Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Looking to recreate a restaurant favorite right at home? Honey Walnut Shrimp is the ultimate mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness. This classic Chinese-American dish combines crispy fried shrimp, a delightful honey-mayo sauce, and candied walnuts for the perfect bite every time. Whether you're cooking for yourself or impressing dinner guests, this crowd-pleaser will leave everyone wanting more.

Today, I'll guide you through how to make the best Honey Walnut Shrimp quickly and easily—no special takeout menus required. Get ready for perfectly crispy shrimp paired with a silky-sweet glaze and crunchy candied walnuts.

What Makes Honey Walnut Shrimp Special?

Honey Walnut Shrimp has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and is most commonly found in restaurants like Panda Express and P.F. Chang’s. But why go for takeout when you can enjoy a fresher, more flavorful version at home? The appeal of this dish lies in its balanced contrasts:

• Crunch meets creamy: Fried shrimp are coated in a luscious honey-mayo sauce.
• Sweet meets savory: The honey glaze enhances the shrimp's natural sweetness while balancing the nuttiness of the candied walnuts.
• Restaurant quality at home: When made fresh, this dish delivers bold flavors and textures you just can’t beat.

With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this iconic dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Honey Walnut Shrimp. Most ingredients can be found at your local grocery store.

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

For the Candied Walnuts

• ½ cup walnut halves
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home

Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving signature restaurant-quality Honey Walnut Shrimp. Follow along closely for the perfect execution!

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts

1. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and add the walnut halves.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the walnuts are coated and the mixture thickens.
4. Carefully transfer the walnuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool. The coating will harden as it cools, creating perfectly crunchy walnuts.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry using a paper towel.
2. Beat the egg in a bowl. Coat each shrimp in the egg and then dredge in cornstarch mixed with the salt to lightly coat.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C). Test the heat by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, it's ready!
4. Fry the shrimp in small batches (to avoid overcrowding) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Honey Sauce

1. While the shrimp cool slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice (if using) in a mixing bowl. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tanginess if needed.
2. Set the sauce aside.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Once the shrimp are fried and slightly cooled, toss them gently in the honey mayonnaise sauce until evenly coated. Use a spatula to fold them in without breaking the crispy coating.
2. Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and top with candied walnuts for crunch.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and presentation (optional).
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp

1. Fry in Batches

Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as this can reduce the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Keep each batch small for optimal crispiness.

2. Use Fresh Shrimp

Fresh shrimp make a huge difference in taste and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before battering.

3. Adjust the Sauce

Prefer a milder or sweeter sauce? Adjust the ratio of mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and honey to suit your taste. A dash of sriracha can be added if you want a spicy kick!

4. Prepare Candied Walnuts Ahead of Time

The walnuts can be made a day or two ahead to save time—just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.

Why Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home?

While takeout offers convenience, making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home allows you to:

• Control the Quality

Use fresh, premium ingredients to create a healthier, more nutrient-rich dish.

• Experiment with Flavors

Add your twist by playing with ingredients like sesame oil, and chili flakes, or even swapping the walnuts for pecans!

• Save Money

A restaurant portion can be expensive, but when cooking it yourself, you can create multiple servings for roughly the same price.

Cooking at home also lets you connect with the cultural influences behind this dish—all from the comfort of your kitchen.

Elevate Your Asian Cuisine Game

Honey Walnut Shrimp isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or impressing your foodie friends, this dish brings restaurant flavors to your dinner table. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.

If you try this recipe, be sure to share a photo and tag us on social media! We’d love to see your creations.

Happy cooking and happy eating!