Delicious Walnut Shrimp in 20 Minutes

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Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the crunch of crispy shrimp and walnuts with a sweet honey cream sauce. This 20-minute recipe captures the essence of a classic Chinese takeout favorite, allowing you to enjoy rich flavors without the hassle of deep frying. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner, this dish proves that you can create restaurant-quality meals at home with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Walnut Shrimp

Here are a few reasons why this dish is a must-try:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
Deliciously crispy shrimp paired with crunchy walnuts.
Sweet and savory flavors that appeal to everyone.
Perfect for serving guests or family gatherings.
Can be made gluten-free by using specific sauces.
Adaptable to your taste with various sauces and spices.

This Walnut Shrimp recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also fits into a Chinese cuisine category that many love, making it a popular choice. You can even explore variations like Walnut Prawns for a different twist.

Ingredients for Walnut Shrimp

Gather these items:

1 cup roasted walnuts
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup)
2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
1/2 teaspoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for shallow fry)
green onion, sliced (for garnish)

How to Make Walnut Shrimp Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix the shrimp, Shaoxing wine, salt, ginger, and white pepper together in a medium bowl. Marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper.
Step 3: Heat the oil in a small or medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until just turning warm. Swirl the pan to let the oil coat as much surface as possible. Sprinkle the sugar into the pan in a thin layer.
Step 4: Turn to medium-low heat. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until most of the sugar has melted and starts turning an amber color, about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Add the walnuts. Stir everything together to let the sugar coat the nuts as evenly as possible. Keep cooking and stirring until all the sugar has melted and turns golden brown, about 2 minutes. Then, immediately transfer everything onto the lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Spread out the nuts again and separate them using a spatula. Let cool until the coating has hardened, about 5 minutes. You can then easily break apart the nuts.
Step 7: Mix the mayonnaise, condensed milk, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce together in a small bowl. Stir to mix well.
Step 8: Right before cooking, add the cornstarch to the marinated shrimp and coat evenly.
Step 9: Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the shrimp without overlapping, cooking until golden on both sides. Transfer the shrimp to a big plate to cool slightly.
Step 10: Once the shrimp cool off a bit, transfer them into a big bowl without transferring the juice or oil pooled in the plate. Add the sauce and mix well.
Step 11: Add half of the glazed walnuts and give it a quick mix. Transfer everything to a large plate, add the rest of the walnuts, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately as a main dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Walnut Shrimp

Keep these in mind:

This dish can be served as a main course or an appetizer.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or sugar.
For an even crispier texture, double fry the shrimp.
Using fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the dish’s flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Walnut Shrimp

Here are some fantastic ideas:

Serve it with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
Offer as an appetizer at gatherings, drizzled with extra honey sauce.

How to Store and Reheat Walnut Shrimp

To store leftover Walnut Shrimp, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat. For meal prep enthusiasts, make sure to keep the sauce separate until ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Shrimp

What’s the secret to perfect Walnut Shrimp?

The secret lies in the marination of the shrimp and ensuring the sugar coating on the walnuts is just right. This creates a balance between sweet and savory flavors, making it a standout dish.

Can I make Walnut Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Just assemble everything right before serving to maintain the crispiness of the shrimp.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Walnut Shrimp?

Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the shrimp, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Also, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp for that perfect crispy texture.

Variations of Walnut Shrimp You Can Try

There are several variations to enjoy:

Try adding pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
Substitute shrimp with chicken for a hearty option.
Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.

Delicious Walnut Shrimp in 20 Minutes - Walnut Shrimp - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Baked Pears with Feta and Honey or Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.

Delicious Walnut Shrimp in 20 Minutes - Walnut Shrimp - additional detail

For more tips on cooking techniques, visit Serious Eats for expert advice.