How To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

To make honey walnut shrimp, you’ll need to combine crispy fried shrimp with a creamy, sweet sauce and candied walnuts.
 
It’s a classic Chinese-American dish that balances rich textures with a satisfying, savory-sweet flavor profile.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make honey walnut shrimp at home that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, you’re in the right place.
 
The secret is in three key components: the crispy shrimp batter, the velvety honey sauce, and the caramelized walnuts.
 
The good news is that learning how to make honey walnut shrimp is easier than it looks.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make honey walnut shrimp step by step, from prepping the nuts to frying the shrimp perfectly.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp

Before we dive into how to make honey walnut shrimp, let’s gather everything you’ll need.
 
Having all your ingredients ready makes the process of how to make honey walnut shrimp much smoother.
 

For the Candied Walnuts

You’ll need walnut halves, water, and white sugar for the candied walnuts.
 
These three simple ingredients create that glossy, crunchy topping that makes honey walnut shrimp so irresistible.
 

For the Shrimp

Grab large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, plus salt, white pepper, and a little egg white for the marinade.
 
For the coating, you’ll need cornstarch and a bit of all-purpose flour to get that light, crispy shell.
 

For the Honey Sauce

The creamy honey sauce requires mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lemon juice.
 
This combination is what makes honey walnut shrimp taste so balanced and delicious.
 

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp: Step by Step

Now let’s break down exactly how to make honey walnut shrimp from start to finish.
 

1. Candy the Walnuts First

Start by boiling your walnut halves in water for about two minutes to remove some bitterness.
 
Drain them, then combine sugar and water in a pan and bring it to a simmer.
 
Add the walnuts and stir until the sugar crystallizes and coats each piece.
 
Spread them on a baking sheet to cool and harden while you move on to the shrimp.
 

2. Marinate and Coat the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry and toss them with salt, white pepper, and a splash of egg white.
 
Let them sit for about ten minutes so the seasoning sticks.
 
Then dredge each shrimp in a mix of cornstarch and flour until fully coated.
 
This coating is the key to getting that signature crispy texture when you make honey walnut shrimp.
 

3. Fry the Shrimp Until Golden

Heat oil in a deep pan to around 350°F.
 
Fry the shrimp in small batches for two to three minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
 
Don’t overcrowd the pan, or your shrimp will steam instead of fry.
 
Drain them on paper towels and set aside.
 

4. Whisk the Honey Sauce

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice.
 
Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
 
Taste it and adjust the honey or lemon to your liking.
 
This sauce is what brings everything together when you make honey walnut shrimp.
 

5. Toss and Serve

Add the fried shrimp to a large bowl and pour the sauce over them.
 
Gently toss until every shrimp is coated.
 
Top with the candied walnuts and serve immediately over steamed rice or lettuce.
 
Now you know how to make honey walnut shrimp that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
 

Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp Every Time

Want to make honey walnut shrimp even better?
 
Keep these tips in mind.
 

Use Fresh, Large Shrimp

Fresh shrimp makes a huge difference when you make honey walnut shrimp.
 
Frozen shrimp works in a pinch, but thaw it fully and pat it dry before cooking.
 

Don’t Skip the Double Fry

For extra crunch, fry the shrimp once, let them rest, then fry again for thirty seconds.
 
This trick elevates how to make honey walnut shrimp to the next level.
 

Balance Your Sauce

Taste your sauce before tossing and adjust the sweetness or tanginess.
 
The best honey walnut shrimp has a sauce that’s creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy.
 

Serve Right Away

Honey walnut shrimp is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
 
The longer it sits, the softer the coating gets, so serve it as soon as you toss it.
 

So, How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp?

To make honey walnut shrimp, simply candy your walnuts, coat and fry your shrimp, whisk a creamy honey sauce, and toss everything together.
 
It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together with everyday ingredients.
 
Now that you know how to make honey walnut shrimp, you can impress your family or guests any night of the week.
 
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why honey walnut shrimp is such a beloved classic.