Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe – Just Like In Chinese Restaurant

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular Chinese restaurant favorite that you can easily make at home. This crispy shrimp recipe features golden fried shrimp tossed in a creamy honey sauce and topped with sweet candied walnuts for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. If you love Chinese takeout dishes, this homemade honey walnut shrimp will quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Crispy shrimp with a creamy sweet sauce – The shrimp are coated in a light batter and fried until golden and crunchy. Then they are tossed in a rich honey mayonnaise sauce that adds the perfect sweetness. Every bite has a delicious mix of crispy texture and creamy flavor.

• Just like your favorite Chinese restaurant dish – This recipe recreates the classic honey walnut shrimp often served at Chinese restaurants. The candied walnuts add sweetness and crunch that make the dish extra special. It tastes just like takeout, but you can make it fresh at home.

• Simple ingredients you can easily find – The recipe uses basic ingredients like shrimp, mayonnaise, honey, and walnuts. These are easy to find in most grocery stores. You don’t need any complicated or hard-to-find ingredients.

• Perfect for a quick homemade dinner – The entire dish takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. That makes it a great option for weeknight meals when you want something flavorful but not complicated. Serve it with rice for a complete meal.

• Great combination of sweet and savory flavors – The honey sauce adds sweetness while the shrimp bring a savory seafood flavor. The candied walnuts add another layer of sweetness and crunch. All these flavors come together perfectly in one delicious dish.

Ingredients For Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Shrimp – Large shrimp are the star of this recipe. They are peeled, deveined, and coated in batter before frying until golden and crispy.

• Walnuts – Walnuts are briefly boiled in a sugar syrup to create sweet candied walnuts. They add a crunchy texture and signature flavor to the dish.

• Water – Water is combined with sugar to create the syrup used for coating the walnuts.

• White Sugar – Sugar sweetens the walnuts and helps create the light candied coating.

• Egg Whites – Egg whites are whipped until foamy and form the base of the batter that coats the shrimp.

• Mochiko (Glutinous Rice Flour) – This flour thickens the batter and helps create a light, crispy coating on the shrimp when fried.

• Vegetable Oil – Vegetable oil is used for frying the shrimp until they turn golden brown and crispy.

• Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the honey sauce that coats the shrimp.

• Honey – Honey adds natural sweetness and flavor to the sauce.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk – This adds extra sweetness and helps create the smooth, creamy texture of the sauce.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Small Saucepan – Used to boil the sugar and water mixture and coat the walnuts to make them sweet and candied.

• Medium Mixing Bowl – Needed for mixing the egg whites and mochiko flour together to create the shrimp batter.

• Whisk or Fork – Helps whip the egg whites until foamy and mix the batter smoothly.

• Deep Skillet or Heavy Frying Pan – Used to heat the oil and fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy.

• Slotted Spoon – Makes it easy to remove the fried shrimp from the hot oil while letting excess oil drain off.

• Baking Sheet – Used to spread out the candied walnuts so they can cool and dry.

• Paper Towels – Placed on the baking sheet or plate to absorb excess oil from the fried shrimp.

• Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons – Needed to measure the ingredients accurately for the batter and sauce.

How To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Start by making the candied walnuts. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the walnuts and cook briefly, then drain and spread them out on a baking sheet to dry.

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• In a mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until they become foamy. Stir in the mochiko flour and mix until a thick batter forms.

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

• Dip each shrimp into the batter so it is completely coated.

• Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil and fry them in batches until they turn golden and crispy.

• Remove the cooked shrimp from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain.

• In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.

• Add the fried shrimp to the sauce and gently toss them until fully coated.

• Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the honey walnut shrimp over a bowl of steamed white Jasmine rice so the rice can soak up the creamy honey sauce. This simple pairing makes the dish more filling and perfectly balanced.

• Pair it with shrimp fried rice for a delicious takeout-style meal at home. The savory rice complements the sweet and creamy shrimp beautifully.

• Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or green beans. The fresh vegetables add color to the plate and balance the richness of the sauce.

• Serve the shrimp alongside hibachi noodles or lo mein. The noodles absorb the sauce and make the meal even more satisfying.

• Garnish the dish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. These simple toppings add extra flavor and make the presentation look even more appetizing.

Tips For Success

• One of the most important things to focus on is preparing the shrimp properly. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined before starting the recipe. If the shrimp are wet, gently pat them dry with paper towels before dipping them in the batter. Removing excess moisture helps the batter stick better and creates a crispier coating when fried.
• When mixing the batter, whip the egg whites until they are foamy before adding the mochiko flour. This step helps create a lighter batter that fries up crispy instead of dense. Stir the flour in gradually until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. The batter should easily coat the shrimp without being too runny.
• Another important tip is maintaining the correct oil temperature while frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the batter can brown too quickly before the shrimp are fully cooked. Fry the shrimp in batches so the oil temperature stays consistent.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Adding too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature and prevent the shrimp from crisping properly. Frying in smaller batches helps each shrimp cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden color.
• After frying, place the shrimp on paper towels to remove any excess oil. This step keeps the shrimp light and crispy. Let them rest briefly while you prepare the honey sauce.
• When making the sauce, mix the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth. A smooth sauce will coat the shrimp evenly and give the dish its signature creamy texture. Once the shrimp are fried, toss them gently in the sauce so they are coated but still crispy.
• Finally, add the candied walnuts right before serving. This keeps them crunchy and prevents them from becoming sticky or soft. Serving the dish immediately ensures the shrimp stay crispy while the sauce is fresh and creamy.

Variations And Substitutions

• One simple variation is using a different protein instead of shrimp. Some people like to make this recipe with bite-sized pieces of chicken instead. The chicken is battered and fried the same way as the shrimp and then tossed in the honey sauce. This variation works well for people who prefer poultry or don’t eat seafood.
• You can also adjust the sweetness of the sauce depending on your taste. If you prefer a slightly less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey or sweetened condensed milk in the sauce. On the other hand, if you enjoy sweeter flavors similar to restaurant-style honey walnut shrimp, you can add a little extra honey. The sauce is easy to customize while still keeping its creamy texture.
• Another option is to use a different type of flour for the batter if mochiko is not available. While mochiko creates a light and crispy coating, other flours can work as substitutes. The batter texture should remain thick enough to coat the shrimp evenly before frying.
• If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can include a pinch of salt in the batter. This can help balance the sweetness of the honey sauce. Some cooks also like adding a small drizzle of honey on top of the finished dish for extra sweetness.
• For a slightly lighter version of this recipe, you can reduce the amount of sauce used when tossing the shrimp. This still gives the shrimp flavor without making them overly coated. Serving the shrimp with extra vegetables can also make the meal feel lighter and more balanced.
• The walnuts can also be adjusted if needed. If you prefer a stronger nut flavor, you can add a few extra walnuts on top before serving. If you want a milder nut flavor, simply reduce the amount used in the recipe.
• Finally, you can experiment with different ways to serve this dish. Honey walnut shrimp is commonly served with rice, but it also works well with noodles or alongside stir-fried vegetables. These simple variations make it easy to adapt the recipe for different meals and preferences.

Storage and Reheating

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. Once cooled, transfer the shrimp to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep in mind that because the shrimp are coated in sauce, they may lose some of their crispiness during storage. However, they will still taste delicious when reheated.
• To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat and warm them gently for a few minutes until heated through. Stir occasionally so the shrimp heat evenly without burning the sauce.
• You can also reheat the shrimp in the microwave if you need a quicker option. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
• If you are reheating a larger portion, you can warm the shrimp in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. This method helps heat the shrimp more evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does honey walnut shrimp taste like?

Honey walnut shrimp has a sweet, creamy, and slightly savory flavor. The shrimp are fried until crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. They are coated in a smooth honey mayonnaise sauce that gives the dish its signature sweetness. The candied walnuts add a crunchy texture and a light sugary flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.

This dish is very popular at Chinese restaurants. The sweet sauce makes it appealing even to people who don’t usually eat seafood. When served with rice, the sauce soaks into the rice and adds even more flavor. The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts makes every bite delicious.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work very well for this recipe. They are convenient and easy to keep in the freezer for quick meals. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.

After thawing, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the batter stick better and makes the shrimp crispier when fried. Large shrimp work best because they stay juicy during cooking. Once thawed and dried, you can use them exactly the same as fresh shrimp.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Honey walnut shrimp tastes best when served fresh. The shrimp are crispiest right after frying and before sitting in the sauce for too long. After storing, the coating may soften slightly.

However, you can prepare some parts of the recipe in advance. The candied walnuts can be made earlier in the day and kept at room temperature. The sauce can also be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the shrimp and toss them in the sauce.

What should I serve with it?

This dish is most commonly served with steamed white rice. The rice absorbs the sweet honey sauce and balances the richness of the shrimp. It also helps turn the dish into a complete meal.

You can also serve honey walnut shrimp with fried rice or stir-fried noodles. Vegetable sides such as broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas work very well too. Adding vegetables helps balance the sweetness of the sauce and adds color to the plate.

Why are candied walnuts used?

Candied walnuts are a signature part of honey walnut shrimp. They add sweetness and a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy sauce. Without them, the dish would still taste good but would be missing an important element.

The walnuts are quickly boiled in sugar and water to coat them in a sweet glaze. After drying, they become lightly crisp and slightly glossy. This sweet coating pairs perfectly with the honey sauce used in the shrimp. It also makes the dish look more appealing when served.

Other Easy Walnut Recipes

Toasted Walnuts – These toasted walnuts are warm, crunchy, and nutty, and they’re ready in minutes for snacking, salads, or topping your favorite dishes.

Spinach Salad with Apples, Dried Cranberries and Walnuts – This fresh spinach salad combines crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a delicious mix of flavors and textures.

Walnut Crusted Salmon Fillets  – Tender salmon fillets are coated in a crunchy walnut crust and baked to perfection for an easy and flavorful seafood dinner.

Other Easy Shrimp Recipes

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – This refreshing Mexican shrimp cocktail is loaded with juicy shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a zesty tomato-based sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp – Juicy shrimp are baked with garlic and Parmesan cheese for a quick and flavorful seafood dish that’s ready in minutes.

Shrimp Stir-Fry with Tomatoes, Bell Peppers and Bean Sprouts – This colorful shrimp stir-fry features tender shrimp tossed with tomatoes, bell peppers, and crisp bean sprouts in a savory sauce.

Shrimp Pasta with Eggplant and Garlic Tomato Sauce – This hearty shrimp pasta combines tender shrimp, eggplant, and garlic in a rich tomato sauce for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

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