Name: Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prep time: 22 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled.; 4 egg whites.; 1/4 tsp salt.; 1/4 tsp black pepper.; 2/3 cup cornstarch.; 1 cup vegetable oil.; 1/4 cup Japanese mayo.; 3 tbsp condensed milk.; 2 tbsp honey.; 1 tbsp lemon juice.; 1/2 cup walnut halves.; 3 tbsp sugar.; 1 tbsp cold water.; Green onion for garnish.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with shrimp topped with chopped green onions and nuts in a savory sauce. | lifesugar.co

Let me share my favorite takeout-turned-homemade recipe that never fails to impress! I discovered how to make Honey Walnut Shrimp after spending way too much on restaurant versions. Now my family actually prefers this homemade version - those crispy shrimp coated in creamy sweet sauce with crunchy candied walnuts are absolutely irresistible. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, and the compliments will keep coming!

The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Results

After countless kitchen experiments, I've cracked the code on what makes this dish so special. It's all about getting those contrasts just right - the perfectly crispy shrimp, that dreamy sweet sauce, and those addictively crunchy walnuts. Even my mother-in-law asked for the recipe, and that's saying something!

A close-up of cooked, glossy shrimp being lifted with chopsticks from a bowl, surrounded by more shrimp and a small dish in the background. | lifesugar.co

Let's Talk Ingredients

The Star Shrimp: I always spring for jumbo or large shrimp - they're worth the splurge for this special dish!
Kewpie Mayo Magic: This Japanese mayo makes the sauce incredibly creamy. Regular mayo works, but Kewpie adds that special something.
Candied Walnut Bliss: Once you try these, you'll want to make extra for snacking!
Cornstarch Trick: This creates that light, crispy coating we're after.
Condensed Milk: The secret to that perfect sweet-creamy balance.
Quality Oil: Use fresh oil with a high smoke point - it makes a huge difference.

Step-By-Step Success

The Amazing Sauce: Mix your Kewpie mayo, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. I usually make extra because everyone always wants more!
Walnut Magic: Watch that sugar syrup like a hawk - when it starts turning golden, you're ready for the walnuts. Have your parchment paper ready!
Shrimp Prep: The egg white-cornstarch coating is crucial for that perfect crunch. Make sure each shrimp gets an even coat.
Frying Perfection: Keep that oil at 350°F - I always use my thermometer to get it just right.
The Grand Finale: Toss everything together while warm, garnish with those beautiful green onions, and watch it disappear!

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

Non-Stick is Essential: Trust me on this one - candied walnuts and regular pans don't mix!
Temperature Matters: Hot oil gives you that perfect crisp. Too cool, and they'll be greasy.
Double-Fry Method: Want extra crunch? Try frying twice - it's a game-changer!
Work Fast: Have everything ready before you start - this dish moves quickly!
Timing is Key: Don't sauce until serving time to keep that crispy coating.

Storage Secrets

Keep Components Separate: Store sauce and shrimp apart to maintain crispiness.
Reheating Right: The oven or air fryer brings back that crunch - avoid the microwave!
Walnut Storage: Extra candied walnuts last for weeks in an airtight container.

A close-up of a bowl filled with shrimp coated in a glossy sauce and garnished with chopped green onions and nuts. | lifesugar.co

Perfect Pairings

We love serving this over fragrant jasmine rice that soaks up all that wonderful sauce. For a complete meal, I add steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy on the side. During special dinners, I'll make a whole spread with spring rolls and a light soup - it's better than takeout!

Smart Variations

Veggie Version: Try crispy tofu - it's surprisingly delicious!
Spice it Up: A little sriracha in the sauce adds wonderful heat.
Nut-Free Option: Toasted sesame seeds make a great alternative.
Lighter Choice: Try coconut milk instead of condensed milk.

Your Questions Answered

About Air Frying: Stick to traditional frying for this one - it really makes a difference.
Walnut Tips: If they crystallize, you're cooking the syrup too long.
Make Ahead: Prep components separately and assemble just before serving.
Shrimp Selection: Fresh or frozen both work great - just thaw completely first.

The Final Touch

This dish is truly a showstopper - perfect for special occasions or when you want to make dinner extra special. The combination of textures and flavors creates something magical that will have everyone asking for seconds!

A close-up of a shrimp being lifted with a fork, glistening in a sauce with bits of chopped nuts. | lifesugar.co

Quick and Easy Success

Don't let the fancy result fool you - this dish comes together surprisingly quickly. I often make it on busy weeknights when I want something special but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The 30-minute prep time includes making those amazing candied walnuts!

Entertaining Made Easy

This has become my go-to dish for dinner parties. It's impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough to make without stress. I love watching guests' faces light up when they take their first bite!

A Bit of History

I first discovered this dish at a Chinese wedding banquet and couldn't believe my luck when I figured out how to make it at home. It's amazing how this Hong Kong creation has become such a beloved favorite in American Chinese cuisine!

A close-up of succulent, glazed shrimp piled on a white plate, garnished with chopped garlic, and accompanied by a dipping sauce in the background. | lifesugar.co

Walnut Wisdom

The candied walnuts might seem tricky at first, but once you get the timing right, they're actually fun to make! I always make extra because they disappear quickly - they're perfect for snacking or topping salads too.

Sauce Secrets

The sauce is truly the heart of this dish. That combination of Kewpie mayo, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice creates pure magic. It's all about balance - the lemon juice cuts through the sweetness perfectly!

Versatile and Delicious

While this dish feels special enough for celebrations, it's simple enough for any night you want to elevate dinner. I've served it at everything from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties - it always fits the occasion perfectly!

Making It Lighter

Need a healthier version? Try my lighter adaptation using coconut milk and less sweetener in the sauce. While different from the original, it's still delicious and satisfies that craving for something special!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best oil for frying the shrimp?: Any neutral oil works well. Heat it to 350-375°F for best results and fry in small batches to maintain temperature.
→ Can I make this dairy-free?: Yes, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
→ What can I substitute for cornstarch?: You can use potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour instead of cornstarch for the batter.
→ Why use Japanese mayo?: Japanese mayo (Kewpie) adds extra richness, but regular mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.
→ How do I prevent the walnuts from sticking together?: Work quickly when candying the walnuts and immediately separate them on parchment paper after coating.

Quick Honey Walnut Shrimp