Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Sweet, crispy, and creamy, this honey walnut shrimp recipe is an irresistible combo of golden-fried shrimp and a luscious sauce. In this article, you’ll discover everything about this dish, from what makes it special to how to serve it best.A reliable recipe worth keeping in the regular rotation. See also our Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express Copycat. See also our Luscious Banana Pecan Cake.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What is Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

If you’ve ever sat down to a Chinese banquet or ordered from a Cantonese-style takeout, chances are you’ve come across the honey walnut shrimp recipe. It’s a wildly popular dish known for its addictively sweet and savory combo. Golden, crisp shrimp are coated in a creamy mayo-based sauce with a touch of honey, then tossed with glossy, candied walnuts. The contrast of textures and flavors is what makes this recipe a favorite. See also our Chinese Coleslaw with Ramen Noodles. See also: chick-fil-a-coleslaw-recipe-released.

This dish originated from Cantonese-American cuisine and has since become a restaurant classic across the U.S., often served at weddings or special gatherings. At home, it’s even better. You get full control over sweetness, crunch, and ingredients. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment just good shrimp, a hot pan, and pantry staples.

We love how it pairs beautifully with other shrimp recipes like our Bang Bang Shrimp or a refreshing Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for a complete meal spread. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this recipe makes any meal feel like a treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

It’s restaurant-quality at home

This honey walnut shrimp recipe delivers everything you love about the popular takeout version but better. Crisp shrimp, creamy honey-mayo sauce, and homemade candied walnuts make it feel special while staying simple.

Balanced sweetness and texture

Crunchy shrimp meet a rich, sweet sauce, perfectly balanced with buttery candied walnuts. The contrast in flavor and texture makes every bite addictive.

No special tools or tricks required

You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy gadgets. Just one pan and a few bowls make this an approachable recipe for any home cook.

Crowd-pleasing favorite

Whether it’s a dinner party or a cozy night in, this dish impresses every time. Serve it alongside something fresh like our Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad or pair with bold flavor from Firecracker Steak and Shrimp.

Better than takeout and faster
From start to finish, you’ll have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes. That’s faster than waiting for delivery, and you can use quality ingredients you trust. Want another speedy shrimp idea? Try this Shrimp Taco Recipe for your next weeknight dinner.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Quick Overview

This dish is fast, fun, and made in three parts: candied walnuts, crispy shrimp, and that creamy-sweet sauce. With under 30 minutes of cook time, it’s a great weeknight or weekend meal. We recommend prepping everything first for smooth cooking.

Pair it with something hearty like our Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner or refreshing Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa to complete the meal.

Ingredients

Shrimp Marinade

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• ½ tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado)

Coating

• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp white pepper

Candied Walnuts

• 1 cup whole walnuts
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup water

Sauce

• ½ cup mayo (Kewpie preferred)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp condensed milk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (or rice vinegar)
• Salt to taste

For Frying

• Neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp
   Peel, devein, and butterfly the shrimp. Mix with baking soda, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and neutral oil. Let it marinate while preparing other components.
2. Make candied walnuts
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar until it dissolves, then add water and bring to a simmer. Stir in walnuts and simmer for 5–6 minutes until syrup thickens. Remove walnuts and let cool on a plate.
3. Coat and fry the shrimp
   Mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Lightly coat each marinated shrimp. Heat oil to 325°F and fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the sauce
   In a large bowl, combine mayo, honey, condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Toss and serve
   While shrimp are still warm, toss them with the sauce and candied walnuts. Serve immediately.

What to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp With

Fresh & Crunchy Side Dishes

This sweet and creamy honey walnut shrimp recipe pairs perfectly with light, crisp textures. Try serving it with steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas, or a refreshing cucumber salad. These veggies cut through the richness and add a satisfying crunch.

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For something heartier, serve alongside our Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs or a scoop of Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo both make it feel like a complete, comforting meal.

Rice or Noodles for a Classic Pairing

Sticky white rice or jasmine rice is the go-to side for this dish. It soaks up that luscious sauce and balances out the flavor. For more texture, try it with crispy fried rice or thin rice noodles. See also: wings-bacon-jalapeno-pineapple-fried-rice-with-spicy-yum-yum-sauce.

Want to add even more wow? Toss it with lo mein or serve over garlic noodles. And if you’re in a surf-and-turf mood, try it with our savory Calabrian Steak and Shrimp Bucatini for a meal that really impresses.

Top Tips for Perfecting Honey Walnut Shrimp

Use the right shrimp size

Large shrimp (like U-12 or U-10) work best for this honey walnut shrimp recipe. They cook quickly, stay juicy inside, and get the perfect crispy edge. Make sure they’re fully defrosted and patted dry before marinating.

Don’t skip the cornstarch coating

Cornstarch is your secret weapon. It makes the shrimp light and crunchy, and it’s gentler than flour. Toss the shrimp evenly for that beautiful golden crust. If you love crispy coatings, try it with our Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs too. See also our Flour Bakery Banana Bread.

Keep oil temperature steady

Fry your shrimp in oil that’s between 300°F and 325°F. Use a thermometer if you have one too cool, and the shrimp turn soggy; too hot, and they’ll burn. Fry in batches so you don’t drop the temp.

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Make walnuts from scratch

Homemade candied walnuts are worth the few extra minutes. You control the sweetness and get a fresh, buttery crunch that packaged ones can’t match. Just stir, simmer, and let them cool completely before tossing with the shrimp.

Use Japanese mayo if possible

Kewpie mayo adds a richer, slightly tangy depth to the sauce. If you can’t find it, any good-quality mayo works but keep the ratio of sweet and acidic ingredients balanced. We use Kewpie in recipes like our Shrimp and Avocado Salad for that same creamy finish. See also our Apple Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Storing and Reheating Tips

How to store leftovers

If you have leftover honey walnut shrimp, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will soften the coating over time, so it’s best eaten fresh, but still delicious the next day. Keep the shrimp and walnuts together no need to separate.

For a full make-ahead meal, prep your Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie alongside this recipe. One stays warm in the pot, the other goes crispy and quick! See also our Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna.

Best way to reheat

To bring back some crispiness, reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave it makes them rubbery and soggy. If needed, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Want to skip reheating? Enjoy the cold leftovers tossed into a salad or wrap them into lettuce cups for a chilled twist.

FAQs

You don’t need a banquet or restaurant reservation to enjoy this unforgettable honey walnut shrimp recipe. With a handful of ingredients, one hot pan, and a little kitchen joy, you can whip up crispy shrimp coated in creamy honey sauce with glossy candied walnuts that rival your favorite takeout.

Hosting or feeding a crowd -- this one always earns its place. We love serving it with rice, greens, or even folding it into lettuce cups for something lighter.

So, grab your shrimp, heat the oil, and make tonight a little more delicious no reservations required.

And don’t forget to share your creations with us on Facebook or tag us on Pinterest we can’t wait to see your take on it!