Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Sweet & Crispy Delight for Beginner Cooks

I remember the first time I tried honey walnut shrimp at a local Chinese restaurant. The crispy shrimp, the creamy-sweet sauce, and the crunchy candied walnuts were a symphony of flavors and textures. I was immediately hooked and knew I had to try making it at home. This Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is designed for beginner cooks, offering a simplified version of this restaurant favorite. Imagine plump, crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This dish is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crispy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s an easy and fun way to bring the taste of Chinese takeout into your kitchen, saving you money and impressing your family. This recipe is ideal for those looking for a quick, flavorful, and impressive meal that can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s time-efficient, utilizes readily available ingredients, and provides a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and a touch of sweetness. Let’s dive into this simple and satisfying recipe!

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Ingredients and Preparation: Your Honey Walnut Shrimp Essentials – Simple and Flavorful

Creating this Honey Walnut Shrimp involves a few key ingredients, making it ideal for beginner cooks. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and delicious outcome.

For the Shrimp: The Crispy Protein – The Heart of the Dish:

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined – Provides the protein base. Alternatives: You can use medium or large shrimp. Jumbo shrimp provide a satisfying bite and are visually appealing.
• 4 egg whites – Creates a light batter. Alternatives: Whole eggs (slightly denser batter). Egg whites provide a light and airy texture, resulting in a crispier coating.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors. Alternatives: Sea salt or kosher salt. Salt is essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of spice. Alternatives: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne. Black pepper is classic and adds a subtle warmth.
• ⅔ cup cornstarch (or sub with potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour) – Creates a crispy coating. Alternatives: Any of the listed starches. Cornstarch is readily available and provides a light, crispy texture.
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying) – Used for frying. Alternatives: Peanut oil or canola oil. Any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work well.

For the Sauce: The Creamy Sweetness – The Heart of the Flavor:

• ¼ cup Japanese mayo (aka Kewpie Mayo) (or sub with normal mayo) – Adds creaminess and tanginess. Alternatives: Regular mayonnaise. Japanese mayo is slightly sweeter and tangier, adding a unique flavor to the sauce.
• 3 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for dairy-free version) – Adds sweetness and creaminess. Alternatives: Honey or maple syrup. Sweetened condensed milk provides a rich, creamy sweetness.
• 2 tablespoon honey – Adds sweetness and flavor. Alternatives: Agave or maple syrup. Honey adds a distinct floral sweetness that complements the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed – Adds acidity and brightness. Alternatives: Lime juice or vinegar. Lemon juice is classic and adds a refreshing tang.

For the Candied Walnuts: The Crunchy Topping – The Flavor Punch:

• ½ cup walnut halves – Provides the crunchy topping. Alternatives: Pecans or almonds. Walnuts are classic and provide a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness.
• 3 tablespoon white granulated sugar (or sub with brown sugar) – Creates the candy coating. Alternatives: Brown sugar. White sugar creates a crisp, clear coating.
• 1 tablespoon water, cold – Helps dissolve the sugar. Alternatives: Any temperature water. Cold water is standard and works well.

Optional Garnish:

• 1 green onion, finely chopped – Adds freshness and color. Alternatives: Chives or cilantro. Green onions are classic and add a mild onion flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Guide to Honey Walnut Shrimp Success – Easy and Clear

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients. Set aside. This allows the flavors to meld while you prepare the other components, enhancing the overall taste.
2. Make the Candied Walnuts:
   • In a non-stick pan on medium heat, add sugar followed by water. Stirring constantly, bring to a simmer. This creates the sugar syrup, which will candy the walnuts.
   • Once the syrup thickens and can coat the back of your spatula, quickly add walnuts. This ensures the walnuts are evenly coated in the syrup.
   • Quickly mix to coat evenly. This prevents the sugar from crystallizing and ensures each walnut is coated.
   • Once coated and a crust has formed around each walnut, immediately remove pan off the heat and remove candied walnuts one by one with tongs and transfer to parchment paper spreading them apart. This prevents the walnuts from sticking together and allows them to cool evenly.  
   • Set aside. This allows the walnuts to cool and harden, creating a crunchy texture.
3. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • In a large bowl, add peeled and deveined shrimp, season with salt and black pepper. This seasons the shrimp, enhancing its natural sweetness.
   • In a separate large bowl, add egg whites and whisk until foamy. They should just be foamy, not like a meringue. This creates a light batter that will result in a crispy coating.
   • Add cornstarch and mix until you have a runny paste. This creates the batter for the shrimp, ensuring it coats evenly.
   • Add seasoned shrimp and mix well until shrimp is coated in batter with tongs or chopsticks. This ensures the shrimp is evenly coated and prevents clumping.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
   • Heat vegetable oil or any neutral oil in a large pan on medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (around 350-375 degrees F), fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until crispy and a golden brown color develops. Do not overcrowd the pan. This ensures the shrimp cooks evenly and becomes crispy without absorbing too much oil.  
   • Remove shrimp from hot oil with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to wire rack or paper towel lined baking sheet to drain off excess oil. This removes excess oil from the shrimp, preventing it from becoming soggy.  
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • In a large bowl, add crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, followed by sauce. Toss everything together. This coats the shrimp and walnuts with the sauce, ensuring each piece is flavorful.
   • Garnish with green onions. This adds freshness and color, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion – Helpful Advice and Hacks

• Troubleshooting:
  • Walnuts Not Candied: Ensure the sugar syrup is thick enough before adding walnuts. The syrup should coat the back of a spoon.
  • Shrimp Not Crispy: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and don’t overcrowd the pan. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature.
  • Sauce Too Thick: Add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin the sauce. Adjust the consistency to your preference.
  • Sauce Too Thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce it. This concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce.
• Prep Efficiency:
  • Prepare Sauce Ahead: Prepare the sauce before starting to cook. This saves time during the cooking process.
  • Candied Walnuts: You can prepare the candied walnuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This allows for convenient assembly.
  • Shrimp Prep: Peel and devein the shrimp before starting to cook. This streamlines the cooking process.
• Tool Substitutions:
  • No Non-Stick Pan: Use a regular pan, but be careful to prevent sticking. A well-seasoned cast iron pan can also work.
  • No Tongs: Use a slotted spoon or chopsticks. These tools are versatile and can be used for various tasks.
  • No Wire Rack: Use a paper towel-lined plate. This absorbs excess oil and prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy.
• Flavor Boosters:
  • Add Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This adds a kick of heat and balances the sweetness.
  • Add Citrus: Add a squeeze of lime juice to the finished dish. This adds a zesty touch and enhances the flavors.
  • Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the shrimp batter. This adds a pungent aroma and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Enhancing Your Honey Walnut Shrimp

This Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with complementary sides and toppings.

• Sides:
  • Steamed Rice: Serve with steamed rice for a classic side. This complements the flavors and absorbs the sauce.
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve with stir-fried vegetables for a healthy side. This adds nutrients and variety to the meal.
  • Noodles: Serve with noodles for a satisfying side. This creates a more substantial meal.

A Sweet Conclusion: Sharing the Joy of Honey Walnut Shrimp

This Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful and simple meal, perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. It’s a testament to how easy and delicious Chinese-inspired cuisine can be. The crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and add your personal touch. And most importantly, have fun! We’d love to see your honey walnut shrimp creations! Share your photos and any variations you try in the comments below. Happy cooking!

What other quick and easy meals would you like to see us explore? Are you interested in learning more about different Asian dishes or mastering other cooking techniques? Let us know in the comments! We’re here to support you on your culinary journey, one delicious bite at a time. We can’t wait to hear about your culinary triumphs! Share your photos and tag us in your creations – we’re excited to see what you make! We’re confident that this recipe will become a regular part of your meal rotation. It’s a guaranteed way to bring some sweet and crispy goodness to your table. Enjoy! And remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With a little planning and the right recipes, you can create delicious and impressive meals that everyone will love. This Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a perfect example of that. So, get in the kitchen, get creative, and get ready to impress your friends and family (and yourself!) with your cooking skills! You’ve got this! You could try adding a dash of orange zest to the sauce for a citrus boost. Add a pinch of five-spice powder to the shrimp batter for a warm, aromatic flavor. For a spicier version, add a few drops of chili oil to the finished dish. Try adding some toasted sesame oil to the sauce for a nutty flavor. You can also add some snow peas to the side for an extra vegetable.