Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful Chinese-American dish known for its sweet and crispy profile. This dish features tender shrimp coated in a light batter, fried to a golden crispness, and then tossed in a creamy honey-mayonnaise sauce. The addition of toasted walnuts provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, balancing perfectly with the sweet and savory elements of the dish. Honey Walnut Shrimp is often served as a main dish, offering a wonderful combination of textures and flavors that make it a favorite in both restaurants and home kitchens alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon condensed milk or sweetened condensed milk
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Walnuts:
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them until lightly browned and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove the walnuts from the pan and set aside.
- Coat the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dip each shrimp into the cornstarch to coat lightly, then dip into the frothy egg white, and then again into the cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Fry the Shrimp:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk until well combined.
- Combine and Serve:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the honey-mayonnaise sauce until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the toasted walnuts.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp hot as a main dish or as part of a larger Chinese meal.