Honey Walnut Shrimp - thestayathomechef.com

Experience the magic of Asian cuisine with this exquisite honey walnut shrimp dish. The perfect harmony of crunchy shrimp and velvety honey walnut sauce will make it an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Honey walnut shrimp is a true celebration of Asian cuisine, combining the irresistible crunchiness of perfectly fried shrimp with the rich, sweet flavors of a honey walnut sauce. This dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire, as its mouthwatering textures and flavors will leave everyone at the table craving more. Inspired by the classic Chinese dish, our recipe pays homage to its origins while adding a modern twist.

Cultural Significance

Honey walnut shrimp has its roots in Cantonese cuisine, a regional Chinese culinary tradition known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients, intricate cooking techniques, and delicate flavors. This dish showcases the Cantonese love for seafood and their mastery of deep-frying, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. As a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, honey walnut shrimp has become a beloved favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike, symbolizing the fusion of cultures and the continuous evolution of culinary traditions.

Cantonese cuisine, originating from the Guangdong province of China, is characterized by its vast array of ingredients and preference for stir-frying, steaming, and braising as primary cooking methods. However, some aspects of traditional Cantonese cuisine, such as the consumption of shark fin soup, have sparked controversy and ethical concerns due to the cruel practice of finning and its impact on global shark populations. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the preservation and promotion of traditional Cantonese cooking techniques and ingredients, while also embracing modern, sustainable, and ethical practices. This evolution of Cantonese cuisine demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of the culinary tradition as it navigates both historical challenges and contemporary concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size shrimp should I use for this recipe?

Extra-large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe, as they provide a satisfying bite and hold up well during the frying process. However, you can also use large shrimp if you prefer.

Can I use an air fryer instead of deep-frying the shrimp?

Yes, you can use an air fryer to cook the shrimp. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to flip the shrimp halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

Is there a dairy-free option for the honey walnut sauce?

Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like oat milk or soy milk. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious while accommodating dairy-free diets.

Can I use other nuts in place of walnuts?

Yes, you can replace the walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Simply follow the same steps for glazing and cooking the nuts, and you’ll have a delicious variation on the traditional honey walnut shrimp recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Honey walnut shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside other classic Asian dishes like vegetable stir-fry, spring rolls, or dumplings for a true Asian feast.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store leftover honey walnut shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. For best results, reheat the sauce separately in a saucepan over low heat and drizzle over the reheated shrimp just before serving.

Experience the Richness of Chinese Cuisine with Made With Lau

For those looking to dive deeper into authentic Chinese cuisine, Made With Lau – run by the Lau family – shares generations of Chinese cooking knowledge and experience. Their recipes and cooking tips, rooted in cultural authenticity, provide invaluable insights. They are a great way to expand your culinary horizons and appreciate the art of Chinese cooking.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

Shrimp:

1 1/2 pounds extra-large or jumbo shrimp
4 egg whites
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
1/4 cup sliced green onions optional

Honey Walnut Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Glazed Walnuts:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup water

Instructions

Prepare the honey walnut sauce: In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, heavy cream, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Peel and devein the shrimp. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites. In another bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper.
Dip the shrimp in the egg white mixture, then coat with the dry mixture, and set aside.
Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F. Working in small batches, fry the shrimp until cooked through and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Toss the fried shrimp with the honey walnut sauce, and sprinkle with glazed walnuts. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions, if desired.

Glazed Walnuts:

In a saucepan, combine the walnuts, brown sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat and let boil for about 5 minutes.
Strain off the excess liquid and place the walnuts on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet to dry and cool.