How To Cook Walnut Shrimp

To cook walnut shrimp, you coat plump shrimp in a light, crispy batter, fry them until golden, and toss them in a creamy, sweet, and tangy honey walnut sauce.
 
It’s one of those restaurant-style dishes that feels fancy, but honestly, it’s totally doable in your own kitchen.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook walnut shrimp that tastes just like the version from your favorite Chinese spot, you’re in the right place.
 
The magic comes down to three things: crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, and that signature creamy sauce.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cook walnut shrimp step by step, plus tips so yours turns out crunchy, creamy, and downright irresistible.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You’ll Love Learning How to Cook Walnut Shrimp

Learning how to cook walnut shrimp at home gives you full control over the flavor.
 
You can dial the sweetness up or down, skip the MSG, and pile on as many candied walnuts as your heart desires.
 
Plus, once you know how to cook walnut shrimp, you’ve basically mastered a dish that wows at dinner parties.
 
Here’s what makes this recipe so special:
 

1. The Shrimp Get Ultra Crispy

The secret to crispy walnut shrimp is a light coating of cornstarch and egg white.
 
That combo fries into a delicate shell that stays crunchy even after the sauce goes on.
 
So when you cook walnut shrimp this way, every bite has that satisfying crackle.
 

2. The Candied Walnuts Are Addictive

Candied walnuts are what take this dish from good to unforgettable.
 
When you cook walnut shrimp, those sweet, glossy nuts add crunch and a toasty flavor that balances the creamy sauce.
 
You can even make a big batch of candied walnuts ahead of time.
 

3. The Honey Mayo Sauce Ties It All Together

The sauce for walnut shrimp is a simple mix of mayonnaise, honey, and a splash of condensed milk or lemon juice.
 
It’s creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough.
 
Honestly, the sauce is the reason so many people ask how to cook walnut shrimp that tastes like the restaurant version.
 

Ingredients You’ll Need to Cook Walnut Shrimp

Before you cook walnut shrimp, gather these ingredients so the process runs smoothly.
 
For the shrimp, you’ll need:
 

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 egg white
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

 
For the candied walnuts:
 

• 1 cup walnut halves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• A pinch of salt

 
For the creamy sauce:
 

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp condensed milk (optional but delicious)
• 1 tsp lemon juice

 
With everything ready, you’re set to cook walnut shrimp like a pro.
 

How to Cook Walnut Shrimp Step by Step

Here’s the exact process for how to cook walnut shrimp from start to finish.
 
Follow these steps and you’ll nail it every time.
 

1. Candy the Walnuts First

Start by combining sugar, water, and salt in a pan over medium heat.
 
Once the sugar dissolves and turns syrupy, add the walnuts and stir until they’re coated and glossy.
 
Spread them on parchment paper to cool, and they’ll harden into crunchy, sweet bites.
 

2. Prep and Coat the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry so the coating sticks.
 
Whisk the egg white until frothy, then dip each shrimp in it before rolling in cornstarch.
 
This step is key when you cook walnut shrimp because a dry shrimp means a soggy coating.
 

3. Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat oil to about 350°F and fry the shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes per side.
 
They should turn light golden and float.
 
Drain them on a wire rack, not paper towels, so they stay crispy when you cook walnut shrimp.
 

4. Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, mix mayo, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
 
Taste it and adjust the sweetness or tang.
 
This sauce is what makes people obsessed with how to cook walnut shrimp at home.
 

5. Toss and Serve Immediately

Gently fold the fried shrimp into the sauce, then top with candied walnuts.
 
Serve right away over steamed rice or lettuce cups.
 
And that’s how to cook walnut shrimp that disappears in minutes.
 

Tips for Perfect Walnut Shrimp Every Time

A few small tweaks make a big difference when you cook walnut shrimp.
 
Keep the oil at the right temperature so the coating doesn’t burn.
 
Don’t skip drying the shrimp, since moisture is the enemy of crispy.
 
And if you want extra crunch, double-fry the shrimp for 30 seconds.
 
Also, add the sauce at the very last second so nothing gets soggy.
 
With these tips, you’ll know exactly how to cook walnut shrimp that holds its crunch.
 

So, How to Cook Walnut Shrimp?

To cook walnut shrimp, coat shrimp in cornstarch and egg white, fry until golden, and toss in a creamy honey mayo sauce with candied walnuts.
 
It’s crispy, creamy, and sweet, and it comes together faster than you’d think.
 
Now that you know how to cook walnut shrimp, grab your ingredients and give it a try.
 
Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.