Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp: Easy & Delicious 15-Min Recipe

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Honey Walnut Shrimp: Easy & Delicious 15-Min Recipe

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Get ready to create a truly unforgettable meal because today we’re making the **Honey Walnut Shrimp: Easy & Delicious 15-Min Recipe**! This classic dish, often found in your favorite takeout spots, is surprisingly simple to whip up at home in a flash. Imagine crispy, succulent shrimp coated in a luscious, creamy honey sauce, perfectly complemented by sweet, crunchy candied walnuts.

You might think restaurant-quality meals take hours, but this **Honey Walnut Shrimp** recipe shatters that myth. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time. Let’s dive in and transform your dinner table!

Introduction: Your New Favorite 15-Minute Meal

Are you constantly searching for quick dinner ideas that don’t compromise on flavor? Look no further! This **easy shrimp recipe** is designed to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort, making it an ideal candidate for your weekly meal rotation. It’s a delightful balance of sweet and savory that truly satisfies.

This 15-minute recipe is not just fast; it’s a culinary experience. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can achieve such impressive results, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers alike. Prepare to impress yourself and your family!

Why You Need This Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

This isn’t just another shrimp recipe; it’s a game-changer! Here’s why this particular version of Honey Walnut Shrimp deserves a spot in your cookbook:

  • **Lightning Fast:** True to its name, this dish is ready in just about 15 minutes of active cooking.
  • **Restaurant Quality, Homemade Comfort:** Enjoy the taste you love from your favorite Asian restaurant, but made fresh in your own kitchen.
  • **Perfect Balance:** The crispy shrimp, creamy honey sauce, and sweet candied walnuts create an incredible texture and flavor symphony.
  • **Healthy & Wholesome:** Shrimp is a lean protein, and walnuts offer fantastic health benefits. Learn more about the amazing properties of walnuts at Healthline.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable Honey Walnut Shrimp:

For the Candied Walnuts:

  • 1 cup walnuts halves or pieces
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp water

For the Crispy Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg white
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for shallow frying)

For the Creamy Honey Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp condensed milk (or more honey)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

Garnish (Optional):

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps closely for the best results. You’ll be enjoying your **quick dinner** in no time!

1. Candied Walnuts Prep

  1. In a small non-stick pan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and it forms a light syrup.
  2. Add the walnuts to the syrup, stirring constantly until all the water evaporates and the sugar crystallizes around the walnuts. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Immediately spread the candied walnuts on a plate lined with parchment paper to cool and prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Shrimp Preparation & Cooking

  1. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until slightly frothy.
  2. Add the cornstarch, salt, and pepper to another shallow bowl.
  3. Dip each shrimp first into the egg white, then dredge it thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F / 175°C).
  5. Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove the crispy shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Crafting the Honey Sauce

  1. While the shrimp cools slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.

4. Combine & Garnish

  1. In a large clean bowl, gently add the crispy shrimp and pour the honey sauce over them. Toss gently until all the shrimp are evenly coated.
  2. Add the candied walnuts to the bowl and toss again, being careful not to break them too much.
  3. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious **sweet and savory shrimp**!

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp

  • **Dry Shrimp is Key:** Ensure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry before coating. This helps the cornstarch stick and results in crispier shrimp.
  • **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Fry shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy, not crispy, shrimp.
  • **Adjust Sweetness:** Feel free to tweak the amount of honey and condensed milk in the sauce to match your preferred level of sweetness.
  • **Alternative Frying:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This **Honey Walnut Shrimp** is fantastic on its own, but here are some ways to make it even better:

  • **Classic Pairing:** Serve over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
  • **Veggie Boost:** Add a side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried asparagus, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
  • **Spicy Kick:** A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce can add a subtle heat if you like a little spice.
  • **Citrus Twist:** A squeeze of fresh orange juice or a bit of orange zest in the sauce can brighten the flavors.
  • **Different Nuts:** While walnuts are traditional, pecans or cashews could also be candied and used.

Storage and Reheating Advice

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can store leftovers:

  • **Storage:** Place any remaining Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The shrimp may lose some of its crispness.
  • **Reheating:** Gently reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat until warmed through, or in a toaster oven for a few minutes to help restore some crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp should I use for this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe?

For the best results, use large or jumbo shrimp (21/25 count or larger), peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so as long as your mayonnaise and other sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free, this **easy shrimp recipe** will be suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How can I make the candied walnuts extra crunchy?

The key to extra crunchy candied walnuts is to cook them until the sugar fully crystallizes and then spread them immediately on parchment paper to cool completely. Ensure they are in a single layer and don’t clump together. If they become sticky, you can gently reheat them briefly in a dry pan to re-crystallize the sugar.

For more delicious and quick meal ideas, Read our in-depth guide here.

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