Name: Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Candied Walnuts:; 1 cup water; 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 1½ cups walnut halves; Shrimp:; 1 pound large shrimp (raw, deveined, peeled); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 3 eggs; ⅔ cup cornstarch; 1 tablespoon butter (salted); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Honey Sauce:; ¾ cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; ½ teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce; Garnish:; Chopped green onions; White or brown rice (for serving)

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If you’re craving a dish that’s both crispy and creamy with a hint of sweetness, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe will become your new favorite! This 30-minute meal brings together perfectly cooked shrimp with a rich, honey-based sauce and a crunch from candied walnuts. It’s better than takeout, and the unique combination of flavors and textures makes it an unforgettable entree. Plus, it’s super simple to make, and your family or guests will be impressed every time.

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Ingredients

Candied Walnuts:
1 cup water
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 ½ cups walnut halves

Shrimp:
1 pound large shrimp (raw, deveined, peeled)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
3 eggs
⅔ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon butter (salted)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Honey Sauce:
¾ cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce

Garnish:
Chopped green onions
White or brown rice (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Candied Walnuts:

In a saucepan, bring the water and brown sugar to a boil, stirring to combine.
Once boiling, add the walnut halves and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Remove the walnuts with a spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to cool. Set aside.

Shrimp:

Pat the shrimp dry using a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
In another shallow bowl, place the cornstarch.
Dip each shrimp first in the egg mixture, then coat with cornstarch to ensure an even layer.
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown and curled. Set aside.

Honey Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, honey, heavy cream, and soy sauce until well combined.
Return the skillet with the shrimp to low-medium heat, and gently stir in the sauce mixture.
Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and the shrimp are evenly coated.

Assembly:

Plate the shrimp and top with the candied walnuts.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve over white or brown rice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add a bit of sriracha or chili paste to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the shrimp for crispy tofu or vegetables like cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.
Different Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, you can try cashews or almonds for a similar crunch.
Low-Calorie Version: Use a lighter mayo or yogurt for the honey sauce to reduce calories.

Storage/Reheating

To store, place leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat and warm until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

How do I make the shrimp extra crispy?

Make sure to coat the shrimp thoroughly with the egg and cornstarch mixture, and cook them in a hot pan with plenty of oil and butter for a crispy texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

For the best results, it’s best to serve this dish fresh. However, you can prepare the candied walnuts and sauce in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to cook the shrimp.

What if I don’t have Miracle Whip?

If you don’t have Miracle Whip, you can substitute with regular mayonnaise or a tangy yogurt-based dressing.

Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil or any neutral oil that has a high smoke point.

Can I make the candied walnuts without sugar?

The sugar is crucial to achieving the sweet, sticky texture of the walnuts. You could try using a sugar alternative, but the taste and texture may vary.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you need to serve more people. Just make sure you have a large enough skillet to cook the shrimp in batches.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce the amount of sugar used for the candied walnuts and use a light mayo for the sauce. Additionally, baking the shrimp instead of frying them will reduce the amount of oil used.

How do I make the honey sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce it by simmering it on low heat for a few extra minutes or add a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).

Can I freeze the leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?

While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the shrimp and sauce separately. When reheating, the shrimp may lose some of their crispy texture, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a perfect balance of crispy shrimp, sweet candied walnuts, and a creamy, tangy sauce that everyone will love. It’s simple to make, takes only 30 minutes, and is sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Whether you’re enjoying a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will definitely hit the spot.