Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of honey with the crunchiness of walnuts and the tender juiciness of shrimp. This popular Chinese-American dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavors that create a symphony in every bite. The creamy, luscious sauce complements the crispy shrimp, making it the perfect indulgence for a special dinner or a comforting meal at home. Whether you’re a shrimp lover or just looking to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly flavorful, with a harmonious balance of sweetness from the honey and richness from the walnuts, paired with the savory notes of shrimp. Secondly, the cooking process is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. The dish is also versatile; it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. Plus, it’s a great option for those following a lighter diet, as the shrimp provide lean protein, and the dish can be paired with fresh vegetables for added nutrition.
Tips and Tricks
To elevate your Honey Walnut Shrimp, consider these helpful tips:
- Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Size 16-20 is ideal for this recipe, ensuring a good balance of meatiness and tenderness.
- Walnut Toasting: Toast the walnuts until golden brown to enhance their flavor. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
- Cornstarch Magic: For an extra crispy texture, coat the shrimp in cornstarch before frying. This creates a delightful crunch.
- Sauce Consistency: Don’t rush the sauce! Allow it to bubble and thicken naturally for the best results.
Make Ahead Tips
For those looking to streamline their cooking process, consider these make-ahead strategies:
- Prepping Shrimp: You can clean and marinate the shrimp a few hours before cooking. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
- Walnut Preparation: Toast the walnuts ahead of time, allowing them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh for about a week.
- Sauce Storage: Prepare the honey sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before using.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your Honey Walnut Shrimp by trying these variations:
- Spicy Twist: Add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
- Alternative Proteins: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein source while maintaining the same delicious sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
How to Serve
To present your Honey Walnut Shrimp beautifully, serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra touch. A drizzle of the leftover honey sauce over the top will make it visually appealing and delicious.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your Honey Walnut Shrimp with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced green tea. For side dishes, consider serving it with garlic sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad to balance the sweetness of the shrimp. A light fruit sorbet would make a perfect dessert to cleanse the palate.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the shrimp separately from the sauce; they can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Equipment Needed
You will need:
- A large skillet or wok for frying
- A mixing bowl for preparing the sauce and coating shrimp
- A slotted spoon for removing the shrimp from hot oil
- A baking sheet for toasting walnuts
If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just as well!
Dietary Adaptations
To adapt this recipe for different dietary needs:
- Vegan: Use tofu or tempeh instead of shrimp, and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts and replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free, and use cornstarch for coating.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring and summer, consider adding fresh seasonal vegetables like asparagus or snap peas to your dish for a vibrant touch. In the fall, you could incorporate roasted butternut squash cubes for a sweeter, heartier flavor profile.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What can I substitute for honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a vegan alternative.
- How long does it take to cook the shrimp? Shrimp typically cooks in about 3-4 minutes when frying.
How To Make honey walnut shrimp recipe
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of honey with the crunchiness of walnuts and the tender juiciness of shrimp.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Walnuts: In a small skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Coat the Shrimp: In another bowl, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Combine: In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the honey sauce. Add the toasted walnuts and mix until well combined.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 721Total Fat 46gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 38gCholesterol 245mgSodium 1240mgCarbohydrates 50gFiber 3gSugar 36gProtein 31g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with elegance, making it perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or make it your own, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
