If you’ve ever dined at a Chinese restaurant or ordered takeout, you’ve likely come across honey walnut shrimp—a crispy, sweet, and creamy delight that’s hard to resist. This dish perfectly balances crunchy shrimp, candied walnuts, and a luscious honey sauce, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.
The combination of flavors and textures—crispiness from the shrimp, the buttery crunch of walnuts, and the silky smooth sauce—creates an irresistible dish. While it might seem like something you’d only enjoy at a restaurant, this honey walnut shrimp recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Crispy & Crunchy – Lightly battered shrimp fried to golden perfection
- Perfectly Sweet & Savory – A creamy honey-mayo sauce with the right amount of sweetness
- Easy to Make at Home – No need for takeout when you can cook it yourself in under 30 minutes!
Ready to make your own delicious honey walnut shrimp? Let’s get started with why this dish is worth trying!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys the sweet-salty combination that Asian cuisine is known for. Here’s why this dish stands out:
Incredible Taste & Texture
- Crispy, crunchy shrimp coated in a smooth and creamy honey sauce
- Candied walnuts add a sweet, nutty crunch that complements the shrimp
- Balanced flavors—not too sweet, not too heavy, just perfect!
Quick & Easy to Make
- Only 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion
Restaurant-Style at Home
- Tastes just like takeout but fresher and healthier
- No MSG or unnecessary additives
- You control the sweetness and texture
Ingredients Needed
Before we start cooking, let’s gather everything we need. This dish is made up of three main components:
For the Candied Walnuts
✔ ½ cup walnuts
✔ ¼ cup water
✔ ¼ cup sugar
For the Crispy Shrimp
✔ 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
✔ ½ cup cornstarch
✔ 2 egg whites
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Sauce
✔ ¼ cup mayonnaise
✔ 2 tbsp honey
✔ 1 tbsp condensed milk
✔ 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Garnish: Green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe: How to Make It
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps to achieve crispy shrimp, crunchy candied walnuts, and a creamy honey sauce.
Step 1: Preparing the Candied Walnuts
Candied walnuts add the perfect sweet crunch to balance the savory shrimp. Here’s how to make them:
What You’ll Need:
✔ ½ cup walnuts
✔ ¼ cup water
✔ ¼ cup sugar
Instructions:
1️⃣ In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
2️⃣ Add the walnuts to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are glossy and slightly golden.
3️⃣ Remove the walnuts from the pan and spread them out on parchment paper to cool. (They will harden as they cool, creating a crunchy texture!)
4️⃣ Set aside while preparing the shrimp.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, toast the candied walnuts in a dry pan for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Crispy Shrimp
The shrimp should be light, crispy, and golden brown, just like in a restaurant!
What You’ll Need:
✔ 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
✔ ½ cup cornstarch
✔ 2 egg whites
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy.
2️⃣ Add shrimp to the bowl and coat them evenly in the egg whites.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and salt.
4️⃣ Dredge the egg-coated shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess.
5️⃣ In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
6️⃣ Carefully add shrimp in small batches and fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7️⃣ Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Frying in small batches ensures crispier shrimp.
Step 3: Creating the Creamy Honey Sauce
The sweet and creamy honey mayo sauce is what makes this dish stand out. It’s silky smooth and coats the shrimp beautifully.
What You’ll Need:
✔ ¼ cup mayonnaise
✔ 2 tbsp honey
✔ 1 tbsp condensed milk
✔ 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
1️⃣ In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice.
2️⃣ Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
3️⃣ Set aside until ready to mix with the shrimp.
💡 Pro Tip: Want a lighter sauce? Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise!
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Now for the best part—combining everything!
Final Steps:
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy shrimp.
2️⃣ Pour the honey sauce over the shrimp and gently toss until evenly coated.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the candied walnuts on top and give it one final toss.
4️⃣ Serve immediately while the shrimp is still crispy!
Serving Suggestion:
- Serve over steamed white rice or garlic noodles for a full meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp
✔ Use fresh shrimp – The fresher, the better! Avoid pre-cooked shrimp for the best texture.
✔ Cornstarch, not flour – This keeps the shrimp light and crispy without feeling heavy.
✔ Fry in batches – Overcrowding the pan makes shrimp soggy instead of crispy.
✔ Serve immediately – The longer the shrimp sits in the sauce, the softer it gets.
What to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp
This delicious dish pairs well with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Steamed White Rice – A classic choice that soaks up the creamy honey sauce.
- Garlic Noodles – Buttery, garlicky noodles add extra flavor and texture.
- Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas for a fresh balance.
- Asian Slaw – A crisp, tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch.
- Mango Salad – A sweet and tangy salad to complement the shrimp.
💡 Pro Tip: Want a low-carb option? Serve honey walnut shrimp over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles!
Customization & Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
Gluten-Free Version
- Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free coating.
- Ensure your mayonnaise and condiments are gluten-free.
Healthier Baked or Air-Fried Version
- Instead of deep frying, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Add ½ tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the honey sauce for a spicy kick!
- Garnish with chili oil or jalapeños for extra heat.
Coconut Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Add shredded coconut to the cornstarch coating for a tropical twist.
- Serve with coconut rice for an island-inspired dish.
💡 Pro Tip: Experiment with different flavors to match your taste preferences!
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), here’s how to store them properly:
How to Store Leftovers
- Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Store the sauce separately to keep the shrimp crispy.
- Keep candied walnuts in a dry container to prevent sogginess.
How to Reheat for the Best Texture
- Oven (Best Method): Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Stovetop: Toss shrimp in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
- Avoid the Microwave – It makes the shrimp soggy!
💡 Pro Tip: If reheating shrimp with sauce, add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make honey walnut shrimp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the candied walnuts and sauce in advance. For the best texture, fry the shrimp fresh and toss them in the sauce just before serving. If you love shrimp, try this BBQ Shrimp Recipe for a smoky twist.
What type of shrimp works best?
Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best bite and texture. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work—just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
Yes! Pecans, almonds, or cashews work well. For another delicious seafood dish, check out this Crab Brûlée Recipe.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
Use less honey and condensed milk, and add more lemon juice for balance. If you like rich flavors, try making Chicken Bone Broth.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating them in cornstarch.
Conclusion
Honey Walnut Shrimp is the perfect sweet, crunchy, and creamy dish that you can now make at home! With easy-to-follow steps, customizable variations, and pro tips, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out. Love a little heat? Add spice! Want a healthier version? Try air-frying. The possibilities are endless!
Enjoy your homemade honey walnut shrimp!
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Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe – Easy & Crispy Homemade Version
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Walnut Shrimp is a restaurant-quality dish that you can make in just 30 minutes! Juicy, crispy shrimp are coated in a light batter, fried to perfection, and tossed in a creamy honey sauce with sweet, crunchy candied walnuts. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy, making it a favorite for seafood lovers. Serve it with steamed rice, garlic noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a delicious homemade takeout-style meal!
Ingredients
For the Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Crispy Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 egg whites
- ½ tsp salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp condensed milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Candied Walnuts – In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the walnuts and cook for 2-3 minutes until coated and glossy. Transfer to parchment paper and let them cool until crisp.
2️⃣ Coat the Shrimp – In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and salt. Dip each shrimp into the egg whites, then coat with the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
3️⃣ Fry the Shrimp – Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4️⃣ Make the Honey Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
5️⃣ Combine Everything – Toss the crispy shrimp in the honey sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle with candied walnuts and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the shrimp by frying a second time for 30 seconds.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps the shrimp stay crispy.
- For a healthier option, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- To make it spicier, add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the honey sauce.
- Leftovers? Store shrimp without sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: honey walnut shrimp, crispy shrimp recipe, Chinese shrimp dish, homemade honey shrimp, takeout-style shrimp, shrimp in creamy sauce, candied walnuts shrimp.