Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Quick & Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp evokes restaurant-worthy results without the fuss or long hours in the kitchen.

When you crave something sweet and satisfying with a delightful crunch, few dishes hit the spot quite like it.

Perfectly balanced flavors come together in minutes, making weeknight dinners feel special again.

Golden, crispy textures meet rich sweetness in every single bite.

Whether feeding a busy family or hosting friends for dinner, everyone loves what lands on their plate.

The combination of simplicity and impressive presentation makes it a go-to favorite that never disappoints.

Scroll down for the full recipe and see how effortlessly delicious dinner can be tonight.

Why Honey Walnut Shrimp Is Worth Making

• Restaurant Quality at Home: Recreate that delectable honey walnut shrimp dish from your favorite Chinese restaurant, without needing fancy cooking skills or expensive takeout.
• Quick Crowd Pleaser: Impress dinner guests or family with a restaurant-style dish that looks complicated but comes together super fast with simple ingredients.
• Sweet and Crunchy Combo: Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy golden shrimp, creamy sauce, and candied walnuts that makes every bite exciting and delicious.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adjust spice levels or swap ingredients to match your personal taste, making this a flexible recipe for different preferences.

Ingredients Required for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Jumbo Shrimp (1 lb): Fresh, plump shrimp that will become the star of your crispy seafood dish.

• Egg Whites (4): Creates a light, airy coating that helps the cornstarch stick perfectly to the shrimp.
• Salt (1/4 tsp), Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds subtle seasoning to enhance the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• Cornstarch (2/3 cup): Provides a super crispy exterior when frying the shrimp.

• Vegetable Oil (1 cup): Used for deep frying to achieve a golden, crunchy texture.

• Japanese Mayo (1/4 cup): Brings a creamy, tangy base to the sauce.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (3 tbsp): Adds rich sweetness to balance the sauce.
• Honey (2 tbsp): Creates a glossy, sweet coating for the shrimp.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Provides a bright, fresh note to cut through the richness.

• Walnut Halves (1/2 cup): Provides a crunchy, nutty topping for extra texture.
• White Sugar (3 tbsp): Helps caramelize the walnuts for a sweet, crispy finish.
• Cold Water (1 tbsp): Assists in creating the caramelization process.

• Green Onion (1): Adds a fresh, sharp finish to the dish with a pop of color.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Frying Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl to comfortably whisk egg whites and coat your shrimp with cornstarch.
• Whisk: Essential tool for smoothly blending egg whites and creating an even coating for your shrimp.
• Deep Frying Pan or Wok: Perfect for getting your shrimp crispy and golden without crowding the pan.
• Small Saucepan: Needed to caramelize walnuts with sugar and water, creating that sweet crunchy topping.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps remove shrimp from hot oil safely and drain excess oil efficiently.
• Cutting Board: For chopping green onions as a fresh garnish if desired.
• Sharp Kitchen Knife: Precise tool for neatly slicing green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning shrimp during frying without splashing hot oil.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Best Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Whisking egg whites with salt and pepper creates a light, crispy coating that helps cornstarch stick perfectly to your shrimp.
• Heat oil to 350°F and fry shrimp in small batches to keep them extra crispy without overcrowding the pan.
• Whisk mayo, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth for a creamy, tangy sauce that complements the crispy shrimp.
• Watch sugar carefully when caramelizing walnuts – they can burn quickly, so stir constantly for an even golden coating.
• Sprinkle fresh green onions on top right before serving to add a bright, fresh crunch to your dish.

Which Honey Walnut Shrimp Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend to coat shrimp, keeping everything else the same so your celiac friends can enjoy this tasty dish.
• Lighter Honey Walnut Shrimp: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt and use less condensed milk for a healthier sauce that still delivers great flavor without sacrificing taste.
• Baked Shrimp Option: Instead of deep-frying, spread seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, which cuts down on oil but keeps the crispy texture your palate craves.
• Vegan Alternative: Use firm tofu instead of shrimp, dredge in cornstarch, and swap honey with maple syrup to create a plant-based version that captures the same sweet and crunchy profile.

Pair-With Ideas for Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Serve Alongside Steamed Rice: Scoop fluffy white rice onto each plate, creating a perfect base that catches the creamy sauce and complements the crispy shrimp.
• Pair with Crisp Vegetables: Add a small side of stir-fried broccoli or snow peas to balance the richness and provide a fresh crunch next to your shrimp.
• Choose the Right Drink: Pour a cold, light beer or a glass of dry Riesling that cuts through the sweet and creamy sauce, refreshing your palate between bites.
• Plate with Style: Sprinkle those candied walnuts generously across the top, letting them create a beautiful golden texture that looks as amazing as it tastes.

How to Store Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but know the crispy texture will soften slightly.
• Reheat carefully in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes to help restore some crispiness, turning the shrimp gently to warm evenly.
• For best results, separate the sauce and shrimp when storing, then reassemble and warm just before eating to keep the coating crisp.
• If you need a quick lunch, these make fantastic cold shrimp salad – just chop the shrimp and mix with some fresh greens.

Honey Walnut Shrimp FAQ Guide

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 to 4 1x

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Description

Quick Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp brings restaurant-style magic straight to your kitchen with crispy golden shrimp glazed in sweet honey sauce. These tender prawns pair perfectly with steamed rice for a takeout-inspired meal that comes together faster than ordering delivery.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp
• ½ cup walnut halves

Coating Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• ⅔ cup cornstarch
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• ¼ cup Japanese mayo
• 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 green onion

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Instructions

1. Whisk 4 egg whites with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and frothy.
2. Dunk each peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp into the egg white mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Roll the coated shrimp through ⅔ cup cornstarch, creating a light, even layer of dry coating.
4. Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet to 375°F, preparing for quick frying.
5. Carefully lower battered shrimp into hot oil, cooking each piece for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove fried shrimp with a slotted spoon, draining excess oil on paper towels.
7. Blend ¼ cup Japanese mayo, 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a separate bowl.
8. Gently toss hot shrimp in prepared sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
9. Combine ½ cup walnut halves, 3 tablespoons white sugar, and 1 tablespoon cold water in a separate pan.
10. Cook walnuts over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until sugar caramelizes and nuts turn golden.
11. Sprinkle caramelized walnuts over sauced shrimp.
12. Garnish with 1 finely chopped green onion before serving immediately.

Notes

• Coat the shrimp evenly in cornstarch for an extra crispy texture that seals in moisture and creates a perfect golden crunch.
• Use fresh, large shrimp for the best flavor and ensure they’re completely dry before coating to help the cornstarch adhere properly.
• Toast the walnuts briefly before candying to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the overall dish.
• For a lighter version, swap deep-frying with air frying or baking the shrimp, which reduces oil but still maintains a crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Shrimp
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 to 4
• Calories: 369 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg