Dinner

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Name: Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup walnut halves; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 egg whites; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 3 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 1/2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp condensed milk; 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

ByMariam Harutyunyan August 13, 2025August 13, 2025

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving that irresistible blend of crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory, nothing satisfies like Honey Walnut Shrimp. This dish, a beloved favorite in Chinese-American restaurants, combines delicately battered shrimp with a luscious honey-mayo sauce and delightfully crunchy candied walnuts. It’s strikingly elegant in presentation, yet surprisingly achievable at home, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for both dinner parties and cozy nights in. Prepare for your taste buds to experience magic!

Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of Honey Walnut Shrimp plays a starring role, from the snappy shrimp to the velvety sauce and the signature sweet walnuts. Here’s how each ingredient comes together to create a showstopper, proving you don’t need a long shopping list to turn out restaurant-quality results.

Vegetable oil: Perfect for deep-frying, it imparts a crisp, clean finish to the shrimp without overpowering their flavor.

Water: Essential for making the candied walnuts, giving them that glossy crunch.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the walnuts and helps them achieve that irresistible caramelized coating.

Walnut halves: The star crunch element, these get candied and provide earthy richness to the dish.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sauce, blending perfectly with honey and condensed milk.

Honey: Adds floral sweetness, tying the shrimp and walnuts together with a silky touch.
Condensed milk: Lends unique sweetness and a glossy body to the sauce.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a hint is all you need for a gentle, surprising kick.

Egg whites: Make the batter light and airy, giving the shrimp their cloud-like crunch.
Cornstarch: Partners with egg whites to create that signature crispy shrimp exterior.
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, plump shrimp are essential—the star of your Honey Walnut Shrimp.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Oil

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium deep skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough so the shrimp sizzle as soon as they hit the pan, ensuring crispness without greasiness. This step sets the stage for that signature crunch!

Step 2: Candy the Walnuts

Let’s get those walnuts wonderfully glossy! In a small saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, and walnut halves. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for about 2 minutes—the walnuts should get a shiny, sticky glaze. Quickly transfer them to a parchment-lined sheet to dry, keeping them separate to avoid clumping. They’ll be marvelously crackly by the time you plate up.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce is rich, creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy—the ultimate blanket for your crispy shrimp. Set it aside while you work on the star protein.

Step 4: Make the Shrimp Batter and Fry

Grab a bowl and whisk together egg whites and cornstarch with a handheld mixer until soft peaks form. This airy batter will wrap each shrimp in a light, tempura-like coat. Work in batches: dip each shrimp, shake off excess, and fry in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Place the fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and stay crisp.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Gently toss your fresh, golden shrimp in the honey-mayo sauce, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. Top everything with those candied walnuts for a crowning crunch before serving. Honey Walnut Shrimp is always best enjoyed right away, at the peak of its crunchy-creamy glory.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp

Garnishes

For extra flair, sprinkle your Honey Walnut Shrimp with sliced green onions or a dusting of toasted sesame seeds. This adds fresh color and a subtle flavor contrast that elevates the whole dish to new heights.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice is a classic pairing—perfect for soaking up every drop of luscious sauce. If you’re after variety, crisp sautéed broccoli or snap peas add refreshing greens and extra crunch, rounding out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, try serving Honey Walnut Shrimp on a chic platter lined with buttery lettuce cups for an appetizer, or over a vibrant salad of shredded cabbage and carrots for a light, modern meal. They’re even delightful atop noodles for a fun, restaurant-inspired bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp can be a treat, though it’s best while freshly made. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp may lose a bit of crunch, but the flavors remain rich and delicious.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze fried shrimp, the texture isn’t quite the same on reheating. If you do want to freeze, keep the cooked shrimp and sauce separate. Reheat the shrimp in an oven or air fryer, then toss with the freshly made sauce.

Reheating

To regain as much crispy texture as possible, reheat shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or pop them in the air fryer. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy. Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave, then toss the shrimp just before serving.

FAQs

What makes Honey Walnut Shrimp so special?

It’s all in the contrast: crispy battered shrimp are tossed in a creamy, sweet-tangy sauce and finished with honeyed walnuts, creating the most luxurious bite that’s simultaneously crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them fully and pat them dry before battering to ensure they get as crisp as possible during frying.

Is there a substitute for condensed milk?

For a lighter version, you can substitute with evaporated milk plus a touch more honey, though the sauce may be slightly less thick and rich. The classic recipe’s creamy sweetness is truly unique, though!

Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten free?

Yes, this recipe already skips the wheat flour in favor of cornstarch. Just be sure your other sauce ingredients are gluten free (most mayonnaise and condiments are, but double-check labels to be certain).

How do I keep the shrimp crispy?

The key is frying in hot oil and serving immediately after tossing with the sauce. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the fried shrimp and sauce separate, then combine right before eating for the best crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home, now’s your moment! It’s far simpler than you’d think and brings all the wow-factor of your favorite takeout, right to your own table. Go ahead, treat yourself (and your lucky guests) to this unforgettable dish—you may never look back!