Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a deliciously indulgent dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy honey-mayonnaise sauce, topped with lightly toasted walnuts for a perfect crunch. This classic Chinese-American favorite is quick to prepare and ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Walnuts
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil), about 2 tbsp
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup honey (preferably raw)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Gather all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process and to have everything ready before starting.
- Toast walnuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until they become golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cook shrimp: Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding and cook each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove cooked shrimp and set aside.
- Toss shrimp in sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet or a large mixing bowl and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the creamy honey sauce.
- Serve: Plate the sauced shrimp and garnish with the toasted walnuts on top. Serve immediately to maintain the walnuts’ crunch and shrimp’s crispiness.
Notes
- Use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Toast the walnuts carefully as they can burn quickly; stir frequently over medium heat.
- Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to balance the sweetness of the honey and sugar.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crunchy walnuts and crispy shrimp.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, though traditional flavor will vary.
