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Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

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4.3 from 5 reviews

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delectable dish featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet sauce made with mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This homemade take on the classic takeout favorite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Candied Walnuts

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup walnuts

Shrimp

  • 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk

Garnish

  • Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and then add 1 cup of walnuts. Boil for about 2 minutes to candy the walnuts, then drain them and spread out on a cookie sheet to dry completely.
  2. Prepare for Frying: Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a heavy, deep skillet over medium-high heat. In one small bowl, whisk 1 egg. In another small bowl, measure 1/2 cup cornstarch. This setup will be used for coating the shrimp.
  3. Coat and Fry Shrimp: Dip each peeled and deveined large shrimp first into the beaten egg, then coat in cornstarch. Carefully fry the shrimp in the hot oil for about 5 minutes or until they turn pink and have a golden brown crust. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  4. Make the Sauce and Toss: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the fried shrimp and gently toss until well coated with the sauce.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the sauced shrimp and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Originally posted on September 13, 2015; updated on September 30, 2023.
  • Ensure the oil temperature is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy texture.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans if desired for a different nutty flavor.
  • For best results, serve immediately after tossing to maintain the crispiness of the shrimp.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian American