Honey Walnut Shrimp – Sweet, Crispy & Delicious

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe delivers perfectly crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy honey sauce and topped with candied walnuts. A restaurant-style favorite made easy at home, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or entertaining guests. With a crunchy exterior, tender shrimp, and a luscious honey glaze, this dish is irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy shrimp coated in sweet, creamy honey sauce
• Topped with crunchy, caramelized candied walnuts
• Easy to prepare at home with simple ingredients
• Elegant and impressive presentation for guests
• Balanced flavors, sweet, nutty, and slightly savory
• Quick to make and perfect for a special dinner

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Candied Walnuts

• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon water

For the Honey Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Garnish

• Chopped green onions (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare candied walnuts: In a skillet, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Add walnuts and stir until coated and golden. Remove and cool.
2. In a bowl, toss shrimp with egg whites until coated. Mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper in another bowl; dredge shrimp in cornstarch mixture.
3. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice to make the sauce.
5. Toss crispy shrimp in the honey sauce until evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle with candied walnuts and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use extra shrimp to make a larger batch for gatherings.
• Substitute cashews for walnuts if preferred.
• Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a full meal.
• For lighter version, bake shrimp at 425°F for 10–12 minutes instead of frying.
• Adjust honey to taste for a sweeter or milder glaze.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Best served immediately; leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or oven; avoid microwaving to keep shrimp crispy.
• Candied walnuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
• Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
• Perfect for dinner parties or family meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s best to use raw shrimp for proper coating and crispiness. Pre-cooked shrimp may become rubbery when fried.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes for a lighter version, then toss in the honey sauce.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, make the honey sauce up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Warm slightly before tossing with shrimp.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

Cashews or pecans work well as a substitute for candied walnuts.

Ready to Make It?

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe delivers sweet, crispy, and nutty flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, it brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

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