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Crispy Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp

honey walnut shrimp - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute seafood dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey walnut glaze with candied walnuts for extra crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on or off based on preference)
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons condensed milk
  • 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • About 2 cups vegetable oil (canola or sunflower) for frying
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the walnuts: In a small pan over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon honey and stir to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until glossy and sticky. Transfer to parchment paper to cool.
  2. Make the shrimp batter: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until slightly foamy. Add salt and cornstarch, stirring until the mixture forms a thick paste that can coat the shrimp evenly.
  3. Coat the shrimp: Toss the peeled shrimp in the batter until well covered. Let them sit for 5 minutes to help the coating stick better during frying.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a wok or frying pan to about 2 inches depth. Heat over medium-high until the temperature reaches 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  5. Fry the shrimp: Working in batches, carefully lower shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Keep warm while frying the rest.
  6. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, remaining 2 tablespoons honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
  7. Toss shrimp in glaze: Place all fried shrimp in a large bowl. Pour over the honey walnut glaze and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
  8. Add candied walnuts: Sprinkle the toasted honey walnuts over the shrimp and toss lightly again. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
  9. Serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for best results. Fry shrimp in small batches to avoid sogginess. Use egg white only for a light, crispy coating. If glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water to loosen. Store leftover walnuts in an airtight container. For gluten-free, substitute cornstarch with arrowroot or potato starch. Air-fryer option: lightly oil shrimp and air-fry at 400ยฐF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey walnut shrimp, crispy shrimp, seafood recipe, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, honey glaze, candied walnuts, weeknight meal