Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp: Your Favorite Takeout Dish, Perfected at Home
Imagine succulent, crispy fried shrimp, perfectly coated in a velvety sweet and creamy sauce, then generously sprinkled with crunchy, candied walnuts. This isn’t just any shrimp dish; this is the ultimate homemade honey walnut shrimp, designed to bring the magic of your favorite takeout meal right to your kitchen table. Forget waiting for delivery – with this recipe, you’re just minutes away from a truly unforgettable culinary experience that combines irresistible textures and a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Why This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is a Must-Try
There are countless reasons why this honey walnut shrimp recipe stands out and quickly becomes a family favorite. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution. You can have this delectable dish on your table in as little as 20 minutes, rivaling the speed of ordering in, but with the undeniable freshness and quality of a home-cooked meal.
What truly elevates this recipe is the masterful combination of textures and flavors. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the perfectly crispy shrimp, enveloped in a rich, sweet, and tangy mayonnaise-based sauce, is complemented by the delightful crunch of candied walnuts. The tender-crisp shrimp provides a satisfying bite, while the creamy sauce coats your palate with its subtle sweetness and a hint of tang. Then, the walnuts come in, adding a beautiful nutty flavor and an essential textural counterpoint. It’s a symphony for your taste buds – a little bit of nutty crunch, a smooth creamy sweetness, and the satisfying pop of perfectly cooked shrimp. Need we say more about this irresistible combination?
Essential Ingredients for Your Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crafting the perfect honey walnut shrimp begins with selecting the right ingredients. This recipe calls for a straightforward list of components, many of which you might already have in your pantry. For all exact measurements, detailed ingredients, and full instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
To give you a head start, here’s a glimpse of the key players you’ll need to gather:
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role and potential substitutions can make your cooking experience even better. Here’s a deeper dive into the core components of our honey walnut shrimp:
SHRIMP: Our recipe utilizes 1 pound of large uncooked shrimp. For convenience and optimal enjoyment, ensure your shrimp are already deveined, peeled, and have had their tails removed. While large shrimp are recommended for their meaty texture and ease of handling, you can technically use any size. Just remember that smaller shrimp will cook much faster, requiring careful attention to prevent overcooking. Shrimp is fully cooked when it transitions from translucent to an opaque white with bright pink edges. When dredged in batter, it can be harder to judge doneness, so stick to the 2-3 minute rule per side to guarantee perfectly tender, never rubbery, results.
OIL: The choice of oil for frying is crucial for achieving that desired crispy exterior. You have several excellent options: classic olive oil, neutral canola oil, versatile vegetable oil, or a flavorful peanut oil. Each offers a slightly different nuance, but all will work well. The key is to use an oil with a relatively high smoke point to ensure proper frying without burning, and to maintain a consistent medium-high heat.
HONEY: As one of the dish’s namesake ingredients, honey is truly indispensable for its unique sweetness and floral notes. We strongly recommend using high-quality honey to enhance the overall flavor profile. While it’s best to stick with honey for an authentic experience, if you find yourself in a bind, a good quality maple syrup can serve as a decent, albeit slightly different, substitute. It will still provide sweetness, but the flavor will be distinct.
WALNUTS: The walnuts are not just for garnish; they provide a critical textural element and a subtle nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the sauce. Candying them in a simple sugar syrup creates a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender shrimp and creamy sauce. Ensure you pat them thoroughly dry after candying to maintain maximum crispiness.
MAYONNAISE: This forms the creamy base of our signature sauce. A good quality, full-fat mayonnaise will provide the best richness and body. You can use light mayonnaise, but the texture might be slightly thinner, and the flavor less robust.
SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK: This ingredient is key to the sauce’s luxurious sweetness and smooth consistency. It adds a depth of creamy sweetness that regular sugar or milk simply can’t replicate, making the sauce truly irresistible.
RED PEPPER FLAKES: These are an optional but highly recommended addition. A touch of red pepper flakes introduces a subtle warmth and a gentle kick that beautifully cuts through the richness and sweetness of the sauce, creating a more complex and balanced flavor profile. Adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level, or omit entirely if you prefer a purely sweet dish.
FLOUR & EGG: These simple ingredients create the perfect batter for our shrimp, ensuring a crispy, golden coating that locks in the shrimp’s moisture and provides that satisfying crunch that makes this dish so special.
Mastering Honey Walnut Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredible recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine ½ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add 3 ounces of walnuts. Stir gently to ensure all walnuts are coated. Continue to boil for 2 minutes. This brief boil allows the sugar syrup to adhere to the walnuts. Immediately after boiling, drain the walnuts thoroughly and spread them out on a plate lined with paper towels. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. Set these aside to cool and firm up.
- Further Candied Walnut Process: (This step is an expansion from the original “Stir then allow to boil for 2 minutes. Drain walnuts and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.”) After draining and patting dry, you can optionally transfer the walnuts to a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are extra crisp and golden. This step is not strictly necessary but can enhance their crunchiness. Allow them to cool completely before adding to the shrimp.
- Prepare the Shrimp Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until a smooth, thin batter forms. The consistency should be thin enough to lightly coat the shrimp without being too thick or clumpy. This simple batter is key to creating that wonderfully crispy exterior when fried.
- Heat the Frying Oil: Pour 3 tablespoons of your chosen frying oil (olive, canola, vegetable, or peanut) into a large skillet or wok. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly, indicating it’s hot enough for frying. A good test is to drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent the shrimp from becoming greasy.
- Fry the Shrimp to Golden Perfection: Dip each individual shrimp into the prepared batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches is essential to maintain the oil temperature and achieve optimal crispiness. Fry for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are golden brown and cooked through (opaque white with pink hues). Once cooked, remove the shrimp and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, preserving their crispiness. Set the fried shrimp aside.
- Whip Up the Creamy Honey Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using), and 1½ tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice to your preference.
- Combine and Coat: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled candied walnuts, the freshly fried crispy shrimp, and the prepared creamy honey sauce. For the best results and to prevent the delicate fried batter from flaking off the shrimp, we highly recommend using gloved hands to gently toss and coat the shrimp and walnuts evenly with the sauce. This ensures every piece is beautifully enrobed in that irresistible sweet and creamy goodness.
EXPERT TIP: Using gloved hands provides a much gentler way to mix, ensuring the crispy coating stays intact on your shrimp, rather than being scraped off by a spoon or spatula. This preserves the texture and overall appeal of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Here are some common questions and invaluable tips to help you make this honey walnut shrimp recipe perfectly every time:
Honey walnut shrimp is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh, right after preparation, when the shrimp is at its crispiest and the walnuts are perfectly crunchy. However, if you do find yourself with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Keep in mind that fried shrimp coated in sauce will likely lose some of its crispiness upon refrigeration and reheating. For the best results when reheating, we highly recommend using an air fryer or a conventional oven to help crisp up the shrimp as much as possible, though it may not return to its original texture.
Yes, absolutely! To save time, you can candy the walnuts a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also mix the honey-mayo sauce ingredients together ahead of time and keep the sauce refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before combining with the shrimp and walnuts. The shrimp batter should be made fresh right before frying for the best texture.
This recipe is highly adaptable to your taste preferences! For a spicier kick, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. If you prefer a milder heat, reduce them, or omit them entirely. For less sweetness, you can slightly reduce the amount of honey or sweetened condensed milk. Just remember to taste and adjust gradually until you find your perfect balance.
While walnuts are traditional and provide a distinct flavor and texture, you could experiment with other nuts if you prefer. Pecans or cashews, for instance, could also be candied and offer a delicious alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but the sweet and crunchy element will remain.
Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Meal
Honey walnut shrimp is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. The most classic accompaniment is a bed of fluffy white rice, which soaks up the extra sauce wonderfully. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over fried rice, enhancing the takeout vibe. You can also elevate your dish with optional mix-ins or side vegetables such as steamed or stir-fried broccoli florets, crisp snap peas, or colorful bell peppers. These additions not only provide extra nutrients but also add visual appeal and a fresh contrast to the rich shrimp. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh chopped green onions over the top can also add a final touch of flavor and garnish.
Discover More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes
If you love the versatility and deliciousness of shrimp, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of shrimp recipes that are sure to inspire your next meal. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining dishes, explore these other fantastic options:
- Crispy Shrimp
- Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp Kabobs
- Shrimp Fajitas
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Shrimp Po Boy
- Popcorn Shrimp
- Blackened Shrimp
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Honey Walnut Shrimp
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3 ounces walnuts
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound large uncooked shrimp deveined, peeled, tails removed
Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Things You’ll Need
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Large skillet
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Saucepan
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Vinyl gloves
Before You Begin
- Shrimp cooks very quickly, typically within 2-3 minutes per side. It’s crucial not to overcook shrimp, as it will become tough and rubbery, losing its tender texture.
- We recommend using 1 pound of large uncooked shrimp, already deveined, peeled, and with tails removed. While other sizes work, larger shrimp are easier to handle and less prone to overcooking. Cook until opaque/white with bright pink edges. When battered, use the 2-3 minute per side rule as a guide.
- For frying, choose an oil with a high smoke point like olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil. This ensures a crispy exterior without burning.
- For the crispiest candied walnuts, ensure they are thoroughly drained and patted dry after boiling. For an extra crunch, you can toast them lightly in the oven for a few minutes after drying.
Instructions
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Combine water and sugar in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then add walnuts. Stir to coat.
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Stir, then allow to boil for 2 minutes. Immediately drain the walnuts thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside to cool.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and flour to create a light batter for dipping the shrimp.
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Heat 3 Tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
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Dip each shrimp in the batter and carefully place them in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
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To make the sauce, in a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, honey, red pepper flakes (if using), and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled candied walnuts, the crispy fried shrimp, and the prepared honey sauce. Using gloved hands, gently toss to thoroughly coat the shrimp and walnuts with the sauce. TIP: Using gloved hands helps keep the crispy batter on the shrimp.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to making the best honey walnut shrimp right in your own home. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together delightful crunch, creamy sweetness, and savory satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy creating this takeout favorite and sharing it with your loved ones!