Crispy, Creamy, Sweet: The Ultimate Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

There’s something utterly irresistible about the combination of crispy fried shrimp, a silky-sweet creamy sauce, and bright citrus notes. Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of those classic Asian-American dishes that you’ll often find at popular Chinese restaurants—and now you can make it at home with ease. This dish strikes the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for everything from a special weeknight dinner to an elegant dinner party appetizer.

Whether you’re an enthusiastic home cook craving a takeout-style treat or simply looking for a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly simple to execute, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is for you. Made with everyday ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No deep-frying skills required—just a quick batter and shallow fry.

• Crispy and Creamy: The shrimp fry up golden and crunchy, while the sauce adds a luscious creaminess.

• Sweet Meets Tangy: A harmonious blend of honey, condensed milk, lemon, and mayo brings depth to every bite.

• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your guests (or yourself) with a dish that tastes gourmet without being complicated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to recreate this popular dish at home:

For the Shrimp

• ½ lb 41/50 shrimp, deveined, peeled, and tails removed

• ½ cup tempura powder

• ¼ cup ice cold water

• Frying oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (Kewpie recommended for depth and umami)

• 1½ tablespoons honey

• ½ tablespoon condensed milk

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (at least two)

• Whisk or fork

• Frying pot or deep skillet

• Slotted spoon or spider strainer

• Tongs

• Paper towels

• Zester or microplane

• Kitchen thermometer (for precise frying temp)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cleaned shrimp, tempura powder, and ice-cold water. Mix with your hand until the shrimp are fully coated in the light, airy batter. The cold water helps keep the batter crisp during frying.

2. Heat the Oil

In a medium-sized pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F–365°F. You can test the temperature by dropping in a small amount of batter—if it bubbles and floats within 3–4 seconds, the oil is ready.

3. Fry the Shrimp

Carefully add shrimp to the oil one at a time to avoid clumping. Don’t overcrowd the pot—work in small batches. Fry for 2–3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Make the Sauce

While the shrimp drain, mix all sauce ingredients in a clean bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

5. Toss and Serve

Toss the hot, crispy shrimp in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once will lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy results.

• Keep the Batter Cold: The key to a crispy fry is keeping your batter cold until it hits the oil.

• Use a Thermometer: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.

Delicious Variations

• Add Candied Walnuts: Traditionally, Honey Walnut Shrimp includes sweet candied walnuts. Simply toast walnuts in a pan with sugar and water until glossy and caramelized.

• Go Spicy: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a kick.

• Try Coconut Shrimp: Mix in shredded coconut with the tempura batter for a tropical twist.

• Swap the Shrimp: This sauce is equally amazing on crispy chicken tenders or even baked tofu for a vegetarian version.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Storage: Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: For best texture, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy.

• Do Not Freeze: Due to the mayonnaise-based sauce, this dish isn’t freezer-friendly.

Food & Drink Pairings

What to Serve With Honey Walnut Shrimp:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice or Garlic Fried Rice: To soak up all that delicious sauce.

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Such as snow peas, bok choy, or broccoli for a balanced meal.

• Asian Slaw: Adds crunch and freshness to your plate.

Beverage Pairings:

• Sparkling Water with Citrus: Keeps the palate refreshed.

• Crisp White Wine: Like a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling to complement the sweet and tangy notes.

• Green Tea: For a more traditional pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of shrimp?

Yes! While 41/50 shrimp are recommended for bite-sized perfection, you can use larger or smaller shrimp depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I use instead of tempura powder?

If you don’t have tempura powder, try a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch (about a 2:1 ratio) with a pinch of baking powder. The texture won’t be identical but still yields a decent crisp.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before tossing it with the shrimp.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes. Simply use a gluten-free tempura mix or a blend of rice flour and cornstarch. Always double-check your condiments for hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is the kind of dish that makes people stop and ask, “You made this at home?” The contrast of crispy fried shrimp and creamy, sweet-tangy sauce is pure magic. It’s fast, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household.

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Happy cooking—and even happier eating!