Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Walnut shrimp is a delightful dish that balances crispy, succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet sauce. Candied walnuts add a crunchy, caramelized touch that elevates the dish, making it perfect for a family dinner or an impressive meal for guests. This recipe is easy to follow and brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen.
Savor the crispy golden shrimp, coated in a luxurious honey-mayo sauce, paired with the crunch of caramelized walnuts. This dish is both indulgent and satisfying, with every bite offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Walnut shrimp is a Chinese-American classic that’s elegant yet simple to make. The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and candied walnuts is irresistible. It’s versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or as a standalone dish for special occasions.
Tools to Use
- Medium saucepan for candying walnuts
- Mixing bowls for batter and sauce
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Whisk for blending the sauce
- Tongs for handling shrimp
Ingredients
For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Candy the Walnuts
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Add the walnut halves and cook for 2-3 minutes until coated and glossy. Remove the walnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden. - Prepare the Shrimp Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the cornstarch and mix until a smooth batter forms. Dip the shrimp into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated. - Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. - Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. - Combine the Shrimp and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the sauce until evenly coated. - Assemble and Serve
Place the sauced shrimp on a serving platter and sprinkle with the candied walnuts. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
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Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan for candying walnuts
- Mixing bowls for batter and sauce
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Whisk for blending the sauce
- Tongs for handling shrimp
Ingredients
- For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Candy the Walnuts
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Add the walnut halves and cook for 2-3 minutes until coated and glossy. Remove the walnuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool and harden.
- Prepare the Shrimp Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the cornstarch and mix until a smooth batter forms. Dip the shrimp into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Fry the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Shrimp and Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble and Serve
- Place the sauced shrimp on a serving platter and sprinkle with the candied walnuts. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Cooking
- Use raw shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Pre-cooked shrimp won’t crisp up as well.
- Fry the shrimp in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before candying them.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, adjust the honey and condensed milk to taste.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Walnut shrimp is a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
This walnut shrimp recipe is a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will become a favorite in your meal rotation. With its crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and candied walnuts, it’s a dish that brings comfort and sophistication to your table. Enjoy the elegance and ease of making this classic at home!
