Honey Walnut Shrimp Tasty and Simple Recipe Guide

Welcome to my simple guide on making Honey Walnut Shrimp! This dish combines sweet honey, crunchy walnuts, and tender shrimp for a delicious meal. I’ll walk you through the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to make it perfect every time. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow. Let’s dive into the buzzing world of Honey Walnut Shrimp and create something amazing together!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 1 cup walnuts

- 1/2 cup corn starch

- 2 large eggs

- 1/2 cup flour

- 1/2 cup mayonnaise

- 1/4 cup honey

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- Vegetable oil for frying

Notes on Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap large shrimp for medium shrimp if needed. Just adjust the cooking time. For walnuts, pecans work well too. If you want a lighter sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also use agave syrup as a honey substitute.

Tips for Selecting Quality Shrimp

When buying shrimp, look for shrimp that smell fresh, not fishy. The shells should be shiny and firm. Choose shrimp with a slight translucence. If you can, buy shrimp that are wild-caught. They usually taste better than farmed shrimp. A good rule is to ask your fishmonger about the shrimp's source.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Walnuts

Start with 1 cup of walnuts. Place them in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil. Lower the heat and let them simmer for 3-4 minutes. Drain the walnuts and rinse them under cold water. Next, add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water to the same saucepan. Stir this mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the drained walnuts. Cook them until the syrup thickens, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the walnuts and spread them on parchment paper to cool. This gives you sweet, crunchy walnuts for your dish.

Cooking the Shrimp

You need 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. In a bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. In a separate dish, mix 1/2 cup of corn starch and 1/2 cup of flour. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Dredge each shrimp in the corn starch mixture first. Shake off any excess, then dip it into the egg mixture. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil. Fry them in batches until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure they are cooked through and crispy. Remove them and drain on a paper towel.

Making the Honey Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix until smooth. Once the shrimp are done frying, toss them in the honey sauce until they are evenly coated. Add the cooled candied walnuts and gently mix everything together. This sauce brings the dish together and adds a sweet, tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispy Shrimp

To make crispy shrimp, the right coating is key. Start with corn starch and flour. This mix gives the shrimp a nice crunch. Dredge each shrimp well and shake off the extra. Next, dip it in the egg mix. Fry them in hot oil at medium-high heat. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy.

Preventing Clumping of Candied Walnuts

When making candied walnuts, you want each piece to stay separate. After cooking the walnuts in sugar, spread them out on parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching. This helps them cool without sticking together. If you see any clumps, gently break them apart with your fingers once they cool.

Serving Suggestions for Presentation

For a beautiful plate, serve honey walnut shrimp on fluffy jasmine rice. This adds color and texture. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These small touches make your dish look gourmet. You can also add a slice of lemon on the side for a fresh touch. This way, your meal looks as good as it tastes!

Variations

Adding Vegetables for a Complete Meal

You can make honey walnut shrimp even better by adding vegetables. Some great choices are bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. These add color and nutrition. Start by sautéing or steaming your chosen vegetables until they are tender but still crisp. Then, mix them with the shrimp and sauce. This makes your dish more filling and balanced. You can serve it all on a bed of rice for a full meal.

Alternative Sauces to Try

While the classic honey sauce is delicious, you can switch things up! Try a sweet and spicy sauce made with sriracha and honey. Mix equal parts of both for a kick. Another option is a lemon garlic sauce. Just whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, and a little soy sauce. Both options add unique flavors to the dish. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what you like best!

Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp Option

If you enjoy heat, consider a spicy version of this dish. Start with the standard recipe, but add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños with your shrimp. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the sweetness. Adjust the spice level to your taste. The mix of sweet and spicy creates a tasty contrast that you will love!

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

To keep your honey walnut shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use a container that fits the shrimp well. This prevents them from getting squished. Place the shrimp and walnuts together. You can add a piece of parchment paper to keep them crisp. Store in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating Methods for Optimal Crispiness

When reheating, keep the shrimp crispy. Use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. This way, your shrimp will stay crunchy.

Freezing Tips for Longer Storage

If you want to freeze honey walnut shrimp, do it right. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to two months. To eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the oven or air fryer for best results.

FAQs

What type of shrimp is best for honey walnut shrimp?

The best shrimp for honey walnut shrimp is large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for ease. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a shiny look. Fresh shrimp tastes better, but frozen shrimp works too. Just thaw it well before cooking. You can also use shrimp labeled as "wild-caught" for better flavor and quality.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. You can cook the walnuts and shrimp ahead of time. Keep the shrimp crispy by storing it in an air-tight container. Do not coat the shrimp in the sauce until just before serving. This way, it stays crunchy and tasty. You can also make the honey sauce earlier. Store it in the fridge and warm it up before using.

How do I make the honey sauce thicker?

To thicken the honey sauce, you can add more mayonnaise. Mix in small amounts until you reach the right thickness. Another option is to heat the sauce gently on low. Stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. This will help it get thicker as it cooks. Be careful not to overcook; it can change the flavor.

In this blog post, I covered how to make honey walnut shrimp. I listed all the ingredients, shared step-by-step instructions, and provided tips to ensure success. You learned how to select quality shrimp and prevent clumping with walnuts. I also shared some fun variations and storage tips.

In summary, this dish is easy to prepare and delicious. It’s perfect for a special meal or a fun weeknight dinner. Take these tips and enjoy your cooking adventure!