Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings together the crispiness of fried shrimp, the crunch of candied walnuts, and a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe combines the savory and sweet elements to create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. It’s a dish commonly served at Chinese restaurants and is now simplified for you to make at home.

The balance of textures and flavors in this dish makes it an irresistible treat. The crispy shrimp coated in a luscious creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the candied walnuts. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice with some stir-fried vegetables, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

• For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅔ cup cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch, tapioca starch, or sweet rice flour)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)
• Sauce:
  • ¼ cup Japanese mayo (Kewpie Mayo) (or substitute with normal mayo)
  • 3 tablespoons condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk for dairy-free version)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• For the Candied Walnuts:
  • ½ cup walnut halves
  • 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
• Optional Garnish:
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and set aside.
2. In a non-stick pan on medium heat, add sugar followed by water. Stir constantly until the syrup thickens.
3. Quickly add the walnut halves to the syrup, stirring to coat evenly. Remove each walnut and place on parchment paper to cool.
4. In a large bowl, season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy, then mix in the cornstarch to create a runny paste.
6. Add the shrimp to the egg mixture, coating them thoroughly.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan to 350-375°F. Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove shrimp from oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
9. In a large bowl, combine the crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, and sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
10. Garnish with finely chopped green onions if desired and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 22 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 404 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

Honey Walnut Shrimp (蜜汁合桃虾) is a dish that originated in Hong Kong and has become popular in Chinese-American cuisine. It’s commonly served at Chinese banquet-style dinners, often seen on the menus of restaurants in places like Chinatown and even at American-Chinese chains like Panda Express. The dish was originally a part of lavish banquet menus, especially during festive occasions or wedding banquets, where it was served as a luxurious seafood entrée. Over time, it has become a beloved classic in both traditional and fusion Asian cooking.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Jumbo Shrimp: The star of the dish. Jumbo shrimp are preferred for their size and meaty texture, which hold up well during frying. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease of preparation.
• Egg Whites & Cornstarch: These create a light batter that coats the shrimp, making them extra crispy when fried. This method results in a delicate crunch that is different from heavier tempura batters.
• Candied Walnuts: The walnuts are candied in a simple sugar syrup, adding a sweet and crunchy element to the dish. This step is crucial as it provides the textural contrast that makes this dish so unique.
• Kewpie Mayo: Japanese mayo is known for its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. It serves as the base for the sauce, which coats the shrimp.
• Condensed Milk & Honey: These ingredients contribute to the sweet and creamy sauce that gives the dish its signature taste. The condensed milk adds a rich creaminess, while the honey offers a floral sweetness that complements the shrimp.

Expert Tips

• Double Frying: For an extra-crispy texture, fry the shrimp twice. The first fry cooks the shrimp through, and the second quick fry (30-45 seconds) crisps up the exterior to a perfect golden-brown.
• Timing: This dish is best served immediately after preparation to maintain the crispy texture of the shrimp. If preparing ahead, keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.
• Candied Walnuts: Use a non-stick pan to make candied walnuts, as the sugar syrup can stick and burn easily. Work quickly when coating the walnuts in the syrup to prevent burning.

Pairing Suggestions

Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

• Steamed Rice: White or brown rice is a classic pairing, absorbing the creamy sauce and balancing the sweetness of the dish.
• Vegetables: Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas add a fresh contrast to the richness of the shrimp.
• Noodles: Serve with chow mein, lo mein, or plain stir-fried noodles for a more substantial meal.
• Appetizers: Complement the dish with appetizers like egg rolls, crab rangoons, or hot and sour soup to create a complete Chinese-inspired meal.

Dietary Considerations

• Gluten-Free: This dish can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cornstarch alternative such as tapioca or potato starch. Ensure the mayonnaise and other condiments used are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute regular condensed milk with condensed coconut milk to make the sauce dairy-free.
• Nutritional Value: Honey Walnut Shrimp is rich in protein from the shrimp and healthy fats from the walnuts. However, it is also calorie-dense due to the frying process and the sugary sauce. It’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This recipe brings a taste of restaurant-quality Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen. It’s a beautiful balance of textures and flavors – crispy shrimp, sweet creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts. Despite its complex taste, it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few key ingredients. It’s perfect for when you want to impress guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home.

Pro Tips for Serving

• Presentation: Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of green onions and a drizzle of the remaining sauce. For a more traditional presentation, serve the shrimp over a bed of blanched broccoli florets.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to warm the shrimp and walnuts, maintaining their crispiness. Reheat the sauce separately and toss everything together just before serving.

Cultural Significance

In Chinese culture, shrimp symbolizes happiness and good fortune. The honey walnut shrimp is not just a delicious dish but also a festive one, often served during special occasions and celebrations. The luxurious combination of shrimp and nuts signifies abundance and prosperity, making this dish a great choice for festive gatherings and family dinners.

Culinary Techniques Involved

• Velveting the Shrimp: The technique of velveting is often used in Chinese cooking to make proteins like shrimp or chicken tender and succulent. In this recipe, the shrimp are coated in a mixture of egg whites and cornstarch before frying, which not only creates a protective layer but also locks in moisture, resulting in a juicy interior. This method is a hallmark of Chinese stir-fry and seafood dishes.
• Deep Frying: Proper deep frying is key to achieving the signature crispiness of Honey Walnut Shrimp. Using oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or peanut oil ensures that the shrimp fry quickly at a high temperature without becoming greasy. It’s crucial to maintain an oil temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C) and to fry in small batches to prevent the oil from cooling down.
• Caramelization: The candied walnuts are made by caramelizing sugar and water to create a syrup. This requires careful temperature control; if the sugar is cooked too long, it can burn, becoming bitter. Stirring the sugar mixture constantly and working quickly to coat the walnuts once it thickens is essential to avoid burning.

Regional Variations

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a classic dish that has evolved with regional influences:

• Hong Kong Version: In Hong Kong, where the dish originated, Honey Walnut Shrimp is often served with a more restrained amount of sauce to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness. It’s typically presented at banquets over blanched vegetables, such as vibrant green broccoli, which adds color contrast and balances the richness.
• American-Chinese Variation: In Chinese-American cuisine, this dish is often sweeter and creamier, with a more generous coating of the sauce. Restaurants may add a twist by including pineapple chunks for extra sweetness or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.
• Asian Fusion Adaptations: Some modern adaptations of the dish include adding a spicy element, like a hint of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce, giving it a sweet-spicy flavor profile. Another variation may involve using panko breadcrumbs in the batter for an extra-crispy coating.

Tips for Perfecting Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Temperature Control: Maintaining the right temperature is crucial throughout the cooking process. For frying, ensure the oil is hot enough to create a crispy crust without overcooking the shrimp. When making the candied walnuts, keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the sugar syrup.
• Timing and Texture: This dish is all about balance. The shrimp should be crispy and succulent, the sauce creamy without being too thick, and the walnuts crunchy without being overly sweet. Serve the dish immediately after tossing everything together to preserve these textures.
• Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be smooth and creamy but not too runny. If it seems too thick, you can thin it with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice. The goal is to have just enough sauce to lightly coat the shrimp and walnuts without drowning them.
• Candied Walnuts: Ensure that the walnuts are completely coated with the caramelized sugar and spread them out on parchment paper to cool. This prevents them from clumping together and ensures an even distribution of sweetness when mixed with the shrimp.

Healthier Alternatives

While Honey Walnut Shrimp is an indulgent dish, there are ways to make it lighter:

• Baking Instead of Frying: For a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp. Coat them in the egg white-cornstarch mixture, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until crispy.
• Air Frying: Although not traditionally recommended due to the wet batter, you can make a modified version suitable for air frying. Dip the shrimp in panko breadcrumbs after coating them with the egg mixture to create a dry exterior that crisps up well in an air fryer.
• Reduced Sugar: For a healthier take on the sauce, reduce the amount of condensed milk and honey. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol for the candied walnuts.

Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions

• Family Dinner: Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp over a bed of steamed jasmine rice with a side of stir-fried vegetables. The simplicity of steamed rice allows the rich flavors of the shrimp and sauce to shine.
• Special Occasions: For a more festive presentation, serve the shrimp over blanched broccoli florets or mixed greens. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for an elegant touch.
• Party Appetizer: Transform this dish into a party-friendly appetizer by serving the shrimp on small skewers with a piece of candied walnut on each. Drizzle with the sauce and serve on a platter as a fancy finger food option.

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

In Chinese culture, shrimp (虾, xiā) is pronounced similarly to the sound of laughter (哈, hā), symbolizing happiness and joy. Walnuts represent intellect and wisdom due to their brain-like shape. Together, Honey Walnut Shrimp is often seen as a dish that brings good fortune, happiness, and intelligence. It’s a popular choice for festive occasions like Lunar New Year celebrations, where it’s believed to bring prosperity to the coming year.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian spin, substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh. Coat the tofu or tempeh pieces in the same egg white-cornstarch mixture and fry until crispy.
• Different Nuts: While walnuts are traditional, you can use other nuts like pecans, cashews, or almonds. Pecans and cashews are sweeter and pair well with the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Alternative Sauces: If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise mixture for a slightly sharp contrast to the sweetness. For a spicy kick, mix in a few drops of sriracha or chili oil.

Nutritional Insights

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a high-calorie dish due to its deep-frying and creamy sauce. However, it’s also rich in protein from the shrimp and offers healthy fats from the walnuts. If you are watching your calorie intake, consider pairing this dish with a light vegetable side or opting for the baking method to reduce the overall fat content.

Culinary Comparisons

• Honey Walnut Shrimp vs. Tempura Shrimp: While both dishes involve crispy fried shrimp, tempura shrimp is lightly battered with a tempura mix and served with a dipping sauce. In contrast, Honey Walnut Shrimp has a distinct creamy sauce and the added element of candied walnuts for sweetness and crunch.
• Honey Walnut Shrimp vs. Sweet and Sour Shrimp: Sweet and Sour Shrimp features a tangy, vinegary sauce with a bright red color, often combined with bell peppers and pineapple. Honey Walnut Shrimp has a more delicate and creamy flavor profile, leaning towards a sweet and savory balance rather than tartness.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, offering crispy shrimp, sweet candied walnuts, and a creamy sauce that make it a favorite in Chinese cuisine. With its origins in Hong Kong and a place on Chinese-American restaurant menus, this dish combines elegance with comfort. Easy to prepare at home, it’s perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. Whether you enjoy it as an indulgent treat or a healthier variation, Honey Walnut Shrimp brings a touch of restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen.