The Best Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe – Quick & Crispy

Honey walnut shrimp recipe is a beloved dish known for its crispy battered shrimp, creamy sweet sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts. A staple in many Chinese takeout restaurants, this dish perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

While it’s a popular item at places like Panda Express and P.F. Chang’s, making honey walnut shrimp at home is surprisingly easy—and even better than takeout! With a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can create a quick, crispy, and restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to prepare this delicious recipe, from making the perfect candied walnuts to ensuring your shrimp stays light, crispy, and golden. Plus, I’ll share tips on achieving the best flavor and texture, so you can enjoy a homemade version that’s just as indulgent—if not better—than your favorite restaurant’s.

Let’s dive in and make the best honey walnut shrimp recipe you’ll ever try!

What Is Honey Walnut Shrimp?

The Origins of This Popular Chinese Takeout Dish

Honey walnut shrimp is a delicious dish that originated from Chinese-American cuisine, a fusion of traditional Chinese flavors with Western influences. While it is not a classic dish found in traditional Chinese cooking, it has become a beloved staple in American Chinese restaurants.

The dish features crispy battered shrimp tossed in a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet sauce, topped with candied walnuts for an irresistible crunch. It is believed to have been inspired by Cantonese-style shrimp dishes that emphasize a balance of flavors and textures. Over time, American chefs adapted it by adding mayonnaise-based sauce and honey, making it even more indulgent.

Today, honey walnut shrimp is a popular menu item at Panda Express, P.F. Chang’s, and many local Chinese restaurants. Its combination of sweet, savory, crispy, and creamy elements has made it a favorite among seafood lovers and those looking for a delicious, comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever ordered honey walnut shrimp from a restaurant and wished you could make it at home, this recipe is for you! Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick and Crispy – This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, perfect for a fast and satisfying dinner.
• Better Than Takeout – The homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, making it fresher, crispier, and tastier than restaurant versions.
• Simple Ingredients – You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—just shrimp, walnuts, honey, mayonnaise, and a few pantry staples.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the reasons honey walnut shrimp is so addictive is its incredible balance of flavors and textures:

• Sweet, savory, and creamy sauce – The combination of honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk creates a luxurious coating for the shrimp.
• Crunchy walnuts – The candied walnuts provide a rich, caramelized crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Crispy tempura shrimp – The light and airy batter ensures that the shrimp stay golden, crunchy, and delicious with every bite.

This dish is the perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness, making it an instant crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Before you start making this honey walnut shrimp recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients. This dish requires just a few simple components to achieve that crispy texture, creamy sauce, and sweet, crunchy walnuts.

For the Crispy Shrimp

The foundation of this dish is light, crispy shrimp, achieved through a simple batter and frying technique.

• Shrimp – Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture.
• Cornstarch or tempura batter – Helps create a light, crispy coating. Cornstarch makes it extra crunchy, while tempura batter adds a delicate crispiness.
• Egg whites – Used to help the coating stick to the shrimp while keeping it airy.
• Oil for frying – Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for the best frying results.

For the Honey Walnut Sauce

The signature creamy and sweet sauce is what makes this dish truly special. It coats the crispy shrimp perfectly, balancing sweetness and tanginess.

• Honey – Adds natural sweetness and a light caramelized flavor.
• Mayonnaise – The base of the creamy sauce, giving it a rich texture.
• Condensed milk – Adds a hint of sweetness and smoothness to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar – Helps balance the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
• Optional: Sesame seeds – A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds an extra layer of nutty flavor and texture.

For the Candied Walnuts

The candied walnuts bring a delightful crunch and sweetness that complement the creamy shrimp.

• Walnuts – Use raw, unsalted walnuts for the best results.
• Sugar – Helps create a glossy, caramelized coating.
• Water – Needed to dissolve the sugar and coat the walnuts evenly.

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor

Want to take your honey walnut shrimp to the next level? Try these optional add-ins:

• Panko breadcrumbs – Mix with the batter for an extra crispy crust.
• Sriracha or chili flakes – Add a spicy kick to the sauce for a delicious contrast to the sweetness.

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide to making this crispy and creamy dish!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey Walnut Shrimp

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this crispy, creamy, and sweet honey walnut shrimp! This recipe is easier than it might seem and will come together in just a few simple steps.

How to Make Candied Walnuts

Candied walnuts are a key element of this dish, providing that sweet crunch that pairs so well with the shrimp. Here’s how to make them:

1. Boil walnuts – In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer.
2. Coat the walnuts – Add the walnuts to the syrup and stir to coat them evenly. Allow them to simmer for 2-3 minutes so the syrup thickens slightly.
3. Let them harden – Once the walnuts are coated, transfer them to a sheet of parchment paper. Let them cool and harden for about 10-15 minutes. They should form a crunchy, glossy coating.

Preparing the Crispy Shrimp

Next, we’ll focus on making the shrimp crispy and golden—the perfect texture for this dish.

1. Coat the shrimp – In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch (or tempura batter) and egg whites. Toss the shrimp in this mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Heat oil for frying – Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat (around 350°F-375°F).
3. Fry the shrimp – Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, ensuring they’re not crowded. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain the shrimp – Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Making the Creamy Honey Walnut Sauce

Now, let’s create the deliciously creamy sauce that brings everything together:

1. Mix the sauce – In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons condensed milk. Stir until smooth and well combined.
2. Add rice vinegar – Pour in 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and stir. This will help cut through the sweetness and balance the flavor.
3. Adjust to taste – Taste the sauce and add a bit more honey or vinegar if desired to adjust the sweetness and tanginess.

Combining Everything Together

Finally, it’s time to bring all the components together and create that mouthwatering dish:

1. Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce – In a large bowl, add the fried shrimp and pour the honey walnut sauce over them. Gently toss to coat each shrimp evenly with the creamy glaze.
2. Add the candied walnuts – Sprinkle the candied walnuts on top and toss them with the shrimp to distribute evenly.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds – For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the dish.

Now you’re ready to serve your perfectly crispy, sweet, and creamy honey walnut shrimp! Enjoy it with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a full, satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp

To ensure your honey walnut shrimp turns out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips that will take your dish to the next level. Whether you’re aiming for the crispiest shrimp, a healthier version, or the perfect side dishes, these tips will guide you.

How to Keep Shrimp Extra Crispy

Achieving crispy shrimp is key to making this dish a hit. Here are some tricks to ensure your shrimp stays crispy throughout:

• Use cornstarch or tempura batter – Cornstarch creates a light, crunchy texture when fried. Tempura batter gives a slightly airier, crispier coating, which also works perfectly.
• Fry at the right temperature (350°F-375°F) – The oil needs to be hot enough to fry the shrimp quickly without making them soggy. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A temperature of around 350°F-375°F is ideal for crispy shrimp.

Can You Make It Healthier?

While honey walnut shrimp is delicious as is, there are some ways to make it a bit healthier without compromising on flavor:

• Air-fry or bake instead of deep frying – For a healthier option, consider air-frying the shrimp or baking them. This will cut down on the oil used, making the shrimp lighter and less greasy.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise – To lighten up the sauce, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It will still give you a creamy texture but with lower fat content and more protein.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With Honey Walnut Shrimp

Pairing the honey walnut shrimp with the right side dishes can make your meal complete. Here are some great options:

• Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice – Steamed jasmine rice is a classic side dish that pairs well with the sweet and savory shrimp. For a little extra flavor, fried rice with vegetables and scrambled eggs adds a bit of texture and depth.
• Stir-fried vegetables or bok choy – A side of stir-fried vegetables or bok choy will complement the richness of the shrimp with a healthy, crunchy contrast. Stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas are great choices to add color and texture to the meal.

With these tips, you’re sure to make the best honey walnut shrimp every time, whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

FAQs About Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some answers to common questions you might have about making honey walnut shrimp. From preparation tips to storage and alternatives, these FAQs will help you make the most of this delicious dish.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

While honey walnut shrimp is best served fresh to maintain its crispy texture, you can prepare certain elements in advance to save time:

• Shrimp – You can fry the shrimp ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
• Candied walnuts – These can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp in an air fryer or a hot pan to crispen them up before tossing them in the sauce. It’s always best to make the sauce fresh, as it can lose some of its creaminess if stored for too long.

What Can I Use Instead of Walnuts?

If you’re not a fan of walnuts or simply want to try something different, there are a few great alternatives that will still add the necessary crunch and flavor:

• Pecans – They have a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor and would work wonderfully as a substitute for walnuts.
• Almonds – With a mild flavor and crunch, almonds can also provide the desired texture for the dish. Simply chop them into small pieces for a similar effect.

These nuts will still give you that crunchy, caramelized topping that makes the dish so unique!

How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Leftovers are inevitable, and you can store and reheat honey walnut shrimp with a few simple steps to ensure the shrimp stay crispy:

• Storage – Place leftover shrimp in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The sauce and walnuts should be stored separately to prevent sogginess.
• Reheating – For the crispiest results, reheat the shrimp in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This will bring back the crispy coating. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat in a hot skillet for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the shrimp soggy.

With these tips, you can enjoy honey walnut shrimp leftovers just as much as when it’s freshly made!

The Best Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Making the best honey walnut shrimp recipe at home is easier than you might think, and the results are nothing short of amazing. With the perfect balance of crispy shrimp, creamy honey walnut sauce, and sweet candied walnuts, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this restaurant-quality recipe will elevate any meal.

By following the simple steps in this guide, you can achieve a dish that is better than takeout, fresh, and bursting with flavor. From the crispy shrimp to the sweet, creamy sauce and crunchy walnuts, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness.

Plus, with helpful tips for making the dish healthier or ahead of time, you can customize it to fit your preferences and schedule. So, don’t wait—get started on making your own honey walnut shrimp today, and enjoy a meal that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor!