Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style Honey Walnut Shrimp but shied away at the thought of deep frying and complex sauces, this Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is about to become your new obsession! Tender, crispy shrimp are tossed in a creamy sweet sauce and showered with glossy homemade candied walnuts—all in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few everyday ingredients can combine to create Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp with all the flavor and texture of your favorite restaurant version! Each item is crucial: tender shrimp are made irresistibly crispy, the homemade sauce is dreamy, and candied walnuts are the sweet, crunchy finish you never knew you needed.

• Jumbo Shrimp (1 lb): Fresh or thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp deliver plump, juicy bites. Go for larger shrimp for maximum texture and flavor.
• Egg Whites (4): Whisked egg whites give the shrimp their airy, crispy coating without any heaviness.
• Salt & Black Pepper (¼ tsp each): A simple seasoning that wakes up the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Cornstarch (⅔ cup): The secret to that golden, shatteringly crisp crust—you can also substitute with potato, tapioca, or sweet rice flour for different textures or dietary needs!
• Vegetable Oil (1 cup): Any neutral oil works for frying, ensuring even, golden results without overpowering the other flavors.
• Japanese Mayo (¼ cup): Also known as Kewpie, this ultra-creamy mayo gives the sauce its signature richness, though regular mayo works in a pinch.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (3 tbsp): Adds silkiness and sweetness; condensed coconut milk is fantastic for a dairy-free twist.
• Honey (2 tbsp): For that perfect floral sweetness and warm golden color!
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, fresh): A squeeze of lemon brightens everything and balances out the richness.
• Walnut Halves (½ cup): Walnuts get their starring moment here, providing irresistible crunch and nutty flavor once candied.
• White Granulated Sugar (3 tbsp): Essential for making those glossy candied walnuts; brown sugar brings deeper caramel notes if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Cold Water (1 tbsp): Helps dissolve the sugar and achieve perfectly glossy candied walnuts.
• Green Onion (optional): A final flourish, the green onion adds freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.

Variations

One of the best things about Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is that it’s endlessly adaptable! Whether you have dietary needs or just want to put your unique spin on the dish, there are plenty of delicious ways to make it your own.

• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap sweetened condensed milk for condensed coconut milk and use vegan mayo to create a luscious, dairy-free version that’s still decadent.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour instead of cornstarch for the coating—no one will guess it’s gluten-free!
• Try Other Protein: Not feeling shrimp? Chicken tenders, tofu cubes, or even scallops can be battered and tossed with the same sauce and walnuts for a wonderful twist.
• Add a Kick: Stir a little sriracha or a pinch of cayenne into the sauce if you like it spicy.

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Sauce

Start by combining all the creamy sauce ingredients—Japanese mayo (or regular if that’s what you have), sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice—in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until smooth, then set it aside. The irresistible magic of Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp starts with this iconic sauce!

Step 2: Candy the Walnuts

In a non-stick pan over medium heat, sprinkle in your sugar and water, stirring constantly until the mixture gently simmers and thickens. As soon as it can coat the back of your spatula, add the walnuts and quickly toss to coat. Once they’re beautifully glazed and crusted, transfer them one by one onto parchment paper—don’t let them clump up! This step is so much easier than you’d imagine, and totally worth it for that glossy crunch.

Step 3: Prep & Batter the Shrimp

Gently pat your shrimp dry and toss them with salt and black pepper. In a separate large bowl, whisk your egg whites just until foamy (no need for firm peaks!). Add the cornstarch, stirring until a silky, runny paste forms. Toss in your seasoned shrimp, ensuring each one is well coated. This quick batter gives you that signature crispy shell you know and love.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Pour your oil into a deep skillet or pan and heat it over medium-high until it shimmers (about 350–375°F). Carefully fry the shrimp in small batches—don’t crowd the pan!—for 2–3 minutes each, flipping if needed, until they’re puffed, golden, and crispy. A slotted spoon or tongs makes transferring them to a paper towel–lined tray easy and neat.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

With the shrimp still hot and crunchy, transfer them to a big bowl. Add your candied walnuts and pour on that creamy sauce. Toss until everything is gorgeously coated. A sprinkle of green onion is the perfect finishing touch, making your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp a total showstopper—ready to steal the spotlight at dinner.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onion or even a few slivers of red chili can really bring a burst of color and a subtle bite to your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp. For extra glamour, try a few toasted sesame seeds or a light scatter of lemon zest—your guests will think you ordered in!

Side Dishes

This dish is pure magic with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, but don’t stop there! Try it beside crisp stir-fried veggies, garlicky green beans, or a crunchy Asian slaw for a fresh, vibrant meal. The creamy, sweet shrimp pairs beautifully with bright, palate-cleansing sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this shrimp as an appetizer on a platter with toothpicks, nestled on lettuce cups, or even in warm slider buns for party-perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp sandwiches! The golden candied walnuts make every presentation feel special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days. To keep things as crispy as possible, store the sauce and candied walnuts separately if you anticipate having leftovers.

Freezing

While shrimp is generally freezer-friendly, fried shrimp loses its signature crunch after thawing. If you really need to freeze, freeze shrimp and walnuts separately before tossing with sauce, and re-fry or reheat in an oven for best results.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat leftover shrimp in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot, about 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating and make the dish a bit soggy—but the flavors will still be delicious!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp and see just how effortlessly gourmet homemade takeout can be. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself midweek, this recipe always brings out the smiles. Happy cooking—and don’t forget to lick the spoon after that last drizzle of sauce!

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