Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Delightfully Crunchy Classic

Craving honey walnut shrimp like Panda Express? My recipe's even BETTER! Crispy, sweet, and ready in 45 mins. Try my secret for perfect candied walnuts! Get the recipe now.

Alright, let's get this honey walnut shrimp party started! ever crave that perfect combo of sweet, savory, and crunchy? i know i do.

Well, you're in the right place. this recipe delivers that delightful walnut shrimp panda express experience straight to your kitchen.

Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Oh My Goodness!

This isn't just any shrimp dish . it's a flavor journey! born from chinese-american culinary traditions, this dish is sweet, nutty, and totally addictive.

It is easier than you think. you'll need around 45 minutes, prep and cook time combined. this recipe will serve four happy folks.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp

Honestly, what's not to love? the honey glaze is the real mvp of this dish! this recipe is perfect for a weeknight treat or showing off at a dinner party.

Plus, you get a good dose of protein from the shrimp. who says comfort food can't have some benefits? this will be an unforgetable shrimp supper idea .

Gather Your Ingredients

Let's talk ingredients for this amazing honey walnut shrimp panda express copycat. you'll need shrimp (duh!), flour, cornstarch, an egg, and oil for frying.

Get ready for the amazing honey glaze. you'll need mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of lemon. don't forget the honey walnut part: walnuts, sugar, and water for candying.

Candied Walnuts: The Crunchy Secret

Seriously, you can’t have honey walnut shrimp without the walnuts! in a saucepan, you'll combine a cup of walnut halves, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and a pinch of salt.

Keep an eye on this, or you'll end up with burnt sugar, trust me, i know.

Healthier Swaps (Because We All Try!)

Want to make it a bit healthier? absolutely possible! try using avocado oil mayo, and a gluten-free flour blend, and then you can have your honey walnut shrimp recipe healthy .

It is a good way to also try keto honey walnut shrimp or even honey walnut prawns .

Can I Air Fry It?

People searching for the "honey walnut shrimp recipe air fryer" version can rest assured this recipe can be easily adapted for air frying, resulting in a lighter, less oily dish without compromising on the signature crispiness and flavor profile.

Okay, let's dive into making some awesome Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp ! Honestly, it's way easier than you think, even if it looks a bit fancy.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty

Alright, time to get down to brass tacks. Before we even THINK about frying, we need the right gear and ingredients. Don't worry, I'll keep it simple!

Main Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here's the lowdown, in both US and metric because, you know, gotta be inclusive!

• For the Shrimp:
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Aim for 16-20 count shrimp.
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground white pepper.
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch.
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour.
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water.
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 4 cups/950ml).
• For the Honey Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) honey . I'm using acacia, but any will do.
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) sweetened condensed milk.
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) lemon juice.
• For the Candied Walnuts:
  • 1 cup (100g) walnut halves.
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) water.
  • Pinch of salt.
• Garnish:
  • Sesame seeds.
  • Chopped green onions (scallions).

Shrimp Quality : You want firm, plump shrimp that don't smell fishy. That's key . Frozen shrimp is fine (I always use frozen), just thaw it properly!

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!

This is where the magic happens.

• Essential Spice Combo: Salt and white pepper for the shrimp. It keeps things clean and lets the honey shine.
• Flavor Enhancers: Lemon juice in the glaze adds a nice zing. Honestly, don't skip it.
• Quick Subs: If you don't have white pepper, black pepper will do in a pinch!

I always reckon that good seasoning can mask a multitude of sins.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid

• Large mixing bowl.
• Medium mixing bowl.
• Small saucepan.
• Deep fryer (or a big pot for frying).
• Slotted spoon.
• Paper towels.
• Wire rack.
• Whisk.

Household alternatives: don't have a deep fryer? a large, heavy-bottomed pot will work just fine. just be careful with the hot oil, yeah? a wok would do the trick too for this shrimp wok recipes dish.

Let's make some magic happen! You will get the best Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express dupe.

Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp : A Delightfully Crunchy Classic

Honestly, who doesn't love honey walnut shrimp ? it's that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy that just hits the spot.

Reminds me of friday night takeaways, but way better when you make it yourself. forget walnut shrimp panda express , we're aiming for michelin-star worthy.

.. well, almost. let's get into it.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Success

First things first, the mise en place . fancy french for "everything in its place." get your shrimp peeled and deveined.

No one wants sandy shrimp, you know ? pat them dry. this is a game-changer! this part it's about the shrimp dishes element.

Season with salt and a tiny bit of white pepper. mix your batter ingredients: cornstarch ( cornflour to us brits), flour, egg, and cold water.

Now, chill that batter for at least 30 minutes . this helps the gluten relax, giving you a lighter, crispier coating.

Next, walnuts! Get those walnut halves ready. Measure out your sugar, water, and honey for the glaze. Basically, have everything within arm’s reach. It will save you a heap of time.

Step-by-Step to Shrimp Perfection

Alright, let's cook!

1. Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine your walnuts , sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts. Spread on parchment paper to cool. Watch it! Sugar burns easily.
2. Make the Glaze: Whisk together the mayo, honey , condensed milk, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust sweetness! Some like it sweeter.
3. Heat the Oil: Heat your vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Use a deep fryer or a large pot. Be careful!
4. Batter Up: Dip each shrimp into the chilled batter. Make sure they're fully coated.
5. Fry Time: Gently drop the battered shrimp into the hot oil, in batches. Don't overcrowd the fryer! Fry for 2- 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain and Toss: Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels. Toss with the honey glaze until evenly coated.
7. Assemble and Feast: Arrange the honey walnut shrimp on a platter. Top with the candied walnuts, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions (if using). Serve ASAP!

Pro Tips for Extra Oomph

• Don't skip drying the shrimp! Seriously, it's essential.
• Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp . Boom!
• Make the candied walnuts ahead of time. They keep well in an airtight container.

And there you have it. Crispy, sweet, savory. Honey Walnut Shrimp , done right.

Alright, let's dive deeper into this amazing honey walnut shrimp recipe! i'm going to share some tips and tricks to help you nail it, plus a few fun variations you might want to try.

Honestly, this recipe is way easier than you might think.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: It’s All About That Presentation!

Okay, so you've made this incredible Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express style... now what? Don't just slap it on a plate! For plating, think restaurant-worthy.

Arrange the honey walnut shrimp artfully on a bed of steamed jasmine rice. a little sprinkle of sesame seeds and some sliced green onions will make it pop.

A side of stir-fried bok choy adds a nice colour.

For drinks, I think a crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, would go perfectly. A sparkling lemonade is also great.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries!

• Refrigeration: Store your Shrimp Dishes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Honestly, it's best fresh, but it'll still be tasty.
• Freezing: I don't recommend freezing the fried shrimp after it's been glazed. But, you can freeze the cooked shrimp on it's own before glazing.. Lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way they don't stick together. This will only be good for up to a month.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, or use an air fryer. Try my Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe Air Fryer adaptation from frozen if you can. Be careful not to overcook it!

Variations: Mix It Up!

Want to put your own spin on things? Here are some ideas:

• Keto Honey Walnut Shrimp: For a keto shrimp recipes swap out the healthy honey in this case, with a low carb candy alternative like Erythritol. The breading also needs to be keto-friendly (almond flour, coconut flour).
• Spicy Honey Walnut Prawns: A little heat never hurts! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Honey Walnut glaze. Ooh la la!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

I'm no nutritionist, but let's break it down. This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe healthy has protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from the walnuts, and some carbs from the batter and glaze.

Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. this dish is a tasty way to get some healthy fats. just be mindful of the sugar content in the glaze – everything in moderation, right? when you get this right, it feels like you have discovered empress shrimp .

So there you have it! i hope these notes help you create the best honey walnut shrimp ever. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Now get cooking!. and don’t be scared, you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to get really crispy shrimp for my honey walnut shrimp?

Crispiness is key for Honey Walnut Shrimp! Make sure your shrimp is super dry before battering – pat them down with paper towels. Also, chilling the batter for at least 30 minutes before frying helps the gluten relax, leading to a lighter, crispier coating, a bit like letting your Yorkshire pudding batter rest before baking.

Can I make honey walnut shrimp ahead of time?

While the individual components can be prepped ahead, Honey Walnut Shrimp is best served immediately. The shrimp tends to lose its crispiness once it's tossed in the sauce and sits for a while, a bit like a soggy fish and chips. You can candy the walnuts and make the honey glaze in advance, then fry the shrimp and assemble just before serving.

What can I use instead of walnuts for honey walnut shrimp if I have a nut allergy?

If you're allergic to walnuts, you can try using roasted pecans or sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture. You can candy these substitutes using the same method as the walnuts. Just be mindful of potential cross-contamination if you're cooking for someone with a severe allergy – always double-check your ingredients and equipment.

Is there a healthier way to make honey walnut shrimp?

You can definitely lighten up Honey Walnut Shrimp! Try baking the shrimp instead of frying for a lower-fat option - you won't get quite the same level of crispiness, but it's still delicious. Using avocado oil mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the glaze and reducing the amount of honey can also help reduce calories and fat.

My honey glaze is too thick/thin. How can I fix it for my honey walnut shrimp?

If your glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it's too thin, whisk in a little more mayonnaise or a pinch of cornstarch. Remember, the consistency of the glaze will also change slightly as it cools, so adjust accordingly. It's all about getting that Goldilocks "just right" balance!

How should I store leftover honey walnut shrimp?

Ideally, Honey Walnut Shrimp is best eaten fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be aware that the shrimp will lose some of its crispness. Reheating in a dry skillet or air fryer may help revive some of the texture, but it won't be quite the same as freshly made, think of it like trying to reheat a good old Sunday roast.

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