Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its irresistible combination of crispy fried shrimp, sweet creamy sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home. This recipe is inspired by the classic dish often served in restaurants and recreated in many home-cooking blogs, including the version on Christie at Home.
What Is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a Cantonese-inspired dish that became famous in Chinese-American restaurants. The dish features:
- Lightly battered and crispy shrimp
- A sweet, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk
- Crunchy candied walnuts
- Optional lemon juice for brightness
- Optional green onions for freshness
It delivers a luxurious contrast of textures — crispy, creamy, and crunchy — making every bite incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
This dish comes together with simple pantry staples:
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 egg whites
- ½ cup cornstarch (or potato, tapioca, or sweet-rice flour)
- Neutral oil for frying
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (Japanese or regular)
- 2 tablespoons condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup walnut halves
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onion
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice.
Set aside — this will be tossed with the shrimp later.
2. Candy the Walnuts
- Place a small pan over medium heat.
- Add sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves and forms a light syrup.
- Add the walnut halves and stir to coat them evenly.
- Remove the walnuts and spread them on parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
- Allow them to cool and harden.
This gives the walnuts a crunchy sweetness that balances the sauce.
3. Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
- Add cornstarch to the egg whites and mix into a light batter.
- Coat each shrimp in the mixture.
This batter creates a crisp finish without being too heavy.
4. Fry the Shrimp
- Heat the oil in a deep pan until it reaches about 350–375°F (medium-high heat).
- Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes per batch or until golden and crispy.
- Remove the shrimp and place them on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
Keeping the batches small ensures the shrimp stay crisp instead of soggy.
5. Combine Everything
Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl. Add the creamy sauce and gently toss until each shrimp is evenly coated.
Add the candied walnuts and fold them in.
Garnish with green onions if desired.
Serve immediately for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Broccoli or bok choy
- A light salad
- Fried rice
- Noodles
It also works well as a main dish for weeknight dinners or as part of a larger feast for celebrations and special occasions.
Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp
1. Keep the Shrimp Dry
Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning — excess moisture makes the coating less crispy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Oil
Frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature and makes the batter soggy.
3. Serve Immediately
This dish is best enjoyed fresh; the sauce reduces crispiness if it sits too long.
4. Use Fresh Walnuts
Old nuts can taste bitter and ruin the flavor balance.
Easy Variations
Air Fryer Version
You can air-fry the battered shrimp at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with the sauce.
Healthier Version
- Pan-sear shrimp with a small amount of oil instead of deep-frying.
- Reduce the condensed milk for a lighter sauce.
Extra Crunch
Add panko bread crumbs to the batter for extra crispiness.
Why This Dish Is So Popular
Honey Walnut Shrimp is loved because it brings together flavors and textures that feel luxurious yet are incredibly simple to create at home. Each component — crispy shrimp, sweet creamy sauce, and crunchy candied nuts — contributes to a perfect bite.
This homemade version offers all the pleasure of the classic restaurant dish with fresher ingredients, no additives, and full control over sweetness and richness.
Conclusion
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a stunning dish that tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its sweet, creamy sauce, crispy shrimp, and candied walnuts, it delivers an unforgettable combination of flavors and textures.