Name: Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup whole-shelled walnuts; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1 pound large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed and patted dry (31-35 count)); 1/2 cup liquid egg whites; 1/4 to 1/2 cup rice flour; canola oil (for frying (amount will vary depending on the size of the pot)); 1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions; served over steamed white rice

a serving dish of honey wanut shrimp with a large serving spoon

Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp combines sweet honey glaze with crunchy walnuts for a restaurant-quality dish made at home. Perfect for any occasion, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp:
Why You'll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe:
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
JUMP TO RECIPE

Table of Contents

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of honey walnut shrimp with this easy-to-follow recipe. The crispy shrimp and sweet honey sauce create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen

This recipe is simple to make, with step-by-step photos and clear directions to guide you. We’ve included pro tips and tricks to ensure your shrimp turns out perfect every time. Plus, find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this delicious dish.

Close-up of honey walnut shrimp served over white rice, featuring golden-brown shrimp coated in a glossy honey sauce with candied walnuts and green onion garnish. Inset image shows a bowl full of honey walnut shrimp. Text overlay reads “Honey Walnut Shrimp – Seriously Delicious!”

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Ready in just 30 minutes, this honey walnut shrimp recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table. The combination of crispy shrimp and sweet, nutty sauce makes it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or potlucks. Impress your guests with a dish that’s both quick and easy to prepare at home. You’ll love how the rich, sticky honey glaze pairs perfectly with crunchy walnuts, creating a meal everyone will rave about!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe:

For The Candied Walnuts:
1 cup of water
½ cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of whole-shelled walnuts
For The Honey Sauce:
⅓ cup of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
For The Fried Shrimp:
1 pound (31-35 count) of large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed and patted dry
½ cup of liquid egg whites
¼-½ cup of rice flour
Canola oil for frying (amount will vary depending on the size of your frying pot)
1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions, optional
Served over steamed white rice

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your shrimp uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Substitute Walnuts: Use pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet sauce. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this

Substitute Honey: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a unique sweetness in your sauce.

Add Vegetables: Toss in broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and color in your Honey Walnut Shrimp.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions, pictures, and tips and tricks to make perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp. Let’s get started and create this delicious dish together!

Pro Tip

As a time saver, you can make your candied walnuts up to two days ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. You will just want to be sure that your walnuts have had enough time to dry on the parchment paper before adding them to a storage container.

FIRST STEP: To make the candied walnuts, add the water and granulated sugar to a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil and allow the water to boil for 3-4 minutes or until the sugar melts.

Note: Be sure not to stir the water and sugar while the sugar is dissolving, or you may create sugar crystals in your candied walnuts.

SECOND STEP: Add the walnuts to the sauce pot, stir the walnuts into the sugar mixture, and allow the walnuts to boil for an additional 5-6 minutes.

Remove the candied walnuts from the pot with a slotted spoon and spread them out onto a parchment paper lined tray to dry while you finish the rest of the recipe.

candied walnuts placed on a parchment lined tray

THIRD STEP: To make the honey sauce, stir together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice in a small bowl until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.

mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice combined in a bowl

FOURTH STEP: To make the fried shrimp, add the canola oil to a large, heavy-duty pot and heat the oil to 375°F while you prepare your shrimp.

FIFTH STEP: In a medium bowl, add the liquid egg whites and whisk for 1-2 minutes until the egg whites are very frothy. Add the rice flour, starting with ¼ cup, adding more if needed, up to ½ cup in total, and whisk again until your batter is smooth and similar to a thick pancake batter.

Pro Tip

Note that sometimes the different brands of rice flour may require more or less liquid to get the batter to a consistency of thick pancake batter. You can adjust the amount of rice flour, starting with the lesser amount and adding in more as needed. The longer your batter sits, the more it will thicken up slightly. If you live in a more humid area, you may also need to adjust these measurements.

SIXTH STEP: Add the shrimp (being sure that they have been patted dry well) to the batter and toss the shrimp to coat them in the batter fully.

Pro Tip

If you are using an electric deep fryer with a fry basket, you may want to lower the basket into the hot oil and drop the batter-coated shrimp, one at a time, into the fryer to avoid the wet batter from sticking to the fry basket before the shrimp fry. You can use the fry basket or a slotted spoon to lift the fried shrimp out of the hot oil just as you would if you used a heavy-duty pot for frying.

SEVENTH STEP: Very carefully drop the batter-coated shrimp, one at a time, into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or just until the shrimp is a light golden brown. Remove the fried shrimp from the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider utensil, and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to allow any excess oil to drip off.

Pro Tip

You may need to fry your shrimp in two batches as you do not want to overcrowd your pot, or your oil temperature can drop too low and not yield the results you desire for your fried shrimp.

When frying your shrimp, be sure to occasionally move the shrimp around in the hot oil with a large metal spoon to ensure that your batter-coated shrimp do not stick together while frying.

fried shrimp placed on a towel lined plate

EIGHTH STEP: Once all your shrimp has been fried and the excess oil drained off, add the fried shrimp and candied walnuts to a large bowl. Pour the honey sauce over and lightly toss to evenly coat all the shrimp and walnuts in the sauce.

honey sauces poured over the shrimp and walnuts in a bowl

NINTH STEP: Transfer the honey walnut shrimp to a large serving bowl and garnish with the thinly sliced scallions.

How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp:

This versatile dish shines in any setting, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Here are three fun ways to serve it:

Family Dinner Night: Honey Walnut Shrimp is a hit with both kids and adults. Its sweet and savory flavor keeps everyone coming back for more. Pair it with steamed rice and a side of sauteed vegetables for a complete meal.
Special Occasions: Impress your guests by serving this dish at holiday gatherings or dinner parties. Its rich, flavorful sauce adds a touch of elegance to the table. Complement it with a light cucumber salad and a glass of chilled white wine.
Summer Entertaining: This recipe is perfect for summer get-togethers, offering a refreshing twist on classic seafood dishes. The crispy shrimp pairs wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad and a cold, sparkling beverage.

close up shot of a bowl of Bang Bang Shrimp

Why You'll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe:

Honey Walnut Shrimp is more than just a dish—it's a beloved favorite with our readers for several delicious reasons:

A Perfect Balance of Flavors: This recipe expertly combines the crunch of golden-fried shrimp with the rich sweetness of honey and the nutty flavor of toasted walnuts. Each bite offers a delightful contrast that keeps you craving more.
Easy Yet Impressive: Our readers love how this recipe is simple to make yet delivers restaurant-quality results. It's the perfect way to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served at a family dinner or a festive gathering, Honey Walnut Shrimp always shines. Its kid-friendly sweetness and sophisticated flavor make it a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to food enthusiasts.

Honey Walnut Shrimp isn't just a meal—it's an experience that brings joy to every table.

Recipe FAQ

How do I get the shrimp crispy?
To get crispy shrimp, coat them evenly in cornstarch and fry in hot oil until golden and crunchy.

What kind of shrimp should I use?
Use large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture and flavor in this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe.

How do I make the honey sauce thick?
To thicken the honey sauce, simmer it until it reduces slightly, creating a rich, glossy coating for the shrimp.

Can I toast the walnuts for extra flavor?
Yes, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the dish for a deeper, nutty flavor.

Serving FAQ

How should I serve Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp over steamed rice to soak up the sweet, savory sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.

Can this recipe be served as an appetizer?
Yes, serve smaller portions of Honey Walnut Shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp suitable for a potluck?
Honey Walnut Shrimp is perfect for a potluck, offering a flavorful dish that’s easy to share and always impresses.

What is the best way to present this dish?
Arrange the shrimp on a large serving plate, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with freshly toasted walnuts.

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for the best results in making ahead, reheating, and storing your Honey Walnut Shrimp. From keeping the shrimp crispy to preserving the sauce’s flavor, we’ve got you covered

Can I prepare Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, fry the shrimp and prepare the honey sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to one day.

What’s the best way to store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two days.

Is it possible to freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to one month.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Can I reheat Honey Walnut Shrimp in the microwave?
Yes, reheat the shrimp in 30-second increments in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.