When it comes to Chinese food, my oldest daughter and I have the same favorite dishes, but our favorite is Hong Kong inspired Honey Walnut Shrimp. And while you can get it at almost all Chinese restaurants or fast-food chains, it’s usually more expensive and often thickly battered and deep fried. I much prefer this easier, lighter version that I can make at home to feed my whole family for about the same price as one serving at a restaurant! The crunchy, candied walnuts are also impossible for me to resist. I always make sure to make an extra batch to make sure there’s enough for everyone to have some extra. Shrimp is one of our favorite proteins because it’s so versatile and quick to cook! I’ve already shared my Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas and Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil. I figured that now that I’ve got Mexican and Italian cuisines covered, it’s time to turn to Chinese food! In my take on honey walnut shrimp take-out, I’m swapping out a heavier batter for a simple, light dusting of cornstarch. It actually gives just enough of a coating to make the shrimp crispy without weighing it down or making it soggy. I’ve seen other recipes that first dip each shrimp in an egg wash, but I find it unnecessary, and it also makes the outer coating heavier than I like anyway. Plus, it’s a mess and a hassle! Love take-out recipes that you can make at home? Be sure to also try our Orange Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Beef with Broccoli!
Why We Love This Recipe
Make this recipe your own by making homemade mayonnaise, or adding a bit of spice!We’re using fresh ingredients which always taste better and are always better for you!Whip this dish up for the entire family in just 30 minutes!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Shrimp – You’ll need thawed raw shrimp. I like purchasing peeled and deveined shrimp with tails off to save myself the trouble of doing it myself.Cornstarch – This is all you need for a light coating on the outside of the shrimp.Oil – I use corn oil but you can use vegetable oil if you prefer, or another oil that has a very high smoke point like peanut oil.Mayonnaise – For the base of the sauce, use plain mayonnaise, full fat for the creamiest flavor, but any kind is ok. Use plain Greek yogurt to make it even healthier.Honey – Use liquid honey so it mixes in easily with the mayonnaise for the sauce. You can substitute it for maple syrup, but the flavor of your sauce will be different.Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds to the creaminess and sweetness of the sauce. Use heavy cream in a pinch but your sauce may not be as sweet.Walnuts – Use whole walnuts for a good bite of nutty flavor.Sugar – White Granulated Sugar will work well to make candied walnuts, but you can use sweetener alternatives, or coconut sugar if you prefer.Salt – To enhance all the flavors in this popular dish.Green Onions – Chopped green onions make a great garnish for this dish with a dash of sharp flavor for a perfect balance to the sweet sauce.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Tips for Success
Just be sure to cook the shrimp in two batches because you don’t want to crowd the pan!Pan-fry the shrimp in just a couple of tablespoons of corn oil or vegetable oil instead of deep-frying them.
Substitutions and Variations
Oil. Coconut oil also works well for frying these shrimp.Air Fryer. You can Air Fry the shrimp if you have one. They don’t turn out quite as crisp, but it’s almost just as good.Protein. Use a different meat, or meat substitute in this recipe, like chicken or tofu.
More Asian-Inspired Recipes
Beef with BroccoliGrilled Thai Pork Tenderloin with Coconut Lime Peanut SauceOven Baked Korean BBQ Chicken WingsJapanese Chicken CurryKorean Beef Tacos (Bulgogi)
Vegetable Oil has a smoke point of 400-450°F so is good for this recipe too. Canola Oil has a smoke point of 400°F, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a smoke point of 325-375°F, so may not be suitable for frying like this.
Korean Short Ribs Recipe
Cambodian Chicken Red Curry
Korean Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancake Recipe)
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