Honey Walnut Shrimp

The balance of textures and flavors in this Honey Walnut Shrimp is absolutely irresistible. Golden fried shrimp are tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made from honey, lemon, and Japanese mayo giving them a perfect sweet-savory finish. The dish is taken over the top with the addition of homemade candied walnuts, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

This dish is inspired by a classic Chinese banquet favorite and recreated here for easy weeknight cooking. It’s the perfect fusion of indulgent takeout flavor and homemade love. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice with a side of broccoli or bok choy, and you’ve got a stunning, crowd pleasing meal ready in half an hour.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

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, sunflower, etc.)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup Japanese mayo (Kewpie preferred, or substitute with regular mayo)

• 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or condensed coconut milk)

• 2 tbsp liquid honey

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

For the Candied Walnuts:

• ½ cup walnut halves

• 3 tbsp white granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

• 1 tbsp cold water

Optional Garnish:

• 1 green onion, finely chopped

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix mayo, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside.

2. In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add sugar and water. Stir constantly until syrup thickens slightly.

3. Add walnuts quickly and stir to coat evenly. Once a crust forms, remove pan from heat. Using tongs, transfer each walnut to parchment paper. Let cool separately to avoid sticking.

4. In a bowl, season shrimp with salt and black pepper.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy (not stiff), then add cornstarch to form a runny batter.

6. Coat shrimp in the batter using tongs or chopsticks.

7. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350–375°F (175–190°C). Fry shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

8. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and drain on wire rack or paper towel-lined tray.

9. In a large bowl, toss shrimp with candied walnuts and the creamy sauce until well coated. Garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.

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

Honey Walnut Shrimp: A Sweet and Savory Masterpiece of Chinese Cuisine

When it comes to dishes that capture the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy, Honey Walnut Shrimp stands in a league of its own. A beloved entrée in both traditional Chinese and American-Chinese culinary spheres, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a surprisingly easy home-cooked format. With its deep-fried golden shrimp, luscious honey-mayo glaze, and glistening candied walnuts, Honey Walnut Shrimp is both an indulgent comfort food and a celebratory centerpiece.

A Taste of Tradition and Innovation

While Honey Walnut Shrimp might feel like a modern creation due to its creamy sauce and rich sweetness, its origins can be traced back to Hong Kong. This dish became popular in upscale banquet-style dining, particularly at Chinese wedding celebrations. It would often be served alongside vibrant green vegetables like blanched broccoli to create a balance of colors and flavors, which is symbolic in many Chinese traditions.

However, the dish truly gained widespread recognition when it crossed the ocean into the U.S. and became a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants. Panda Express, a major fast-casual chain, played a huge role in introducing it to a mainstream audience. From there, its appeal exploded, and today it remains a go-to order for many seeking something rich and satisfying with a touch of elegance.

What Makes Honey Walnut Shrimp So Special?

Part of what makes Honey Walnut Shrimp so popular is its irresistible combination of textures and flavors:

• Crispy shrimp: The shrimp are typically coated in a light, egg-white batter and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. The contrast between the tender shrimp interior and the crispy exterior is absolutely crave-worthy.

• Creamy sweet sauce: The sauce, usually made with a mix of mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice, adds a sweet-tart richness that coats the shrimp perfectly. Japanese Kewpie mayo is often preferred for its depth of flavor and silky texture.

• Candied walnuts: These glossy, caramelized walnuts aren’t just for show. They provide a toasty crunch and a nutty depth that offsets the sweetness of the sauce and adds sophistication to the dish.

Each bite is a journey  from crunch to cream, from sweet to savory. It’s no surprise that even those who aren’t typically fans of seafood find themselves enjoying this dish.

From Banquet Table to Home Kitchen

Although traditionally seen as a fancy, restaurant-only dish, Honey Walnut Shrimp has become a favorite for home cooks in recent years. What was once reserved for formal dinners is now a weeknight treat for many, thanks to simplified recipes and accessible ingredients.

The allure of making it at home lies not just in its cost-effectiveness (why pay $20+ at a restaurant for six shrimp when you can make a platter full yourself?) but also in the ability to tweak the dish to fit your taste. Want it less sweet? Reduce the honey. Going dairy-free? Use condensed coconut milk. Craving extra heat? Add a dash of chili oil or Sriracha.

It’s incredibly flexible and forgiving, which makes it ideal for beginners and seasoned home chefs alike.

Modern Variations to Try

While the traditional version of Honey Walnut Shrimp remains iconic, there are several modern twists that cater to diverse palates and dietary needs:

• Air-fried shrimp: For a healthier alternative, some home cooks use air fryers to achieve a crisp texture without deep frying. While the batter may behave differently, the flavor remains satisfying.

• Spicy mayo: Adding chili paste, gochujang, or a few drops of hot sauce can bring a spicy kick to the creamy dressing.

• Alternative nuts: Pecans, cashews, or almonds can be used in place of walnuts. Each brings its own personality and texture to the table.

• Vegan or vegetarian versions: While replicating the texture of shrimp is a challenge, battered tofu or tempura-style king oyster mushrooms have been used as excellent stand-ins for a plant-based version.

• Gluten-free adaptations: By using cornstarch or sweet rice flour, the entire dish can be made gluten-free without sacrificing crunch.

These variations ensure that Honey Walnut Shrimp remains a dish that evolves with the times, dietary preferences, and culinary creativity.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Dish

To truly master this dish, a few kitchen techniques can elevate the result from good to restaurant-worthy:

1. Double frying: For ultra-crispy shrimp, consider frying them twice. The second fry only needs 30–45 seconds, but it reinforces the crunch and helps seal the texture.

2. Work in small batches: Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Frying in smaller batches ensures even cooking and crispiness.

3. Use neutral oil with a high smoke point: Canola, vegetable, or avocado oils are great options. Avoid olive oil or anything with a strong aroma.

4. Don’t overcook the walnuts: Sugar can burn quickly. Watch the candied walnut syrup closely and remove the nuts as soon as they’re coated and caramelized.

5. Serve immediately: Honey Walnut Shrimp is best eaten fresh, when the shrimp are still crisp and the sauce is silky. If left too long, the batter can soften from the sauce.

Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal

Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. To balance the richness of the creamy sauce, opt for something simple and savory:

• Steamed jasmine rice: Classic and perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

• Garlic bok choy or Chinese broccoli: Adds a nice contrast in flavor and texture.

• Egg drop soup or hot and sour soup: Makes for a comforting starter that ties the meal together.

• Fried rice or noodles: For a more indulgent, restaurant-style spread.

A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling also complements the sweet-savory balance of the shrimp perfectly, while a light oolong tea provides a refreshing, palate-cleansing option.

Why It’s More Than Just a Dish

Beyond the plate, Honey Walnut Shrimp tells a story one of cultural fusion, culinary innovation, and the joy of food that brings people together. It reflects the adaptability of Chinese cuisine, especially in the diaspora, where dishes are continuously reimagined to suit new tastes while still honoring tradition.

In many ways, it symbolizes how food evolves. What started as a luxury item at a Hong Kong wedding banquet is now a comfort food favorite across the globe, lovingly recreated by home cooks, shared on TikTok, and devoured at family dinners.

Conclusion

Whether you’re serving it for a festive gathering or treating yourself to a fancy weeknight dinner, Honey Walnut Shrimp never fails to impress. Its blend of crispy textures, creamy sweetness, and nutty crunch makes it a standout star on any dining table.

More than just a recipe, it’s a dish that encourages creativity, bridges culinary cultures, and celebrates the joy of making something special in your own kitchen. Try it once, and chances are, it’ll become a permanent favorite in your recipe rotation.

So the next time you’re craving something that feels both comforting and luxurious, let Honey Walnut Shrimp take center stage you won’t regret it.