Honey Walnut Shrimp

It's easy to make honey walnut shrimp at home with crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, and a creamy sweet-savory sauce. This easy, restaurant-style dish is perfect for dinner or any special occasion!

Breaded shrimp with honey and walnuts is a family favorite at a local Chinese restaurant. We like to order it for celebrations and family gatherings. The combination of breaded shrimp, honey, and candied walnuts is pure comfort and elegance rolled into one dish. That’s why I couldn’t resist creating a version that you can make right at home, with all the flavor and none of the takeout price.

This recipe is perfect for any special occasion like birthdays, date nights, or even Chinese New Year. It’s also really simple to prepare because I use frozen breaded shrimp to save time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make something that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust everything to your liking, from the sweetness of the sauce to the crispness of the shrimp.

What I love most about honey walnut shrimp is how versatile it is. You can serve it over slow cooker rice for a hearty dinner, or pair it with some stir-fried green beans for a lighter meal. Whenever I’ve made this for friends or family, it’s always been a hit. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to add it to your rotation for those moments when you want to make something that feels extra special without a ton of effort.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make this honey walnut shrimp recipe so irresistible:

• Frozen breaded shrimp: Provides a crispy texture and saves time compared to making breaded shrimp from scratch.
• Walnuts: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
• Sugar: Used to make candied walnuts, giving them a delightful sweetness and glaze.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for the candied walnut coating.
• Honey: Enhances the sauce with natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the sauce, balancing sweet and tangy notes.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to the sauce, cutting through the richness.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the dish to taste and enhance all the flavors.
• Green onions: Optional garnish for a fresh, bright pop of color and subtle onion flavor.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

You'll want to preheat the oven to 350°F to start. Then, gather all the equipment and ingredients needed before following the simple recipe directions.

Hint: When making this recipe, make sure the candied walnuts are completely cooled before adding them to the dish. This will preserve their crunch and prevent sticking.

Variations

Here are some easy ways to customize this honey walnut shrimp recipe to suit your taste or dinner guests:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken, tofu, or scallops instead of shrimp for an easy change of flavor.
• Make it spicier: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a kick.
• Lighten it up: Opt for grilled or air-fried shrimp instead of breaded for a lighter version.
• Use different nuts: Try pecans or almonds if walnuts aren’t your favorite.
• Add veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a more balanced meal.
• Make it gluten-free. Simply swap the breaded shrimp for gluten-free breading or use fresh shrimp without breading.
• Keto-friendly. Skip the breading altogether and using a low-carb sweetener instead of sugar.

Tips

Making honey walnut shrimp at home is simple with a few handy tips.

• Use fresh shrimp: If you prefer, you can bread fresh shrimp yourself for an even crispier texture. For another shrimp recipe that's just as irresistible, try my Bang Bang Shrimp. It’s crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor!
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Follow the cooking instructions closely to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
• Cool the candied walnuts: Let them cool completely before adding to the dish to maintain their crunch.
• Balance the sauce: Taste the sauce before tossing it with the shrimp and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.
• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the crispy shrimp and glossy coating.

Serving suggestions

Honey walnut shrimp is versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed spinach for a healthier alternative.

To keep things fresh and vibrant, add a side of crisp vegetables like stir-fried bok choy, snap peas, or bell peppers. These veggies provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy shrimp without overpowering the dish. You can also pair it with a keto-friendly side, like braised Brussels sprouts or a simple avocado salad, for a full meal that fits your diet needs.g

If you’re hosting a family gathering or dinner party, try serving the shrimp alongside a crispy Filipino lumpia or vegetable egg rolls for a more authentic Chinese-inspired meal. The variety of textures will keep everyone coming back for more. For a unique and refreshing appetizer to start the meal, you could also serve my Cajun Shrimp Cucumber Bites which are light, zesty, and perfect for entertaining.

Storage

To store leftover honey walnut shrimp, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the crispy texture of the shrimp may soften when stored, especially if they’ve been coated in the sauce.

If you'd like to reheat the shrimp, it's best to use an oven or air fryer to help restore some of the crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the shrimp for about 10 minutes, or air fry them at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. If you prefer to reheat the sauce, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat and toss the shrimp in it just before serving.

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