Chinese Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Sweet and Savory Delight

If you’ve ever dined at a Chinese restaurant, you might have come across the delectable Honey Walnut Shrimp. This dish combines crispy shrimp with a luscious honey sauce and crunchy candied walnuts, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Not only is it a feast for the taste buds, but it also makes for an eye-catching presentation. In this post, we’ll delve into the origins of this beloved dish, provide a detailed recipe, and share tips to make it your own.

The Story Behind Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a classic example of Chinese-American cuisine, where traditional Chinese flavors meet Western tastes. It is often associated with the sweet-and-sour flavor profile that many people love. The dish typically features large shrimp that are battered and fried until golden brown, then tossed in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk. The addition of candied walnuts not only adds crunch but also a nutty sweetness that complements the shrimp perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can serve this dish on a busy weeknight or impress guests at a dinner party.
• Flavorful Fusion: The combination of sweet and savory creates a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add extra ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅔ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Candied Walnuts:

• ½ cup walnut halves
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo like Kewpie works well)
• 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts

1. In over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add walnut halves to the saucepan, stirring continuously until they are coated in syrup.
3. Once the mixture thickens slightly, remove from heat and spread walnuts onto parchment paper to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add egg whites and mix until well coated.
2. Place cornstarch in another bowl. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch until fully coated, shaking off any excess.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (180°C).
2. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Honey Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Sample the sauce, and if you’d like it sweeter, simply incorporate additional honey to suit your taste.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

1. In a large bowl, combine fried shrimp with half of the honey sauce. Toss gently to coat.
2. Add candied walnuts on top and drizzle with additional sauce as desired.
3. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Walnut Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately while still warm and crispy. Here are some serving ideas:

• Over Rice: Serve atop steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
• With Noodles: Pair with lo mein or chow mein for an Asian-inspired feast.
• As an Appetizer: Present it as an appetizer at gatherings; it’s sure to be a hit!

Storage Tips

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain some crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home allows you to enjoy this restaurant favorite without stepping out of your kitchen! The combination of crispy shrimp, sweet honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts creates an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as part of a festive spread, this recipe is sure to impress!

So why not give this delightful recipe a try? You’ll find that it’s easier than you think to create restaurant-quality dishes right at home!