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.
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
- 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
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.