Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and creamy sauce. With its crunchy texture and rich flavors, this recipe is sure to amaze your family and friends. The dish features perfectly fried shrimp coated in a luscious honey sauce, topped with sweetened walnuts for an added crunch. It’s a fantastic choice for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner, making it a crowd-pleaser no one can resist.

If you’ve ever experienced the joy of biting into Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp, you know exactly why it’s so loved. The contrast between the crispy shrimp and the sticky sauce creates an incredible flavor experience that dances on your taste buds. In this article, you will discover why this recipe is special, how to prepare it, and tips on serving it perfectly. Even if you’re a novice cook, the amazing flavors of this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!

With its blend of textures and sweetness, Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp calls out for a place on your dining table. Ideal for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or a unique weeknight dinner, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also holds a wonderful visual appeal. Let’s dive deeper into what makes the Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp an irresistible addition to your recipe collection.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful culinary journey that takes about 30-40 minutes in total. Here’s how the time breaks down:

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

These times may vary slightly based on your kitchen skills and equipment, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to master the timing!

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup walnuts
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp can be simple and enjoyable if you follow these clear steps:

1. Prep Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Coat Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Dredge them in cornstarch, shaking off the excess, then dip into the beaten eggs.
3. Heat Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to about 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry Shrimp: Carefully place shrimp in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
5. Drain: Once cooked, transfer shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
6. Prepare Walnuts: In a separate pan, lightly toast walnuts over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until they start to turn golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, condensed milk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Combine: In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp and sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
9. Add Walnuts: Fold in the toasted walnuts until distributed.
10. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnishing with chopped green onions if desired.

By following these straightforward steps, you’re bound to create an extraordinarily delicious dish!

How to Serve

When it comes to serving Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp, consider the following to enhance the dining experience:

1. Presentation: Serve in a large, shallow dish to showcase the beautiful shrimp and walnuts, adding an elegant touch.
2. Garnishes: Sprinkle with chopped green onions for color and freshness. You could also consider sesame seeds for an extra pop.
3. Accompaniments: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a bed of sautéed vegetables. It balances the sweetness and adds a nutritious element.
4. Serving Style: For a sharing-style meal, provide tongs or serving spoons, allowing everyone to help themselves.
5. Beverage Pairing: Pair with a light, refreshing drink such as iced tea or a fruity cocktail to complement the sweetness of the dish.

By putting thought into how you serve Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp, you’ll elevate the entire dining experience, making it memorable for you and your guests!

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, choose high-quality, fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work as well, but fresh shrimp offer superior taste and texture.
• Achieve Perfect Crispiness: Ensure your oil is sufficiently hot before frying the shrimp. This helps in achieving that perfect crispy texture.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a hint of red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the cornstarch mixture for an extra kick of flavor.

Recipe Variation

You can easily adapt this Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

1. Coconut Variation: Add shredded coconut to the cornstarch mixture before coating the shrimp for a tropical flavor.
2. Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Mix in some sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the honey sauce for a spicy version that offers a delightful contrast.
3. Almonds Instead of Walnuts: Use sliced, toasted almonds in place of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 1-2 days, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to consume it right away.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked, uncoated shrimp for up to 3 months. For optimal results, flash freeze shrimp on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and re-coat for frying.

Special Equipment

To successfully make Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp, here are the essential tools you will need:

• Deep frying pan or fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk for the sauce
• Slotted spoon for removing shrimp from oil
• Paper towels for draining excess oil

Conclusion

Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp is more than just a dish; it’s an experience bursting with flavor and texture. With its delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements, it’s perfect for gatherings or an indulgent dinner at home. Your family and friends will applaud your culinary skills as you serve this remarkable dish. With all the tips and variations provided, you’re now equipped to make Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp an enduring favorite in your kitchen.