The crispy golden shrimp paired with the sweet honey walnut glaze creates a flavor profile that is both crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The delicate sweetness of the honey contrasts perfectly with the savory flavor of the shrimp and the crunchy texture of the walnuts.
This dish not only makes a perfect appetizer but also works wonderfully as a main course, paired with steamed rice or a light salad. It’s sure to impress guests at dinner parties or be a satisfying weeknight treat for the whole family. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon pepper
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1 egg, beaten
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1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup honey
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1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Dip in the beaten egg, then coat again in the flour mixture.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice to make the sauce.
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Add the toasted walnuts to the sauce and stir to combine.
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Gently toss the fried shrimp in the honey walnut sauce until evenly coated.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the crispy texture of shrimp with the sweet richness of honey and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts. It’s a dish that bridges the gap between savory and sweet, making it a beloved favorite in many Asian-inspired cuisines. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or as a main dish, Honey Walnut Shrimp offers a deliciously indulgent experience that is hard to beat. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its golden shrimp, glossy honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts that make every bite feel like a celebration.
For those who are fans of seafood and love a good combination of textures, Honey Walnut Shrimp ticks all the boxes. The shrimp are perfectly fried to a golden crisp, while the honey sauce provides a sticky, sweet glaze that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The toasted walnuts add a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch, making this dish the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
A Quick Overview of the Dish
This dish is simple to prepare, yet incredibly satisfying. It typically consists of shrimp coated in a flour and cornstarch mixture, deep-fried to perfection, and then tossed in a creamy honey sauce. The addition of toasted walnuts not only adds a crunchy texture but also enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the dish a nutty and slightly earthy flavor. The combination of the crispy shrimp, rich honey glaze, and crunchy walnuts creates a mouthwatering contrast that will have you coming back for more.
Honey Walnut Shrimp is commonly found in many Chinese-American restaurants, often served alongside other popular dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken or Sweet and Sour Chicken. However, this dish has gained popularity beyond the restaurant scene and is frequently recreated in home kitchens due to its easy-to-follow recipe and use of accessible ingredients.
The Flavor Profile of Honey Walnut Shrimp
The flavor profile of Honey Walnut Shrimp is what makes this dish so special. The shrimp themselves provide a delicate yet satisfying seafood flavor, which is beautifully enhanced by the crispy exterior from frying. This crispy coating gives a wonderful contrast to the tender, juicy shrimp inside, making each bite both crunchy and succulent.
The honey sauce is what elevates this dish to the next level. It’s sweet, slightly tangy, and creamy, coating the shrimp in a rich glaze that adds a depth of flavor. The addition of sweetened condensed milk in the sauce imparts a smooth, creamy texture that balances out the sweetness of the honey, making it luxurious and velvety.
The toasted walnuts are the finishing touch. Their nutty flavor and crunch provide a perfect contrast to the creamy shrimp and smooth sauce. Not only do they add texture, but they also offer a slightly earthy flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Every Occasion
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served on a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, having friends over for a casual gathering, or preparing a special meal for a holiday, this dish fits the bill. It’s easy to prepare, yet it looks and tastes as though it belongs in a fine dining restaurant.
For those who enjoy entertaining, this dish makes an excellent appetizer or hors d’oeuvre. The individual shrimp are bite-sized, making them perfect for guests to pick up with toothpicks or small forks. It’s also an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party or potluck, as it’s sure to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser.
Not only is Honey Walnut Shrimp perfect for social occasions, but it also works wonderfully as a weeknight meal for the family. The combination of protein from the shrimp and healthy fats from the walnuts provides a well-rounded meal. Serve it alongside steamed jasmine rice or a crisp salad, and you have a satisfying dinner that requires little effort but delivers big flavor.
The Appeal of Fried Shrimp
One of the key reasons why Honey Walnut Shrimp is so loved is the texture of the shrimp. When shrimp are deep-fried, they develop a crispy, golden exterior that seals in their natural juices, keeping the shrimp tender and moist inside. This contrast between crispy and tender makes fried shrimp a favorite among seafood lovers.
Frying the shrimp also allows them to absorb the sauce better, ensuring that every bite is coated in that delicious honey glaze. The crispy coating serves as the perfect vehicle for the honey sauce, holding it in place and enhancing the shrimp’s flavor.
While fried shrimp might have a reputation for being a bit indulgent, it’s important to remember that shrimp is a lean source of protein, making this dish a healthier option compared to other fried foods. Additionally, you can always opt for a lighter frying method, such as pan-frying or air frying, to reduce the oil content.
Making Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home
Making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home is easier than it may seem. The ingredients are relatively simple and easy to find in most grocery stores. With a few basic pantry staples like cornstarch, flour, and honey, you can whip up this delicious dish in less than 30 minutes.
The key to success lies in frying the shrimp until they are perfectly crispy and golden. You’ll want to fry them in small batches to ensure that the oil temperature remains constant, allowing the shrimp to cook evenly. Once fried, the shrimp are quickly tossed in the honey sauce, ensuring they are coated evenly before being served.
To make the dish even more exciting, you can get creative with the walnuts. Toasting them in a dry pan brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor, giving them an extra crunch that elevates the overall dish. Some variations of this dish even incorporate candied walnuts for an added layer of sweetness, but toasted walnuts are the traditional choice.
Health Considerations and Modifications
While Honey Walnut Shrimp is undoubtedly delicious, it is important to keep in mind that it is a deep-fried dish and can be high in calories and fat. If you’re looking to make a lighter version, consider using a healthier frying method like pan-frying with minimal oil or using an air fryer to crisp up the shrimp. Additionally, you can make modifications to the sauce by reducing the amount of sweetened condensed milk or honey, or by substituting a sugar-free version of honey if you’re watching your sugar intake.
For those with dietary restrictions, Honey Walnut Shrimp can be easily modified to suit different preferences. If you prefer to avoid dairy, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free option like vegan mayonnaise. Similarly, for those who are gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the dish remains gluten-free while still delivering that crispy texture.
Conclusion
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: crispy shrimp and a rich, sweet glaze. With its combination of textures and flavors, it’s no wonder that this dish has gained popularity among seafood lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or making it as a weeknight dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Not only is this dish quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a luxurious, restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own home. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a great option for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. So, next time you’re in the mood for something indulgent, try your hand at making Honey Walnut Shrimp and enjoy the sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness it has to offer!