oil temperature: Frying shrimp in oil that’s not hot enough will make them greasy. Ensure your oil is around 350-375 degrees F for optimal frying results.
• Forgetting to drain excess oil: Skipping this step can lead to oily shrimp. Use a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb excess oil after frying.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place shrimp on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What can I substitute for Japanese mayo?

You can use regular mayonnaise as a substitute if you can’t find Japanese mayo. It may alter the flavor slightly but will still work well.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and coating.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply replace sweetened condensed milk with condensed coconut milk.

Can I customize the nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, feel free to use pecans or cashews for a different flavor profile.

How spicy is Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

This dish is not inherently spicy. If you prefer heat, consider adding some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is not only delicious but also simple enough for any weeknight dinner. Its crispy texture combined with creamy sauce makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or trying different nuts. Enjoy this delightful dish with rice or stir-fried veggies!