Delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe – Easy & Flavorful

I’m excited to share my favorite honey walnut shrimp recipe with you. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe is simple and needs just a few ingredients, making it great for a quick dinner.

The dish has a sweet and savory sauce, crunchy walnuts, and tender shrimp. It’s sure to be a hit in your home.

This recipe serves 4 people and can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for families or small gatherings. The mix of shrimp, walnuts, and sweet sauce makes it both tasty and beautiful. In this article, I’ll show you how to make this delicious honey walnut shrimp recipe.

The Story Behind Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey walnut shrimp has become very popular in recent years. Its unique taste has made it a favorite in many Chinese restaurants. The mix of crunchy walnuts, juicy shrimp, and sweet sauce is perfect together.

To make a great walnut shrimp recipe, you need fresh shrimp and quality walnuts. These ingredients are key to a delicious dish.

The dish started in Cantonese cuisine, with fresh shrimp, walnuts, and sweet sauce. American Chinese restaurants later added their own twist. Now, honey walnut shrimp is loved worldwide, known for its unique taste.

To enjoy a tasty shrimp with walnuts dish, balancing flavors and textures is important. The right recipe can make a big difference.

Origins in Cantonese Cuisine

In Cantonese cuisine, honey walnut shrimp is called 蜜汁核桃蝦 (mìzhī hétáo xiā). It’s a dish that has been perfected over the years. The mix of crunchy walnuts, juicy shrimp, and sweet sauce is a classic.

When making a walnut shrimp recipe, using fresh shrimp and quality walnuts is crucial. This ensures a dish that’s both delicious and authentic.

Evolution in American Chinese Restaurants

In American Chinese restaurants, honey walnut shrimp has evolved. It now includes a mayonnaise-based sauce for a creamy texture. The walnuts add a crunchy texture that goes well with the shrimp.

This makes it a popular choice for those wanting to try a delicious shrimp with walnuts dish.

Why This Dish Became Popular

So, why did honey walnut shrimp become so popular? Its unique flavor and texture are the reasons. The mix of crunchy walnuts, juicy shrimp, and sweet sauce is perfect.

Whether you’re making a walnut shrimp recipe or a shrimp with walnuts dish, the key is balancing flavors and textures. Using the right ingredients is also important for a delicious and authentic dish.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

To make a delicious honey walnut shrimp recipe, you’ll need some key ingredients. These include fresh shrimp, walnuts, cornstarch, and a sweet sauce. The sauce is made with honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice. Using high-quality ingredients and balancing the flavors is crucial for a great dish.

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 pounds of fresh shrimp
• ½ cup of walnuts
• 1 cup of cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

These ingredients will help you create a dish that is both delicious and authentic. With a total prep time of 15 minutes and a total cook time of 10 minutes, you can have a mouth-watering honey walnut shrimp recipe ready in no time. This recipe serves 6 people and has a total of 821 kcal per serving.

When making the honey walnut shrimp recipe, it’s essential to use the right ingredients in the right proportions. The ratio of shrimp to walnut halves is important, with halves being about half the size of the shrimp for contrast. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by swapping mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or using different types of breadcrumbs.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make panda express honey walnut shrimp, you need some basic cooking tools. A wok or large skillet is key for frying the shrimp and walnuts. You’ll also need neutral oil, like vegetable or peanut oil, for frying.

There are some optional tools that can be helpful too. A thermometer helps make sure the oil is at the right temperature. A strainer is useful for draining excess oil from the shrimp.

Basic Cooking Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Neutral oil, such as vegetable or peanut oil
• Strainer

Optional Special Tools

• Thermometer
• Deep frying pan

When cooking panda express honey walnut shrimp, having the right tools is crucial. They help you get a crispy outside and a tender inside. With the right tools, you can make a delicious dish that will impress everyone.

Preparing the Candied Walnuts

To make a tasty walnut shrimp recipe, you need to prepare the candied walnuts right. They add a sweet and crunchy texture that goes well with the shrimp. You’ll need 1 cup of whole walnuts, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 2 tbsp of butter, and 1/2 cup of water.

Making candied walnuts involves cooking sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Then, add the walnuts and cook until they’re caramelized. This step is key to getting the walnut shrimp’s signature flavor. The caramelized walnuts bring a deep, rich taste that makes the dish better.

Here’s a simple guide to making candied walnuts:

• Combine sugar, water, and butter in a saucepan
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved
• Add the walnuts and cook until they are caramelized
• Remove from heat and let cool

By following these steps, you’ll make delicious candied walnuts. They add a unique twist to your walnut shrimp recipe. The sweet and crunchy textures make the dish stand out, and the flavors work well together.

Remember, the secret to a great walnut shrimp recipe is using top-notch ingredients and focusing on the details. With these candied walnuts, you’ll create a dish that’s both tasty and looks good.

How to Make the Signature Honey Sauce

To make the signature honey sauce, you need a few simple ingredients. This sauce is what makes your honey walnut shrimp recipe stand out. It’s a mix of honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice, creating a sweet and tangy flavor.

Making the honey sauce is easy. Just whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a bowl. You can tweak the honey and lemon to taste. Adding cornstarch thickens the sauce if needed.

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

After mixing the sauce, you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. This lets you prepare it ahead of time. Just reheat it before serving your honey walnut shrimp.

Mixing Techniques

To get a smooth sauce, whisk the ingredients well. If it’s too thick, add water. If too thin, add cornstarch. With practice, making this sauce will become second nature.

Step-by-Step Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

To make this tasty honey walnut shrimp dish, start by cooking the shrimp. Use a wok or large skillet. Cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the shrimp size. I prefer using medium-sized shrimp, around 41-50 count, for this recipe.

While the shrimp cook, prepare the candied walnuts. Cook walnut halves in a sugar syrup made from granulated sugar and water until caramelized. This takes about 1 minute. Once done, let the walnuts cool.

Next, mix the honey sauce ingredients in a bowl. This includes mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Then, set the sauce aside. To assemble, combine cooked shrimp, candied walnuts, and honey sauce in a bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Here are some key ingredients and nutritional information to keep in mind:

• 1.5 pounds of large raw shrimp
• 0.5 cups of cornstarch for coating
• 0.25 teaspoons of salt for seasoning
• 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil for cooking
• Calories per serving: 364 kcal
• Protein per serving: 22g
• Fat per serving: 15g

With these simple steps, you can create a delicious honey walnut shrimp dish. It’s sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this popular Chinese-American dish!

Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results

To get restaurant-quality shrimp with walnuts, focus on a few key things. Choose the best shrimp, which should be firm and smell sweet. When cooking, keep the temperature right to avoid overcooking, which makes shrimp tough.

Other tips include using the right oil and not crowding the wok. Serve the dish right away to keep the shrimp and walnuts fresh. These steps help you make a dish as good as restaurant ones.

Selecting the Best Shrimp

When picking shrimp, look for fresh ones with a sweet smell. Check their firmness by pressing gently. Fresh shrimp are slightly firm, while older ones are softer.

Temperature Control

Keeping the temperature right is key when cooking shrimp with walnuts. Aim for 160°C to 200°C. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking.

Timing Secrets

Cooking time is crucial for shrimp with walnuts. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on size and wok heat. Follow these tips for a delicious, restaurant-quality dish.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

There are many ways to serve your honey walnut shrimp recipe. You can make it a main dish, an appetizer, or even add it to salads or wraps. A favorite way is with steamed rice and veggies. This combo brings out the sweet and savory tastes of the shrimp.

Here are some ideas to mix up your meal:

• Steamed rice and vegetables
• Stir-fried noodles
• Roasted vegetables
• Salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette

Make sure to serve your honey walnut shrimp right away. The sauce can thicken and the shrimp can get tough if it sits too long. With these suggestions, you can enjoy your honey walnut shrimp in many different ways.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making panda express honey walnut shrimp, it’s key to watch out for common mistakes. This dish, popular in Chinese-American cuisine, can be tricky. To get it right, avoid overcooking the shrimp and using the wrong oil.

These errors can ruin the dish. Serving it to guests can be stressful. But, knowing these mistakes helps you make it crispy and flavorful, just like at panda express.

Preparation Pitfalls

Preparation is crucial for honey walnut shrimp. You need to boil candied walnuts for 3-4 minutes. Also, making the honey sauce requires mixing low-fat mayo and condensed milk. By following the recipe and avoiding mistakes, you’ll make a dish that looks and tastes great.

Cooking Errors

Cooking the shrimp and walnuts needs careful attention. The frying temperature should be 180°C (350°F). Cook for 3-5 minutes until golden. This way, you’ll get a crispy and tasty dish that will impress anyone.

Sauce Troubleshooting

The sauce is vital for honey walnut shrimp. Troubleshooting common issues can help you get the perfect flavor and texture. Store the sauce separately and mix it with the shrimp and walnuts just before serving. This keeps the dish crispy and flavorful, just like panda express.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of honey walnut shrimp, I feel a deep sense of joy. This easy-to-make recipe is a true delight, blending sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors perfectly. It’s a dish that will please everyone, whether you’re a seasoned Chinese food lover or new to it.

The honey walnut shrimp is not just tasty; it adds elegance to any meal. Its restaurant-quality look and taste will impress your loved ones. The secret to its success is in the details and following each step carefully, as shown in this guide.

Keep improving your cooking skills and diving into the world of honey walnut shrimp. Don’t be afraid to try new things and enjoy every bite. This dish showcases the beauty of Cantonese cuisine. By mastering it, you’ll not only please your taste buds but also broaden your cooking knowledge.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in honey walnut shrimp?

Honey walnut shrimp includes fresh shrimp, walnuts, and cornstarch. It also has a sweet sauce. This sauce is made with honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice.

What special tools are needed to make honey walnut shrimp?

You’ll need a wok or large skillet and neutral oil. Optional tools include a thermometer and a strainer. These help with oil temperature and draining excess oil.

How do you make the candied walnuts for honey walnut shrimp?

To make candied walnuts, cook them in a sugar syrup. Mix granulated sugar and water until sugar dissolves. Then, cook until the walnuts are caramelized.

What goes into the honey sauce for honey walnut shrimp?

The honey sauce combines honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice. Adjust honey and lemon to taste. Add cornstarch to thicken if needed.

What are some tips for achieving restaurant-quality honey walnut shrimp?

For top results, use the freshest shrimp. Control cooking temperature to avoid overcooking. Use the right oil and serve immediately.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making honey walnut shrimp?

Avoid overcooking shrimp and using wrong oil. Don’t let temperature control slip. Also, avoid overcrowding the wok and serving late.

What are some good serving suggestions for honey walnut shrimp?

Serve honey walnut shrimp with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodles. It’s great as an appetizer or snack. You can also add it to salads or wraps.