Description
This honey walnut shrimp is crispy, creamy, and sweet with crunchy candied walnuts—an easy restaurant-style dinner that hits the perfect sweet-and-savory balance.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying; more as needed depending on pan)
Candied Walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Candy walnuts: In a small skillet, simmer sugar and water over medium heat 2–3 minutes. Add walnuts and stir until glossy and coated, 1–2 minutes. Spread on parchment to cool.
- Pat shrimp dry; season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk egg whites until foamy. Toss shrimp with cornstarch, then dip into egg whites.
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry shrimp in batches 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on a rack.
- Stir sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Toss hot shrimp with sauce just to coat. Top with candied walnuts and serve immediately.
Notes
- Lighter option: Skip frying and air-fry breaded shrimp at 400°F until crisp (times vary by air fryer).
- Sauce swap: Use Greek yogurt mayo-style spread for a tangier, lighter sauce.
- Make-ahead: Candy walnuts up to 3 days ahead; store airtight.
- Tools: Thermometer, wire rack, parchment paper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired