Crisp shrimp with creamy sweet sauce and candied walnuts
Chinese Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Chinese Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crisp shrimp with creamy sweet sauce and candied walnuts
A home-style version of honey walnut shrimp with crisp shrimp, a creamy sweet sauce, and glossy walnuts.
20m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Honey walnut shrimp is unmistakably a treat, but it is also one of the most satisfying Chinese-American style dishes to make at home because the textures are so dramatic when fresh. This version keeps that spirit without becoming too fussy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
Candy the walnuts briefly in sugar syrup and let them cool.
- 2
Coat the shrimp in egg white and cornstarch.
- 3
Fry the shrimp until crisp and just cooked through.
- 4
Whisk together the mayonnaise and honey.
- 5
Toss the shrimp lightly with the sauce and top with the walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
MayonnaiseJapanese mayo
Japanese mayo makes the sauce slightly richer and sweeter
WalnutsCashews
Cashews change the feel but still give the dish crunch and richness
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Soy Sauce
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the pantry staple matters
This style of cooking leans heavily on a few foundational condiments. A better soy sauce is usually the fastest pantry upgrade to notice.
The savory base here starts with a more useful bottle, not another gadget.
- Useful across marinades, stir-fries, and dipping sauces
- Gives the final dish a fuller savory backbone
If this cuisine shows up regularly in your kitchen, soy sauce is one of the best-value pantry upgrades.
Shop soy sauce for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not sauce the shrimp until just before serving.
A little condensed milk in the sauce is common if you want a sweeter restaurant-style version.
Storage
Best eaten fresh.
Reheating
Not ideal for reheating because the coating softens.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories410
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein23g
Carbohydrates21g
Fat26g
Fiber1g
Sugar15g
Sodium430mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake the shrimp?
- You can, but the classic effect depends on frying for the crisp exterior.
- Do I need candied walnuts?
- They are part of what makes the dish feel right, so they are worth doing.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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