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Shrimp walnut is a classic dish that combines succulent shrimp with crunchy walnuts in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
If you’ve been wondering how to make shrimp walnut at home, you’re in the right place because it’s easier than you might think.
This dish, often called Shrimp with Honey Walnut or Walnut Shrimp, is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants.
But you can absolutely make shrimp walnut in your own kitchen with a few simple ingredients and some easy steps.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make shrimp walnut, from prepping the shrimp to candying the walnuts and whipping up that signature creamy sauce.
Let’s dive in.
Why Make Shrimp Walnut at Home
Making shrimp walnut at home gives you full control over the ingredients and freshness.
Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
1. You Control the Quality
When you make shrimp walnut yourself, you choose fresh shrimp and real walnuts.
That means no mystery additives and no heavy breading that hides the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
The result is a shrimp walnut dish that tastes clean and vibrant.
2. It’s Budget-Friendly
Ordering shrimp walnut at a restaurant can be pricey.
Making shrimp walnut at home costs a fraction of that, especially if you buy shrimp and walnuts in bulk.
You get the same restaurant-quality shrimp walnut for less.
3. It’s Customizable
You can tweak the sweetness, the crunch, and the creaminess to your liking when you make shrimp walnut.
Want more walnuts? Add them.
Prefer a lighter sauce? Adjust the mayo and honey.
That flexibility is a big reason home cooks love making shrimp walnut.
Ingredients for Shrimp Walnut
Before you make shrimp walnut, gather these ingredients:
1. For the Shrimp
You’ll need one pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
You’ll also need salt, white pepper, and a bit of cornstarch for a light coating.
An egg white helps the coating stick when you make shrimp walnut.
2. For the Candied Walnuts
Grab one cup of walnut halves.
You’ll also need sugar, water, and a pinch of salt to candy them.
These candied walnuts are the star of any shrimp walnut recipe.
3. For the Creamy Sauce
The sauce that makes shrimp walnut so good is a mix of mayonnaise, honey, and a little condensed milk.
A squeeze of lemon juice balances the sweetness.
This creamy sauce is what ties the whole shrimp walnut dish together.
How to Make Shrimp Walnut Step by Step
Now let’s get into how to make shrimp walnut from start to finish.
1. Candy the Walnuts
Start by making the candied walnuts for your shrimp walnut.
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
Once the sugar dissolves, add the walnuts and stir until they’re coated and golden.
Spread them on parchment paper to cool and harden.
2. Prep and Cook the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry and season with salt and white pepper.
Toss them in egg white, then coat lightly with cornstarch.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the shrimp until they turn pink and slightly crisp.
This step is key to a great shrimp walnut because the shrimp should be tender, not rubbery.
3. Whisk the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice.
Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
This sauce is what makes shrimp walnut creamy and irresistible.
4. Combine Everything
Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the sauce until evenly coated.
Then add the candied walnuts and toss lightly.
Serve your shrimp walnut right away over steamed rice or lettuce.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Walnut
Here are a few tips to nail your shrimp walnut every time.
1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them.
Overcooked shrimp turn tough and ruin your shrimp walnut.
2. Candy Walnuts in Advance
You can make the candied walnuts a day ahead.
Store them in an airtight container so they stay crunchy for your shrimp walnut.
3. Serve Immediately
Shrimp walnut is best fresh.
The walnuts soften over time, so enjoy your shrimp walnut as soon as it’s assembled.
So, How Do You Make Shrimp Walnut?
You make shrimp walnut by candying walnuts, lightly frying seasoned shrimp, and tossing both in a creamy honey-mayo sauce.
It’s a simple process that delivers a restaurant-quality shrimp walnut at home.
With fresh shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and that sweet creamy sauce, your shrimp walnut will be a hit.
Give this shrimp walnut recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s such a beloved dish.
Enjoy your homemade shrimp walnut.