Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp a delightful dish for any occasion. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delicious meal at home. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this flavorful dish that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout while saving both time and money!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money compared to takeout without sacrificing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crispy shrimp and sweet sauce is sure to impress family and friends.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served alongside rice or vegetables.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find ingredients that create a delicious result.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Large bowl
• Tongs or chopsticks
• Slotted spoon
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking during frying.
• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Tongs or chopsticks: Ideal for handling shrimp and coating them evenly.
• Slotted spoon: Allows excess oil to drain off shrimp conveniently after frying.

Ingredients

For this delectable dish, you will need the following 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 substitute 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 substitute 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 substitute 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 all sauce ingredients. Set aside.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

• In a non-stick pan on medium heat, add sugar followed by water. Stir constantly until it simmers.
• When the syrup thickens enough to coat the back of your spatula, quickly add walnuts. Mix to coat evenly.
• Once coated and crust forms around each walnut, remove from heat. Use tongs to transfer walnuts to parchment paper, spreading them apart. Set aside.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl, add peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the Batter

In another large bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy—not meringue-like. Add cornstarch and mix until it becomes a runny paste.

Step 5: Coat the Shrimp

Add seasoned shrimp to the batter mixture. Use tongs or chopsticks to ensure shrimp are well-coated.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350-375 degrees F.
– Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Avoid overcrowding.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove fried shrimp from hot oil. Transfer them to a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain off excess oil.

Step 8: Combine Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine crispy shrimp with candied walnuts and pour over the prepared sauce. Toss everything together gently.

Step 9: Serve

Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving warm.

Now you have your very own Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Rice

• Plain white or jasmine rice complements the rich flavors of the shrimp while providing a neutral base.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

• A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas offers a colorful and nutritious addition, enhancing the meal’s texture.

Noodles

• Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a heartier option that soaks up the delicious sauce.

Salad

• A light green salad with sesame dressing can balance the sweetness of the honey walnut shrimp, adding freshness to your plate.

Spring Rolls

• Crispy vegetable spring rolls make an excellent appetizer, providing a fun crunch before enjoying the main dish.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture in your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp have better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones. Look for shrimp that smell clean and ocean-like.

• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350-375°F) before frying. This helps achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the shrimp.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches allows the shrimp to cook evenly and maintain their crispiness. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.

• Whisk Egg Whites Properly: Whip egg whites until foamy but not stiff. This helps create a light batter that clings well to the shrimp.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Pairing your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the richness of the shrimp.

2. Fried Rice: A classic choice, fried rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs works beautifully alongside sweet shrimp.

3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing provides a crisp contrast that enhances every bite of shrimp.

4. Quinoa: Nutty quinoa is a healthy alternative to rice, offering protein and fiber while soaking up any extra sauce.

5. Egg Drop Soup: This warm soup is simple yet comforting, making it an excellent starter for your meal.

6. Garlic Bread: For those who enjoy bread, garlic bread can add a satisfying crunch and complement the dish’s sweetness nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Using the wrong shrimp size: Always opt for jumbo shrimp to achieve the best texture and flavor. Smaller shrimp may overcook quickly, resulting in a chewy consistency.

• Overcrowding the pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to soggy shrimp instead of crispy ones.

• Skipping the coating process: Don’t skip coating the shrimp with the egg white and cornstarch mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crunch.

• Not monitoring oil temperature: Use a thermometer or test the oil before frying. If it’s not hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil; too hot, and they’ll cook too fast.

• Ignoring garnishes: Adding chopped green onions at the end not only enhances flavor but also adds a nice color contrast to your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp without sauce and walnuts.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed throughout.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about preparing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, here are some answers!

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes! You can try using pecans or almonds as a substitute for walnuts if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply substitute Japanese mayo with regular mayonnaise that is dairy-free, and use condensed coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk.

What sides pair well with Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables, making it a complete meal.

How can I customize my Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for extra color and nutrition. Adjusting the sweetness by altering honey amounts is also an option.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy shrimp with sweet candied walnuts, perfect for any night of the week. It’s versatile enough for customization based on your preferences and makes an excellent family meal. Give it a try today!