Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts make this Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp a delightful dish. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also beats takeout in both flavor and cost. With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet honey and crunchy walnuts creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making dinner planning easier.
• Versatile Dish: Pairs well with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
• Easy Cooking Method: Simple frying technique ensures crispy shrimp without any complicated steps.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs or chopsticks
• Slotted spoon
• Wire rack or paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Prevents sticking, ensuring crispy shrimp without the mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve the perfect foamy egg whites for battering the shrimp.

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 cold water

For Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)

How to Make Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients and set aside.

Step 2: Make Candied Walnuts

In a non-stick pan on medium heat:
1. Add sugar followed by cold water.
2. Stir constantly until it reaches a simmer.
3. Once thickened, quickly add walnut halves and mix well to coat evenly.
4. Remove from heat when coated; transfer walnuts to parchment paper to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp

In a large bowl:
1. Season peeled shrimp with salt and black pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy but not stiff.
3. Add cornstarch to egg whites, mixing until you have a runny paste.
4. Toss seasoned shrimp in the batter until fully coated.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

In a large pan:
1. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350-375 degrees F).
2. Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove using a slotted spoon; drain on wire rack or paper towels.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Add crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, and prepared sauce.
2. Toss everything together gently.
3. Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

This delicious Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp is perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick meal, serve it up with these fantastic suggestions.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the shrimp over fluffy steamed rice to soak up the sweet sauce. This classic pairing enhances the dish’s flavors.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Add a side of colorful stir-fried vegetables for a nutritious touch. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work wonderfully.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Place the honey walnut shrimp on a bed of noodles for an Asian-inspired twist. Consider using rice noodles or egg noodles for added texture.

As Part of a Salad

• Incorporate the shrimp into a fresh salad. Mixed greens with sesame dressing can balance the sweetness of the dish beautifully.

With Spring Rolls

• Pair with crispy spring rolls for an appetizer-style meal. The crunch complements the tenderness of the shrimp perfectly.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

To ensure your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out amazing every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh jumbo shrimp will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Opt for high-quality seafood when possible.

• Control Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature between 350-375°F ensures crispy shrimp without being greasy. Use a thermometer for accuracy.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than frying.

• Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey in your sauce to match your taste preference. This allows customization based on your sweetness level.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Complement your Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Fried Rice: A savory fried rice dish loaded with vegetables makes an excellent partner to balance flavors.
2. Garlic Green Beans: Crunchy green beans sautéed with garlic add freshness and a touch of heat.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out your meal nicely, providing warmth and depth.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers a crisp contrast to the sweet and savory shrimp.
5. Vegetable Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried vegetable dumplings create a fun finger food option that pairs well.
6. Sesame Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach with sesame seeds provides nutrients and complements the dish beautifully.
7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and citrus can add a healthy grain option, making your meal more filling.
8. Spring Mix Salad: A simple spring mix topped with nuts and vinaigrette gives crunch and brightness alongside the shrimp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp can be straightforward, but there are some common mistakes to watch for.

• Not preparing shrimp properly: Always ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined before cooking. This saves time and results in a cleaner dish.
• Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking can make them tough. Aim for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• Ignoring oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil. Use a thermometer to maintain a frying temperature of 350-375°F.
• Skipping the candied walnuts: The crunchy candied walnuts add texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; they elevate the dish significantly.
• Not tossing ingredients well: Ensure all components are mixed thoroughly before serving. This guarantees every bite is flavorful and has the right balance of sauce and toppings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, quality may decrease.

Reheating Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, spread shrimp on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick pan over medium heat until heated through, stirring gently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp.

What can I serve with Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp?

You can pair this dish with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cornstarch or potato starch instead of regular cornstarch.

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute with cashews or almonds for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Opt for condensed coconut milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk while making the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by changing the nuts or adjusting the sweetness level. It’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests without breaking the bank. Give it a try today!