When I think of Honey Walnut Shrimp, I’m instantly transported to a bustling Chinese wedding banquet. The kind where guests are seated around giant round tables, dishes spin across a lazy Susan, and laughter echoes from every corner of the room. This dish always made me lean forward just a little more eagerly, eyes locked on the platter of golden shrimp nestled among vibrant green broccoli and glistening candied walnuts.

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Originating from Hong Kong and embraced by Chinese-American restaurants like Panda Express, Honey Walnut Shrimp has found a special place at the intersection of celebration and comfort. Traditionally served at weddings, this dish symbolizes wealth and happiness—shrimp for its luxurious appeal, and walnuts for prosperity. Over time, it’s become a cherished comfort meal, recreating those warm memories at home with every bite.

Making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home lets you bring that festive spirit into your own kitchen. The blend of crunchy texture, rich creamy sauce, and natural sweetness creates something irresistibly satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that surprises guests when you say, “Oh, I made this myself.” And the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better than takeout – Homemade and more affordable than restaurant versions.
Quick weeknight dinner – 30 minutes from start to finish.
A texture lover’s dream – Crispy shrimp, sticky-sweet walnuts, velvety sauce.
Family favorite – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters love.
Great for special occasions – Looks and tastes fancy, but super simple to prepare.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Shrimp

1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 egg whites
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
⅔ cup cornstarch (or potato/tapioca/sweet rice flour)
1 cup neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, canola)

For the Sauce

¼ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
3 tbsp condensed milk
2 tbsp liquid honey
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Candied Walnuts

½ cup walnut halves
3 tbsp white granulated sugar
1 tbsp cold water

Garnish

1 green onion, finely chopped (optional)

HOW TO MAKE HONEY WALNUT SHRIMP:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sweet Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the Kewpie mayonnaise, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and silky. Set aside—this will be the luscious coating that brings everything together.

2. Candy the Walnuts
In a non-stick pan, add sugar and cold water. Stir constantly over medium heat until it begins to thicken into syrup. Quickly add walnut halves, toss to coat, and once a glossy crust forms, transfer to parchment paper using tongs. Spread them out so they don’t stick together.

3. Prepare the Shrimp
Season peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy, then stir in cornstarch to make a batter. Coat the shrimp one by one in the mixture.

4. Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Heat oil in a deep skillet to about 350°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. For extra crunch, you can double-fry them for another 30 seconds. Drain them on a paper towel or wire rack.

5. Toss and Serve
In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the prepared sauce and candied walnuts. Garnish with chopped green onion if desired. Serve immediately over rice or alongside sautéed greens.

HELPFUL TIPS

Don’t skip the double fry – It ensures the shrimp stays crisp even after adding sauce.
Use a non-stick pan for candying – Makes clean-up much easier.
Serve sauce on the side for extra crispiness – If you’re not eating it all right away, this keeps the shrimp from getting soggy.
Use fresh or frozen shrimp – Just be sure to pat them dry if thawed.

DETAILS

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Diet: Pescatarian

NOTES

Mayonnaise: Kewpie is preferred, but regular mayo works in a pinch.
Dairy-Free? Try condensed coconut milk instead of regular condensed milk.
Walnut Swap? Pecans work if you’re out of walnuts.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)

Calories: 460
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 28g
Sugar: 11g
Cholesterol: 210mg
Sodium: 580mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What can I use instead of condensed milk?
Condensed coconut milk works great for a dairy-free alternative.

Can I air fry the shrimp?
Yes! Lightly spray with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, which softens the shrimp’s crispy texture.

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CONCLUSION

Honey Walnut Shrimp is the perfect example of a dish that feels extravagant but is surprisingly easy to make at home. With its roots in Hong Kong banquet tradition and its evolution into a beloved takeout favorite, this recipe is a joyful celebration of texture and taste. Try it once, and it might just become a new family tradition in your kitchen too.