DinnerSeafood

Honey Walnut Shrimp

A beloved banquet dish. Jumbo shrimp deep-fried in a light, crispy batter, tossed in a creamy, sweet mayonnaise sauce, and topped with candied walnuts.

By Kitchen Recipe Team
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Servings4
Difficultymedium

Why You'll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp

This Honey Walnut Shrimp brings authentic Chinese-American flavors straight to your kitchen. Perfect for a Dinner when you want something satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make. People love this recipe because it combines simple ingredients to create something truly magical.

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Prep: 15 mins•Cook: 20 mins•Total: 35 mins•Yields: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Servings:4
  • 400g jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar (for candying walnuts)
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 egg whites, beaten until frothy
  • Oil for deep frying
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie preferred)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Equipment Needed

  • Small saucepan
  • Wok for frying

Instructions

1

Boil Walnuts

Boil the walnuts in water for 2 minutes to remove their bitter tannins. Drain.

2

Make Syrup

In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a boil until it forms a syrup.

3

Candy Walnuts

Add the walnuts to the syrup. Boil for 2 minutes until glossy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment paper to harden.

4

Mix Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside.

5

Prepare Shrimp

Pat the shrimp completely dry. Toss them in the frothy egg whites.

6

Coat in Starch

Dredge the shrimp heavily in the cornstarch, pressing to ensure it adheres.

7

Heat Oil

Heat oil in a wok to 350°F (175°C).

8

Fry Shrimp

Fry the shrimp in batches for 3-4 minutes until the coating is golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

9

Toss with Sauce

While the shrimp are still hot, drop them into the bowl with the mayonnaise sauce.

10

Coat Evenly

Toss gently until every shrimp is coated in the creamy, sweet sauce.

11

Plate

Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter (often garnished with steamed broccoli around the edge).

12

Add Walnuts

Scatter the cooled, crunchy candied walnuts over the top of the shrimp and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

520
Calories
18g
Protein
35g
Carbs
35g
Fat
2g
Fiber

*Per serving. Nutritional values are estimates.

Expert Tips

  • • Kewpie mayonnaise is preferred because it is richer and slightly sweeter than American mayonnaise, blending perfectly with the condensed milk.
  • • Do not toss the shrimp in the sauce until right before serving, or the creamy sauce will make the crispy batter soggy.

Variations

  • • Prawns: Often made with massive tiger prawns in high-end banquet settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this authentic Chinese food?

A: It is a modern fusion dish invented in Hong Kong in the 1980s, combining Western ingredients (mayonnaise) with Cantonese banquet frying techniques.

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Honey Walnut Shrimp

By Kitchen Recipe Team

A beloved banquet dish. Jumbo shrimp deep-fried in a light, crispy batter, tossed in a creamy, sweet mayonnaise sauce, and topped with candied walnuts.

Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium
Cuisine
Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scaled for 4 servings

  • 400g jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar (for candying walnuts)
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 egg whites, beaten until frothy
  • Oil for deep frying
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie preferred)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Wok for frying

Instructions

Cooking Tips

  • Kewpie mayonnaise is preferred because it is richer and slightly sweeter than American mayonnaise, blending perfectly with the condensed milk.
  • Do not toss the shrimp in the sauce until right before serving, or the creamy sauce will make the crispy batter soggy.

Variations

  • Prawns: Often made with massive tiger prawns in high-end banquet settings.

Nutrition Estimate

520 calories · 18g protein · 35g carbs · 35g fat · 2g fiber per serving

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