The Best Honey Walnut Shrimp (Better Than Takeout!)

Hello, my friends, and get ready for a recipe that will make you feel like a rockstar in your own kitchen! If you’ve ever been to your favorite Chinese-American restaurant and fallen in love with that incredible Honey Walnut Shrimp, I have fantastic news: you can make an even more delicious version at home. This recipe is a true showstopper, delivering that perfect, crave-worthy trifecta of crispy, creamy, and crunchy.

Imagine plump, juicy shrimp fried to a perfect, crispy golden-brown. These incredible little bites are then tossed in a luscious, creamy, and sweet honey sauce and served with crunchy, homemade candied walnuts. It’s a dish that is unbelievably decadent, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to be a massive hit with your entire family. Forget the takeout menu—let’s make the best Honey Walnut Shrimp you’ve ever had.

Why This is The Ultimate Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

This recipe is a true restaurant-copycat classic, perfected for the home cook.

• Incredibly Crispy Shrimp: The simple cornstarch coating is the secret to a light, crispy batter that fries up to a perfect golden brown and holds onto that delicious sauce.
• Easy Homemade Candied Walnuts: We make a quick and simple candied walnut that provides the perfect sweet crunch and texture contrast to the creamy shrimp.
• The Perfect Creamy Honey Sauce: Our 3-ingredient sauce is the soul of the dish! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and luscious, and it coats every piece of shrimp beautifully.
• A True Restaurant-Quality Meal: This is one of those impressive dishes that seems complicated, but the steps are simple and result in a meal that is even better than your favorite takeout spot.

Gather Your Simple, Delicious Ingredients: What You’ll Need

This iconic dish comes together with a handful of powerful, easy-to-find ingredients.

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish

Crafting Your Honey Walnut Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s build this delicious dish. The components come together easily for a truly special meal.

1. Candy the Walnuts: First, let’s get the crunchy element ready. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar and bring it to a boil. Add the walnuts and let them boil in the simple syrup for 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the walnuts and spread them out on a small parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.
2. Bread the Shrimp: While the walnuts cool, prepare the shrimp. Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Set up a simple breading station with two shallow bowls: one with the beaten eggs and one with the cornstarch. Working with one shrimp at a time, dip it first into the egg, letting any excess drip off, and then dredge it thoroughly in the cornstarch, making sure it’s well-coated. Place the coated shrimp on a clean plate.

1. Fry the Shrimp to Golden Perfection: In a large, heavy skillet over medium heat, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches to not overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until they are a beautiful, light golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
2. Make the Creamy Honey Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and heavy cream until you have a smooth, luscious sauce.

1. Toss and Serve: Add the warm, crispy fried shrimp to the bowl with the honey sauce and gently toss until every piece is coated in the creamy glaze.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice. Top with the crunchy candied walnuts and a sprinkle of fresh, thinly sliced green onions.

Wise Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Pat the Shrimp Dry: This is a crucial step for crispy shrimp! Removing as much moisture as possible from the surface of the shrimp helps the cornstarch coating stick and allows the shrimp to fry up perfectly crispy instead of steaming.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the shrimp in batches is key. Overcrowding the pan will drop the oil temperature, resulting in greasy, soggy shrimp instead of light and crispy ones.
• The Cornstarch Coating is Key: The simple cornstarch dredge is the secret to that classic, light, and crispy coating found in your favorite restaurants. Don’t substitute it with flour!
• Toss and Serve Immediately: This dish is at its absolute peak when the shrimp is hot and crispy, and the sauce is freshly tossed. Assemble it right before you plan to eat for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Honey Walnut Shrimp

Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, for a lighter version! After breading the shrimp, spray them generously with cooking oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Then, toss them in the sauce.

What’s the best oil for frying?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices.

Can I make the components ahead of time?
You can candy the walnuts and make the honey sauce a day or two in advance and store them in airtight containers. The shrimp should always be fried fresh just before serving for the best crispy texture.

Conclusion

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a true showstopper that proves you can make your favorite takeout dishes even better at home. It’s a decadent, delicious, and surprisingly easy meal that is sure to wow your family and friends. Enjoy every crispy, creamy, and crunchy bite!