You Will Never Order Honey Walnut Shrimp Again

Craving that sweet and savory Honey Walnut Shrimp from your favorite Chinese takeout but don't want to pay the extra charge? This homemade version is not only easy to make but also allows you to customize it to your taste, ensuring a fresher and more satisfying experience. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun group gathering, or a potluck, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!

Who Came Up With The Amazing Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that beautifully represents the fusion of American and Chinese culinary traditions. It is believed to have originated in Hong Kong before becoming popular in Chinese-American cuisine. The combination of sweet honey, creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts with succulent shrimp has made this dish a favorite in restaurants and households alike.

It’s Better When You Make It!

Cooking Honey Walnut Shrimp at home is not just a cost-effective option, but it also allows you to control the quality of ingredients used. You can adjust the sweetness or creaminess of the sauce to suit your taste, and even make healthier substitutions if desired! You can also serve the dish with sauce on the side for those who like a less saucy option. The freshness of the dish when made at home is unparalleled compared to its soggy takeout cousin — though admittedly, sometimes I love it soggy too. It’s just too good!

Shrimp Selection Tips

Selecting the right shrimp is crucial for this dish. Size 26-30 shrimp are ideal as they provide a satisfying bite and ensure that the shrimp remain juicy after frying. I get mine from Costco! If you're using frozen shrimp, make sure to allow them to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, or use the quick-thaw method mentioned earlier. Patting the shrimp dry is a key step to avoid water splashing in hot oil and to achieve that perfect crispy coating. If your shrimp is wet, the batter may not hold onto your shrimp, so make sure to pat your shrimp dry!

Frying Tips for Crispy Shrimp

Frying the shrimp to achieve the perfect crispiness is an art. The oil temperature is crucial - too hot, and the batter will burn and the shrimp will be raw; too low, and they'll absorb excess oil and become soggy. A candy or deep-fry thermometer can be handy to monitor the oil temperature. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in uneven cooking. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can stick a wooden chopstick or handle of a wooden spoon into your oil. If uniform bubbles emerge from the utensil, it is ready for frying!

Hack: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain the fried shrimp. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy and keeps the shrimp crispy all around.

Perfect Occasions for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Whether it's a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or a special dish for a gathering, Honey Walnut Shrimp is versatile and sure to please any crowd. For potlucks or parties, you can fry the shrimp and prepare the sauce ahead of time, and then quickly toss them together before serving. This dish is also great for meal prep as the components can be stored separately and assembled when ready to eat. Whenever I bring this dish to a potluck, it’s first to go! I can’t lie, I sleep better at night knowing that everyone enjoyed my dish!

Hack: For an extra fancy presentation, serve the shrimp in lettuce cups or over a bed of steamed rice.

Reheating Honey Walnut Shrimp

If you have leftovers, reheating them properly can bring back the dish's original texture and flavor. An air fryer works wonders in reviving the crispiness of the shrimp. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and give the shrimp a gentle shake halfway through reheating for even crispness. If you know you’ll be having leftovers, I’d recommend serving the sauce on the side so you can enjoy it at its peak!

Hack: Spritz a little oil on the shrimp before reheating in the air fryer to help crisp up the coating. Avoid spraying oil directly into your air fryer. This method ensures better coverage, avoids damage to your air fryer, and reduces safety risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and walnuts in advance. Fry the shrimp and toss them in the sauce just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
• Is there a substitute for Kewpie mayo? While Kewpie mayo adds a unique flavor, you can use regular mayonnaise mixed with a teaspoon of sugar as a substitute. Kewpie mayo is made with egg yolks only, while regular mayo typically uses whole eggs. This gives Kewpie mayo a richer, creamier texture and a deeper yellow color. If you have a store that stocks Kewpie mayo near you, I’d suggest picking one up. It will elevate any dish you make that incorporates mayo!

Instructions In A Glance:

• Prepare the Sauce: Mix the mayonnaise, condensed milk, and lemon juice in a bowl. Set aside.
• Make the Batter: Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, water, and egg in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
• Prep the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry. Toss with a dash of salt.
• Fry the Walnuts: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the walnuts for 2 minutes until golden. Remove, toss with honey, and return to the skillet for another 30 seconds. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Fry the Shrimp: Clean the skillet if needed and heat fresh oil. Dip the shrimp in the batter and fry in batches until golden, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Combine: Toss the fried shrimp with the sauce until evenly coated. Top with candied walnuts and toasted sesame seeds.