If you’re in the mood for a dish that combines sweetness and crunch, look no further than this honey walnut shrimp recipe. This popular Asian-inspired dish features crispy shrimp coated in a rich honey sauce, complemented by the crunch of candied walnuts. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, it brings a delightful twist to your table. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!
Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup walnuts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Oil for frying
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the dish) contains approximately:
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 20g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by preparing the walnuts; toast them in a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk to create the sauce.
3. In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each shrimp into the egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels.
8. In a bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce until well coated.
9. Add the toasted walnuts and stir to combine.
10. Serve warm, garnished with green onions if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
Serving and Pairings
Honey walnut shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables. It also complements a light salad or can be served as a delightful appetizer at gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat for best results. While freezing is possible, the shrimp may lose their crispiness when thawed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this can result in soggy shrimp.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding shrimp; otherwise, they won’t crisp up.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be opaque and firm.
- Be careful with the amount of honey; too much can make the sauce overly sticky.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate shrimp for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
- For added crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey in the sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve the best texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating some chili flakes or sriracha into the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The honey sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal as they provide a better texture and are easier to handle during cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free flour and cornstarch, this dish can be made gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
This honey walnut shrimp recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of the East to your home. With its combination of crispy shrimp, sweet sauce, and crunchy walnuts, it’s sure to be a hit at any table. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, it’s a dish you’ll want to repeat often. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Toast walnuts in a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk to create the sauce.
- Combine cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels.
- Toss fried shrimp with honey sauce until well coated.
- Add toasted walnuts and stir to combine.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions if desired.
