Golden Honey Walnut Shrimp Better Than Takeout
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some Honey Walnut Shrimp that's actually worth writing home about? I'm talking proper Chinese Takeout Recipe vibes but elevated.
This Walnut Shrimp Recipe is sweet, savory and will knock your socks off.
Brief Overview
The original Cantonese Shrimp Recipe is a family favorite. This version is quick, taking under an hour from start to finish.
It serves four hungry people and will be a total crowd pleaser, guaranteed.
Main Benefits
This Honey Glazed shrimp dish packs a protein punch and is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a Friday night treat or to impress your mates.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is the perfectly balanced Shrimp with Honey Mayo Sauce and the Candied Walnut Recipe .
Ok, so, let's dive into the ingredients, shall we? Don't panic, it's all pretty straightforward. We'll need shrimp (obviously!), flour, cornstarch, an egg, walnuts, honey, mayo, and a few other bits and bobs.
Here is what you will need, let's dive in!
Ingredients Breakdown: Let's Get Started!
Shrimp Time
We are going to need one pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season them with one teaspoon of salt and one half teaspoon of white pepper.
Batter Up!
For the batter, grab a quarter cup of cornstarch and the same amount of flour. One egg and a quarter cup of ice water.
This gives that Crispy Honey Shrimp texture. Don't skip the chilling time either.
Candied Walnuts Delight
A cup of walnut halves, a quarter cup of sugar, two tablespoons of water, and a pinch of salt for the Candied Walnut Recipe . This step is key, trust me.
The Secret Honey Mayo Sauce
Half a cup of mayo full fat for maximum flavor! Two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and a quarter teaspoon of salt for the Shrimp with Honey Mayo Sauce .
Getting Down to Brass Tacks: Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you actually need to make this Honey Walnut Shrimp . It's not complicated, promise! I am gonna walk you through everything.
It tastes better than any Chinese Takeout Recipe . Honestly, once you nail this Walnut Shrimp Recipe , you will make this Cantonese Shrimp Recipe over and over again.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show!
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Buy the best quality you can find! Fresh is always better. But frozen is great too. Just make sure to thaw them properly. Quality shrimp is plump and doesn't smell fishy.
- Batter Time:
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Ground white pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30g)
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup (30g)
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten
- Ice water: 1/4 cup (60ml) . The secret ingredient!
- Walnuts, Baby!
- Walnut halves: 1 cup (100g) .
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g)
- Water: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Salt: A pinch
- Sauce Boss:
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120g) . Full fat is my personal preference for that Honey Glazed flavor.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . This adds a crazy sweetness!
- Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g)
Seasoning Notes: A Pinch of This, A Dash of That
For seasoning this Walnut Shrimp , think sweet, savory, and a touch of brightness.
- Essential spices: Salt and white pepper are your base. Don't skip the white pepper; it adds a subtle kick!
- Flavor enhancers: Honey is obvious. It adds that classic sweet edge. Lemon juice cuts through the richness.
- Quick swaps: No white pepper? Black pepper works in a pinch. Just use less. No lemon? A splash of rice vinegar works too.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS)!
You don't need fancy gadgets for this Honey Walnut Shrimp . Just the basics!
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Whisk
- Deep fryer or large pot (for frying). I use a Dutch oven.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Parchment paper.
- Wok or large skillet.
Alternatives? If you don't have a deep fryer, a large pot works fine. Just be careful! A candy thermometer helps with the candied walnuts, but it is not essential.
I sometimes just eyeball it, to get that sweet Candied Walnut Recipe .
Honestly, this Honey Walnut Shrimp is easier than you think! Grab your ingredients, crank up some tunes, and let's get cooking this Crispy Honey Shrimp .
You will be saying goodbye to Honey Walnut Prawns from your takeout menu.
Alright then, let's talk Honey Walnut Shrimp . It's a classic Chinese American dish. I always say, even simple dishes deserve the chef's kiss treatment.
I am sharing the easiest way to make it. It is even better than your Chinese Takeout Recipe !
Cooking Honey Walnut Shrimp : My Foolproof Method
Honestly, this Walnut Shrimp Recipe seems fancy, but it's surprisingly easy. You know, it's one of those dishes where everyone thinks you've been slaving away for hours.
The secret is all in the prep!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place : Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. It makes life so much easier.
- Time Saving Organization Tips : Batch your steps. You want to candy your Candied Walnuts before frying the shrimp.
- Safety Reminders : Hot oil is no joke. Keep an eye on it, don't overcrowd the pan, and watch for splatters.
step-by-step: Crispy Honey Shrimp
- Pat your 450g shrimp dry and season.
- Whisk the batter ingredients. Then chill for 15 minutes .
- Candy the walnuts: Heat sugar and water until golden. Add walnuts, then cool. This is the basis of a good Walnut Shrimp Recipe !
- Mix your amazing Shrimp with Honey Mayo Sauce : Mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Adjust the Honey Glazed sauce to your taste!
- Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Fry your battered shrimp in batches for 2- 3 minutes .
- Toss fried shrimp with Honey Mayo Sauce .
- Top with candied walnuts.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Cantonese Shrimp Recipe
- Expert Technique : A touch of cornstarch in the batter makes it extra crispy.
- Common Mistake : Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry in batches!
- This Honey Walnut Prawns recipe is really best served hot and fresh, but you can make the candied walnuts ahead of time to save a bit of time!
Recipe Notes
Okay, so you're about to dive into this amazing Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe . Awesome! Here's the lowdown on a few things to keep in mind for success.
Honestly, it's all about the little details.
Serving it Up Right
Presentation is key, right? For plating, picture this: a bed of fluffy steamed rice. Then, pile on the Honey Walnut Shrimp , all glistening and golden.
I reckon it looks fantastic sprinkled with some extra candied Walnuts , and maybe a cheeky sprig of parsley.
As for sides, think something light and refreshing. Stir fried veggies, like broccoli or some crunchy snow peas, would be ace.
And to drink? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio works nicely, or even just a sparkling water with a lemon wedge.
The Honey Glazed shrimp pairs well with something that cuts through the richness.
Storing Your Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
Right, so let's say you've made more Honey Walnut Shrimp than you can handle. First off, well done you! Secondly, here's how to keep it tip-top.
Get your cooked Shrimp with Honey Mayo Sauce into an airtight container. Keep it chilled for up to 2 days.
Freezing? Not really the best shout, mate. The Crispy Honey Shrimp coating can get a bit soggy when defrosted. As for reheating, a gentle go in a pan over medium heat should do the trick.
Just be careful not to overcook it.
Remix Time: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a bit of a twist? Why not try a Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp version? Just add a pinch of chili flakes to the batter for a bit of a kick.
Bangin'. Or, for a slightly lighter option, you could swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt. Still tastes fab!
Seasonal swaps? In the autumn, pumpkin seeds can replace the Walnuts . A proper seasonal treat!
Bits About Nutrition
Right, so Honey Walnut Prawns is delicious, but let's be real. It's not exactly health food! You are getting about 650 calories per serving, with 25g of protein, 45g of fat, and 40g of carbs.
This Chinese Takeout Recipe favourite has got a good whack of sugar (around 30g), but that's mostly from the honey and candied Walnuts , innit?
The good news is that shrimp is a good source of protein. It also contains some essential vitamins and minerals. Treat yourself, but maybe not every day!
So, there you have it! All the extra bits to make your Cantonese Shrimp Recipe absolutely perfect. Give it a go.
You'll nail it! The Walnut Shrimp will be amazing, promise! And if you do make Candied Walnut Recipe version, you need to let me know.
It's a game changer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to keep my Honey Walnut Shrimp crispy after frying?
Ah, the million dollar question! The key is to make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) so the shrimp cooks quickly and doesn't absorb too much oil. Also, don't overcrowd the fryer! Fry in batches and drain the shrimp on paper towels.
Toss with the honey mayo sauce just before serving to prevent sogginess. Think of it like fish and chips best eaten piping hot!
Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time?
While Honey Walnut Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components in advance. The candied walnuts can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container. You can also mix the honey mayo sauce ahead of time.
I wouldn't recommend frying the shrimp too far in advance, as they'll lose their crispness. Think of it like a Sunday roast - some bits are fine to get ready the day before, but the star has to shine on the day.
How can I make a healthier version of Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can lighten things up by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the sauce. Air frying the shrimp instead of deep frying drastically reduces the fat content. Another trick is to use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol when candying the walnuts.
These small tweaks can make a big difference, but remember a treat's a treat, innit?
My candied walnuts are sticking together. What am I doing wrong?
The key is to spread the walnuts out on a parchment lined baking sheet immediately after coating them in the caramel. Make sure they're not touching! If they do stick together, you can break them apart gently with your hands once they've cooled.
Next time, you could also try adding a tiny splash of oil to the caramel to help prevent sticking. It's a bit like untangling Christmas lights, just be patient.
What are some good variations I can try with this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe?
Fancy a bit of a kick? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp batter, or a dash of sriracha to the honey mayo sauce for some Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp! For a coconutty twist, substitute some flour with shredded coconut. Pecans or cashews make fantastic swaps if you're fresh out of walnuts. Get creative!
How do I properly store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp, and how long will it last?
Storing leftovers is a bit tricky, as the shrimp tends to lose its crispness. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 1-2 days. Reheating isn't ideal, but you can try warming it in a low oven or air fryer, but it will never be quite as good as fresh.
Honestly, it's best to make just enough for one serving! If you have leftover honey mayo sauce on its own, that can be stored separately for up to a week.
Golden Honey Walnut Shrimp Better Than Takeout
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 45g |
| Fiber | 0g |
