Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a deliciously indulgent Asian-inspired dish known for its perfect combination of textures and flavors. Crispy, golden shrimp are tossed in a luscious, sweet, and tangy sauce made from Kewpie mayo, honey, and condensed milk. Candied walnuts add a delightful crunch, while a splash of lemon juice balances the richness. Perfect for a special occasion or family dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables and can be adapted with nut or dairy substitutions.

Ingredients

• Shrimp & Coating:

  • 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 4 egg whites

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ⅔ cup cornstarch (or substitute: potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour)

  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)

• Sauce:

  • ¼ cup Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo)

  • 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for dairy-free)

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Candied Walnuts:

  • ½ cup walnut halves

  • 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

  • 1 tbsp cold water

• Garnish (Optional):

  • Finely chopped green onion

Directions

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together Kewpie mayo, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside.

2. Candy the Walnuts:

   • In a non-stick pan over medium heat, stir together sugar and cold water until it simmers and thickens.

   • Add walnuts and stir to coat. Let a sugary crust form, then remove from heat.

   • Transfer walnuts to parchment paper and let cool.

3. Prepare Shrimp:

   • Season shrimp with salt and pepper.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy. Add cornstarch to form a runny paste.

   • Coat shrimp evenly in the egg white mixture.

4. Fry Shrimp:

   • Heat oil in a large pan to 350°F–375°F.

   • Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

   • Drain shrimp on a wire rack or paper towels.

5. Combine:

   • In a large bowl, toss fried shrimp with sauce and candied walnuts until well coated.

   • Garnish with green onion if using and serve immediately.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 404 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 48g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 21g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 4g

  • Trans Fat: 0.03g

• Cholesterol: 11mg

• Sodium: 307mg

• Potassium: 191mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 27g

• Vitamin A: 83 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 64mg

• Iron: 1mg

What Makes Honey Walnut Shrimp So Irresistible?

Several elements come together to make Honey Walnut Shrimp truly crave-worthy:

• Texture Contrast: The crispiness of the fried shrimp contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the candied walnuts and the velvety smoothness of the sauce. Every bite offers a multidimensional mouthfeel that keeps you coming back.

• Flavor Harmony: The dish balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors masterfully. The honey and condensed milk bring sweetness, the lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, and the mayo contributes a rich umami undertone.

• Aromatic and Visual Appeal: Garnished with green onions or sesame seeds, this dish not only tastes great but also looks elegant and festive—perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings.

The Secret Behind the Sauce

The creamy sauce is the true star of the dish. It typically includes mayonnaise (often Kewpie, a Japanese brand known for its rich, eggy flavor), sweetened condensed milk, and honey. This trio creates a luxuriously smooth and sweet base that clings beautifully to the crispy shrimp. A dash of lemon juice helps to cut through the richness and balance the flavors.

If you’re trying to make the dish dairy-free or are seeking healthier alternatives, you can experiment with condensed coconut milk or use lighter mayonnaise varieties. Even vegan versions of mayo are available now, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different dietary needs.

Walnuts: More Than Just a Topping

Candied walnuts aren’t just an afterthought—they’re essential to the overall experience of the dish. The nuts are simmered in a simple sugar syrup until they develop a shiny, caramelized coating. Once cooled, they harden into crunchy bites that offer a deliciously nutty contrast to the rest of the dish.

You can substitute other nuts like pecans if you prefer, but the buttery texture of walnuts tends to complement the creamy sauce particularly well. Roasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their depth of flavor even further.

Customizing the Dish

Honey Walnut Shrimp is highly adaptable, and you can tailor it to your preferences in several ways:

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a sweet-and-spicy twist.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to add color and a nutritional boost.

• Use Different Proteins: While shrimp is traditional, this recipe works wonderfully with chicken, tofu, or even scallops.

• Air Fry or Bake for a Lighter Version: For those who are health-conscious, the shrimp can be air-fried or baked instead of deep-fried, resulting in fewer calories and less oil without sacrificing too much crispiness.

Pairing Suggestions

Since Honey Walnut Shrimp is quite rich and flavorful, it pairs well with more neutral sides that help balance out the meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple, fragrant rice acts as the perfect base to soak up the sauce.

• Fried Rice: If you’re looking for something more indulgent, a light egg fried rice complements the shrimp beautifully.

• Asian Slaw or Light Salad: A crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide contrast and refresh your palate.

• Stir-Fried Greens: Bok choy, snow peas, or Chinese broccoli sautéed in garlic and soy sauce offer a nice bitter edge to offset the sweetness of the shrimp.

Why Make It at Home?

Though it’s easy to order Honey Walnut Shrimp at your local Chinese restaurant, making it at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and preparation methods. You can reduce the sugar, avoid additives, and cater to dietary restrictions. It also tends to be more cost-effective, especially if you’re cooking for a group.

More importantly, there’s something satisfying about successfully preparing a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll find that it’s not as intimidating as it seems and may even become part of your regular meal rotation.

Nutritional Considerations

Honey Walnut Shrimp isn’t exactly diet food, but it can certainly be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal. A single serving delivers a good amount of protein and healthy fats, especially from the walnuts. If you’re concerned about sugar or fat content, small adjustments to the sauce (like using light mayo or reducing the condensed milk) can help.

Also, opting for a pan-frying or air-frying method instead of deep frying can cut down on oil significantly. You could even experiment with steamed shrimp versions, tossing them in a lighter sauce and skipping the frying altogether.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a culinary gem that reflects the fusion and innovation of Chinese-American cuisine. With its golden, crispy shrimp, creamy-sweet sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts, this dish hits all the right notes—rich, savory, sweet, and satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight treat, a date night dinner, or a festive family celebration, it’s sure to impress. The great thing about Honey Walnut Shrimp is its versatility—feel free to adjust the ingredients to your tastes, experiment with add-ins, or make healthier swaps. No matter how you make it, it’s a dish that brings people together around the table.

And once you’ve had a taste of it fresh from your own kitchen, you might never order it from a restaurant again.