Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that dances on your taste buds, with sweet, crunchy walnuts and succulent shrimp blending together in perfect harmony. Picture this: golden shrimp coated in a glossy honey sauce, sprinkled with candied walnuts, and served over a fluffy bed of rice. Pineapple Chicken with Teriyaki Each bite feels like a celebration, making it the perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy date nights. For more inspiration, check out this apple fritters recipe recipe.
This dish holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made Honey Walnut Shrimp for my friends; they were so impressed that they demanded I cook every week! The laughter and joy around that dinner table created memories I cherish to this day. Coconut Crusted Fish Recipe Now, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to impress at any occasion. For more inspiration, check out this shrimp and avocado bowls recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes Honey Walnut Shrimp perfect for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor
- Its sweet and savory profile will captivate your taste buds at first bite
- The shimmering presentation will make you feel like a chef in a fancy restaurant right in your own kitchen
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course, adapting to any dining scenario
Cooking this dish has always been met with gasps of delight from my family—especially when they see those candied walnuts glistening on top!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen works too if thawed properly.
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Walnuts: Choose whole walnuts and lightly toast them to enhance their nutty flavor.
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Honey: Opt for good quality honey for rich sweetness; local varieties pack unique flavors.
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Mayonnaise: Regular or Japanese mayo adds creaminess; avoid low-fat versions for best results.
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Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling salt levels while achieving that rich flavor.
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Rice: Serve over white or brown rice; jasmine rice offers an aromatic touch.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance sweetness without overwhelming saltiness.
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Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture that complements the sauce beautifully.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances sweetness and helps create the caramelized crust on the walnuts.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if they’re not prepped already. Rinse them under cold water until they sparkle like diamonds.
Candied Walnuts Time!: In a skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add walnuts and sprinkle sugar on top, stirring constantly until they turn golden brown—about 5 minutes should do it!
Create the Sauce of Dreams!: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with honey and soy sauce until smooth. Taste it! Is it sweet enough? Adjust to your liking because you’re the chef here!
Cook those Shrimp!: In another skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until it’s bubbly and fragrant. Toss in shrimp and sauté until they’re pink and opaque—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Mix Everything Together!: Pour the heavenly sauce over cooked shrimp, gently stirring to coat every piece while letting everything meld together for about 1-2 minutes.
Add Those Walnuts!: Fold in your beautifully candied walnuts at the last moment so they stay crunchy—the glorious crunch will elevate your dish!
Serve immediately over warm rice or alongside steamed veggies for color. Enjoy each bite as the flavors explode with sweetness and crunch—it’s truly spectacular!
Now you have all the tools needed to impress anyone who walks through your door! Enjoy making this Honey Walnut Shrimp at home—it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes! Baked Boursin Salmon.
You Must Know
- Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful balance of sweet and savory
- This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds, sending you straight to flavor town!
- The crunchy walnuts and succulent shrimp create a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the walnuts until golden, then prepare the shrimp. Cook shrimp quickly for a tender bite and combine everything with the sauce at the end.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions adds extra flair and flavor. Greek Chicken Meatballs.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan to keep shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp, use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough
- Toast walnuts until fragrant for extra crunch and depth of flavor
Sharing this dish with friends reminded me of my first dinner party disaster when I misjudged my timing. Thankfully, laughter saved the day!
FAQ
What shrimp should I use for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this recipe.
Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh to maintain crispiness and flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water while cooking to thicken the sauce quickly.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful fusion of succulent shrimp and crunchy, candied walnuts enveloped in a sweet, creamy sauce. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds elegance to any meal, making it perfect for family gatherings or special date nights. With its easy preparation and vibrant flavors, this recipe guarantees to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnuts, whole
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (regular or Japanese)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or jasmine)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp by rinsing under cold water.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add walnuts and sprinkle with sugar; stir until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
- Mix mayonnaise, honey, and soy sauce in a bowl until smooth; adjust sweetness if needed.
- In another skillet, melt remaining butter over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp until pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
- Combine the shrimp with the sauce and stir gently for about 2 minutes.
- Fold in candied walnuts just before serving.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
