Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts, Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This delightful dish is not only quick to prepare but also brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love, making it a fantastic choice for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its sweet and savory flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.
• Affordable Alternative: Save money by making this tasty meal at home instead of ordering takeout.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of crunchy walnuts and creamy sauce creates an irresistible taste sensation.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start. These tools will help ensure that each step goes as planned.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs or chopsticks
• Slotted spoon
• Wire rack or paper towel lined baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Prevents sticking while frying shrimp, ensuring they come out crispy without losing their coating.
• Large bowl: Provides enough space to mix ingredients without the risk of spills or messes when combining shrimp and batter.
• Whisk: Helps achieve the right consistency in egg whites quickly, which is key for perfecting the batter.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 egg whites
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2/3 cup cornstarch (or sub with potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup Japanese mayo (aka Kewpie Mayo or sub with normal mayo)
• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for dairy-free version)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

For the Candied Walnuts

• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or sub with brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp water (cold)

Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Set aside while you prepare other components of the dish.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

In a non-stick pan on medium heat:
1. Add sugar followed by water.
2. Stir constantly until it begins to simmer.
3. Once thickened enough to coat a spatula, add walnuts and mix quickly to coat evenly.
4. Remove from heat once coated and place walnuts on parchment paper to cool.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

In a large bowl:
1. Add peeled and deveined shrimp; season with salt and black pepper.
2. In another large bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy but not stiff.
3. Mix in cornstarch until you have a runny paste.
4. Toss seasoned shrimp into the batter until well coated using tongs or chopsticks.

Step 4: Frying the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat:
1. Ensure oil reaches about 350-375 degrees F before frying.
2. Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden brown; do not overcrowd the pan.
3. Remove cooked shrimp with slotted spoon and drain on wire rack or paper towel lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl:
1. Toss crispy shrimp with candied walnuts and sauce until well combined.
2. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, a dish sure to impress!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a meal solo, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the honey walnut shrimp over steamed white or brown rice for a filling meal that balances flavors and textures.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add nutrition and crunch to your plate.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for the shrimp, creating a fresh and light appetizer perfect for sharing.

As an Appetizer

• Present the shrimp in small portions with toothpicks for easy eating at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Perfecting your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can elevate it from great to extraordinary. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (350-375°F) before adding shrimp. This helps achieve that desired crispy texture.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Whisk Egg Whites Just Right: Aim for foamy egg whites without forming peaks; this will create a light batter that coats well.
• Cool Candied Walnuts Properly: Allow candied walnuts to cool completely on parchment paper to maintain their crunchiness.
• Garnish for Appeal: Finish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor that enhances presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To complement your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp, consider these delicious side dishes. They provide balance and variety, making your meal more satisfying.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
2. Fried Rice: Combine cooked rice with vegetables and soy sauce for an easy, flavorful companion.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil that cleanses the palate.
4. Garlic Noodles: Toss noodles in garlic butter for a rich side dish that pairs well with the sweetness of the shrimp.
5. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa mixed with herbs and veggies offers a protein-packed alternative to rice.
6. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender adds elegance and flavor contrast to the meal.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can provide comfort along with additional umami flavors.
8. Spring Rolls: Light vegetable spring rolls make an excellent starter or side, adding crunch alongside the sweet shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make a big difference in how your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out.

• Using the wrong shrimp: Fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp work best. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for optimal taste and texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.
• Neglecting the sauce: Mix your sauce ingredients well before adding them to the cooked shrimp. A poorly mixed sauce can result in uneven flavor distribution.
• Skipping the candied walnuts: These add essential crunch and sweetness. Don’t skip this step; it elevates the dish significantly.
• Ignoring oil temperature: Use a thermometer to check oil temperature before frying. If it’s too cool, the shrimp will absorb more oil; if too hot, they may burn.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Place in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• Best used within 1 month for optimal freshness.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp.

What is Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a creamy honey sauce with sweet candied walnuts. It’s easy to prepare at home in under 30 minutes.

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes! While walnuts provide a unique flavor, you can substitute with cashews or almonds for a different twist on this classic recipe.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply use condensed coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk and regular mayo with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Is Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp healthy?

This dish offers a balance of protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from the walnuts, and can be adjusted for lower sugar content by reducing honey or using alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is not just quick but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting the sweetness. This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Don’t hesitate to try it out!