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Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Section: Lunch

This dish features large shrimp coated in cornstarch and fried until golden and crispy. The shrimp are then tossed in a smooth, creamy sauce made with honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of lemon juice. Candied walnuts—prepared by cooking walnuts with sugar and water to create a crunchy glaze—are folded in last, adding a pleasant texture and a sweet finish. Quick to prepare with minimal steps, it's a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with varying textures in every bite.

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Sandra
Created By Sandra
Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:58:19 GMT
A plate of honey walnut shrimp. Save
A plate of honey walnut shrimp. | howtogourmet.com

This honey walnut shrimp is a delightful dish that balances crispy, juicy shrimp with a creamy honey sauce and the crunch of candied walnuts. It’s a perfect dish when you want something that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make at home, bringing a restaurant favorite straight to your table.

I first made this for a family gathering and was amazed by how quickly it disappeared. It’s become a go-to recipe whenever guests come over or when I want a little treat for myself.

Ingredients You Need

  • One pound of large shrimp: peeled and deveined for the best juicy bite
  • Cornstarch: to create a light, crispy coating on the shrimp& fresh cornstarch works best for even crunch
  • Egg white: helps the coating stick perfectly without heaviness
  • Walnut halves: provide a beautiful texture& look for fresh nuts that are firm and fragrant
  • Sugar and water: melt into perfect candying syrup for the walnuts
  • Mayonnaise: forms the creamy base of the sauce and balances the sweetness
  • Honey: is the star sweetener - use a good quality honey for rich flavor
  • Sweetened condensed milk: adds depth and richness to the sauce
  • Lemon juice: brightens the entire dish with a fresh citrus note
  • Vegetable oil: is needed for frying, use one with a high smoke point for crisp results

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Candied Walnuts:
In a skillet over medium heat gently combine walnuts, sugar, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves and coats the walnuts evenly. Spread them out on parchment paper to cool completely which ensures a perfect crunch.
Prepare The Shrimp:
Season your peeled and deveined shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. First coat them in cornstarch, dip into beaten egg white to help the batter adhere, then dredge once more in cornstarch so the shrimp will fry up golden and crisp.
Heat The Oil And Fry:
Bring your vegetable oil to 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit in a skillet or wok. Fry the shrimp in batches so they cook evenly for about two to three minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to release excess oil.
Mix The Sauce:
Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the fried shrimp.
Combine Everything:
Toss the crispy shrimp with the honey sauce gently so it is beautifully coated. Fold in the cooled candied walnuts last to keep them crunchy and irresistible. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
A bowl of honey walnut shrimp.
A bowl of honey walnut shrimp. | howtogourmet.com

The first time I tried the candied walnuts with shrimp I realized how texture truly elevates the dish.

Smart Storage Tips

Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers to keep the shrimp crispy longer

Ingredient Variations

Swap the walnuts for pecans or cashews if preferred for a different nutty flavor and texture

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce

A plate of honey walnut shrimp.
A plate of honey walnut shrimp. | howtogourmet.com

Try to serve this dish right after combining so the shrimp stay crispy and the walnuts remain perfectly crunchy. It’s rewarding to make a restaurant favorite with your own hands and share the joy of bold flavors at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I ensure the shrimp stays crispy after coating?

Double coating the shrimp with cornstarch and egg white helps achieve a crispy crust. Frying at the right temperature also prevents sogginess.

→ What’s the best way to candy the walnuts evenly?

Gently cooking walnuts with sugar and water over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and coats the nuts, ensures an even, crunchy glaze.

→ Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying for a lighter version?

Yes, baking the coated shrimp at a high temperature can give a crisp texture with less oil, though frying delivers a richer crunch.

→ How do I adjust the sweetness level in the creamy sauce?

Modify the amount of honey according to your taste preference. Adding lemon juice also helps balance the sweetness with acidity.

→ When should I add the candied walnuts for the best texture?

Add the cooled candied walnuts just before serving to maintain their crunch and avoid sogginess in the dish.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Delight

Crispy shrimp tossed in creamy honey sauce with crunchy candied walnuts for a delightful balance of flavors.

Preparation Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created By: Sandra

Type of Recipe: Lunch

Difficulty Rating: Requires Some Experience

Cuisine Style: American-Chinese

Yield: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Without Gluten

Ingredients Required

→ Seafood

01 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Batter and Seasoning

02 60 g cornstarch
03 1.25 ml salt
04 1.25 ml black pepper
05 1 egg white, lightly beaten

→ Frying

06 Vegetable oil for frying

→ Candied Walnuts

07 60 g walnut halves
08 25 g sugar
09 15 ml water

→ Honey Sauce

10 60 ml mayonnaise
11 30 ml honey
12 15 ml sweetened condensed milk
13 5 ml lemon juice

Detailed Directions

Instruction Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, combine walnut halves, sugar, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves and walnuts are coated. Spread on parchment paper to cool completely.

Instruction Step 02

Season shrimp with salt and black pepper. Coat shrimp evenly with cornstarch, dip into beaten egg white, then dredge again in cornstarch for a double coating.

Instruction Step 03

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok to 175–190°C. Fry shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Instruction Step 04

Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Instruction Step 05

Gently toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce and fold in the cooled candied walnuts. Serve immediately for best texture.

Helpful Advice

  1. For a healthier alternative, bake the shrimp instead of frying. Adjust honey quantity to taste. Ensure walnuts are fully cooled before mixing to preserve crispness.

Equipment Needed

  • Skillet or wok
  • Paper towels
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Allergen Info

Review ingredient labels for allergens and talk to a doctor if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish, nuts, and egg allergens

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Use these nutrition facts as a guide only. Always check with a healthcare expert.
  • Calorie Count: 450
  • Fat Content: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 35 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams