Honey Walnut Shrimp (Chinese-American Sweet Dish)

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. This dish features succulent shrimp coated in a light batter, fried until golden, and tossed in a luscious honey-mayonnaise sauce. The addition of candied walnuts adds a delightful crunch and an irresistible nutty sweetness. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or a cozy family meal, this recipe is easier than it looks and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

Unlike traditional Chinese shrimp recipes, Honey Walnut Shrimp is not overly spicy, making it appealing to all palates. The golden shrimp glisten with a sweet sauce, making them visually stunning and ideal for impressing guests. Plus, this recipe is flexible—you can adjust the sweetness, creaminess, or walnut quantity according to your taste.

Whether paired with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables, Honey Walnut Shrimp brings an authentic restaurant experience home. With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe ensures perfectly crispy shrimp and perfectly candied walnuts every time.

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Candied Walnuts:
• 1/2 cup walnut halves
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Directions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts
2. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
3. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble.
4. Add the walnuts and cook for 2–3 minutes until they are lightly caramelized.
5. Remove the walnuts and let them cool on parchment paper.
6. Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
7. Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
8. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, egg, and milk until smooth.
9. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
10. Dip shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully place them into the hot oil.
11. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
12. Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels.
13. Step 3: Make the Sauce
14. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice.
15. Mix until smooth and creamy.
16. Step 4: Combine and Serve
17. Toss the fried shrimp in the honey-mayonnaise sauce until evenly coated.
18. Garnish with candied walnuts.
19. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
20. Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp:
21. Make sure shrimp are dry before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
22. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches if necessary.
23. For an extra touch, lightly toast the walnuts before candying them for a deeper flavor.