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honey walnut shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp (Better Than Takeout)

The Crispy Chef
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home—crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy honey sauce and topped with homemade candied walnuts. It's fast, budget-friendly, and totally crave-worthy!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese-American, Fusion
Servings 4 servings
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • heavy-bottomed pot or wok
  • candy thermometer
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Wire cooling rack
  • slotted spoon or spider strainer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (26–30 count)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup cold sparkling water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 4–6 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup walnut halves
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp water (for candying walnuts)
  • 1 pinch salt (for walnuts)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast walnuts for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
  • In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Cook without stirring until 240°F (soft-ball stage), about 5–7 minutes.
  • Remove syrup from heat, add toasted walnuts, stir to coat, and spread on parchment to cool.
  • In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat egg and whisk in sparkling water.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Batter should be slightly lumpy.
  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Dry shrimp, dip in batter, and fry 2–3 minutes until golden and floating.
  • Transfer fried shrimp to a wire rack over paper towels. Avoid stacking to keep crispy.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Gently toss fried shrimp with sauce until just coated. Top with candied walnuts, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Notes

Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 GF flour blend. For nut-free options, swap walnuts with sunflower seeds or coconut flakes. You can prep candied walnuts and sauce ahead. For crispy reheating, use an oven—not the microwave!

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 28gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6.2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 880mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword Asian dinner, crispy shrimp, honey walnut shrimp, takeout copycat
Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!