Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy sauce and topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This recipe balances savory, sweet, and crunchy textures, making it a popular dish perfect for entertaining or a special dinner at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Candied Walnuts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1 cup walnuts, halved
Sweet Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a syrup. Add the walnut halves, stirring well to coat them thoroughly. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow to cool completely, so they harden into a crisp candy coating.
- Make Sweet Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and plain yogurt until smooth and creamy. Set this sauce aside; it will be drizzled over the shrimp later.
- Coat the Shrimp: In one shallow dish, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Dip each shrimp first into the cornstarch mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally back into the cornstarch mixture to ensure a thick coating for frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat until the oil is hot and ready for frying.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Finish and Serve: After all shrimp are cooked, drizzle them with the sweet sauce and sprinkle with the cooled candied walnuts. Serve immediately to enjoy the full range of flavors and textures.
Notes
- To Store: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through to help retain some crispiness, or use a microwave for a quicker option, noting the shrimp may lose some crunch.
Keywords: Honey Walnut Shrimp, fried shrimp, candied walnuts, sweet sauce, crispy shrimp recipe, Chinese-American shrimp dish