Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy, juicy, and coated in a creamy sweet sauce, Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is the perfect dish to impress family and friends. This delightful recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish stands out for its vibrant textures and rich taste, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Enjoy takeout-style flavors without breaking the bank.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crunchy walnuts and creamy shrimp will impress everyone at the table.
• Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer or main course; pairs well with rice or vegetables.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with readily available ingredients that you likely already have.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready can make cooking more enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Large bowl
• Slotted spoon
• Tongs or chopsticks
• Wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Prevents shrimp from sticking while frying, ensuring they cook evenly.
• Slotted spoon: Allows easy removal of shrimp from hot oil without excess oil dripping.
• Tongs or chopsticks: Great for coating shrimp evenly in batter and tossing them with sauce later.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2/3 cup cornstarch (or sub with potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup Japanese mayo (aka Kewpie Mayo or sub with normal mayo)
• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for dairy-free version)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

For the Candied Walnuts

• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or sub with brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp cold water

Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

In a non-stick pan over medium heat:
1. Add sugar followed by cold water.
2. Stir constantly until it simmers and thickens enough to coat a spatula.
3. Quickly add walnuts, mixing to coat evenly.
4. Once coated with syrup, remove from heat and transfer walnuts to parchment paper to cool.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

In a large bowl:
1. Add peeled and deveined shrimp.
2. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper.
3. In another large bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy but not meringue-like.
4. Mix cornstarch into egg whites until you have a runny paste.
5. Add seasoned shrimp to batter, mixing until coated.

Step 4: Frying the Shrimp

In a large pan:
1. Heat vegetable oil on medium-high heat until it reaches around 350-375 degrees F.
2. Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
3. Remove using a slotted spoon; place on wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl:
1. Add crispy shrimp and candied walnuts.
2. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss gently to combine.
3. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Now you have your very own Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Serving Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance this delightful dish.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the shrimp over steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will soak up the creamy sauce, adding flavor and texture.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the shrimp with a mix of colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. This adds freshness and crunch to your meal.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Present the shrimp in crisp lettuce leaves as a fun appetizer. The crunchy lettuce complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully.

As Part of a Seafood Platter

• Include Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp on a seafood platter alongside other favorites like grilled fish or calamari. This makes for an impressive spread.

With Noodles

• Toss the shrimp with cooked lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty dish. Drizzle some extra sauce over the noodles for additional flavor.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro or basil. These herbs add a pop of color and aromatic notes to the dish.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To ensure your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality shrimp: Fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp make a difference in flavor and texture. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring they cook evenly and become crispy.
• Monitor oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350-375 degrees F for optimal frying results.
• Whisk egg whites properly: Achieving just the right foam level is crucial. They should be foamy but not whipped into stiff peaks.
• Prepare candied walnuts quickly: Work swiftly when coating walnuts in syrup to prevent clumping and ensure an even crust.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your honey walnut shrimp right after cooking for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can create a balanced meal that is satisfying and delicious. Here are some excellent side options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast to the sweetness of the shrimp.
2. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice mixed with peas, carrots, and scallions makes for a hearty accompaniment.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar offers a crisp, tangy complement to the rich flavors of the dish.
4. Garlic Sauteed Spinach: Sautéed spinach with garlic adds depth while being light enough not to overpower the main dish.
5. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf with herbs can add texture and nutrition while balancing out the sweetness of the shrimp.
6. Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup brings comforting flavors that pair nicely without overshadowing your main course.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized enhance sweetness while providing fiber and vitamins.
8. Miso Soup: A light miso soup can be served on the side as an appetizer, offering umami flavors that complement honey walnut shrimp well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for creating a crispy coating on the shrimp. Ensure you thoroughly coat the shrimp before frying for the best results.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in small batches to maintain crispness.
• Not monitoring oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, shrimp can burn; if it’s too cold, they will become greasy. Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 350-375°F.
• Rushing the candied walnuts: Allowing enough time for the sugar syrup to thicken is crucial for achieving a good glaze on the walnuts. Be patient and watch closely as it cooks.
• Neglecting seasoning: Simple seasonings like salt and pepper can elevate your dish significantly. Don’t skip this step when prepping your shrimp.
• Using stale or old ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Always check that your shrimp and other components are fresh before cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep sauce separate until ready to serve for optimal texture.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month; reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, about 30 seconds at a time, checking regularly to prevent overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure they are completely thawed and drained before cooking.

How can I customize my honey walnut shrimp?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color!

What should I serve with honey walnut shrimp?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal.

Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

You could substitute shrimp with plant-based alternatives or tofu, while maintaining the same delicious sauce!

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s versatile enough to allow customization based on your preferences—whether that means adding veggies or adjusting sweetness levels. Give it a try today!