Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy honey sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This delightful combination offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 egg whites
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar and bring to a boil. Add 1/2 cup walnuts and boil for 2 minutes to candy them. Use a slotted spoon to remove the walnuts and place them on a parchment-lined plate to dry and harden.
- Prepare the Shrimp Coating: In a mixing bowl, whisk 2 egg whites until frothy. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat evenly. In a separate bowl, add 1/2 cup cornstarch for dredging.
- Dredge the Shrimp: Take each shrimp and dredge it in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s evenly coated, then shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Honey Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the fried shrimp gently in the honey sauce until fully coated. Top with the candied walnuts. Serve immediately, optionally over steamed rice or in lettuce cups for a refreshing presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, try air-frying or baking the shrimp until crispy before tossing them in the honey sauce.
- Serve over steamed white rice or in lettuce cups for a more refreshing meal.
- Make sure to drain the fried shrimp well to keep them crispy and prevent sogginess when sauced.
