Honey Walnut Shrimp

Hey y’all! Today, we’re diving into a truly irresistible dish—Honey Walnut Shrimp. This crowd-pleaser is ultra crispy, incredibly creamy, and features sweet candied walnuts that take every bite over the top. Whether you’re impressing guests, spicing up takeout night, or just craving a little restaurant magic at home, this easy recipe delivers major flavor with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Super crunchy shrimp paired with velvety, luscious honey mayo sauce.
• Sweet candied walnuts add delightful texture and sophisticated flair.
• Easy to make in under 40 minutes—weeknight dinner or party ready!
• Satisfies cravings for takeout without leaving your kitchen.
• Perfect balance of savory, creamy, and sweet in every forkful.

Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off)
• 3/4 cup walnut halves
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2/3 cup cornstarch (plus extra for dredging)
• 2 large egg whites
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• Pinch of salt
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Candy the Walnuts

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Add walnuts, simmer 2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and spread on parchment. Let cool completely—they’ll crisp up as they set.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy. Add shrimp and toss to coat, then dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, pressing lightly for an even coating.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat about 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C).
2. Working in batches, fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
3. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 4: Make the Honey Sauce

1. Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
2. Add fried shrimp and toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

1. Arrange sauced shrimp on a serving platter, sprinkle with candied walnuts.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flair, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Be sure walnuts cool fully—they’ll get perfectly crunchy! (Learn more about candying nuts here.)
• For even frying, don’t overcrowd the skillet; work in batches to keep shrimp extra crispy.
• Make the sauce just before serving, so the shrimp stays crunchy; avoid letting shrimp sit too long in the sauce.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Variations

• Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mayo-honey mixture.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook cornstarch-coated shrimp in a preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping once.
• Vegan Option: Use crispy tofu cubes instead of shrimp and vegan mayo in the sauce.

Required Equipment for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Large skillet or wok (for frying)
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon
• Parchment-lined baking sheet
• Tongs or chopsticks
• Paper towels (for draining)

Honey Walnut Shrimp Storage & Shelf Life

Store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the sauce separate from the fried shrimp if possible, and reheat shrimp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to crisp up before saucing and serving again.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
• Pair with simple sautéed broccoli, bok choy, or a fresh Asian slaw.
• Try with a crisp Riesling or sparkling water for a bright, refreshing contrast.

Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Use extra large shrimp for maximum crunch and juicy texture (buying shrimp tips).
• Double-coat shrimp for super crispy results—dip in egg whites and cornstarch twice if you like extra crunch.
• Make candied walnuts in advance—they keep well in an airtight jar for up to a week!

Honey Walnut Shrimp FAQ

Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free?

Yes! Corn starch is naturally gluten-free, so this recipe is perfect for those avoiding gluten—just ensure your other ingredients are certified GF.

What’s the best shrimp size for this recipe?

Large or extra-large (16/20 count per pound) offer ideal juiciness and crispiness.

Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp?

Yes, bake cornstarch-coated shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for 13–15 minutes, flipping once for crunch, though frying is more traditional.

For even more delicious Asian-inspired dinner options, check out this Food Network collection.

★★★★★ 4.60 from 7 ratings

Honey Walnut Shrimp

yield: 4 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 20 mins

total: 40 mins

A delicious Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a sweet honey mayo sauce and topped with candied walnuts.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. 1
   Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then add walnuts. Boil for 2 minutes, remove walnuts with a slotted spoon, and place on a parchment-lined plate to dry.
2. 2
   In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk. Set the sauce aside.
3. 3
   Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy, then toss shrimp to coat. Dredge shrimp in cornstarch.
4. 4
   Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. 5
   Toss fried shrimp in the honey mayonnaise sauce until coated. Garnish with candied walnuts and serve immediately.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 480 caloriescal

Protein: 25g proteing

Fat: 27g fatg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 38g carbohydratesg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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