How To Make Walnut Shrimp

To make walnut shrimp, you toss crispy battered shrimp in a creamy, sweet, and tangy mayonnaise-based sauce and finish it with candied walnuts.
 
It’s a classic dish you’ll find at many Chinese banquets and takeout spots, and the good news is you can absolutely make it at home.
 
The magic happens when the crunchy shrimp meets that silky honey walnut sauce.
 
And yes, if you’ve ever wondered how to make walnut shrimp that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make walnut shrimp step by step, from candying the walnuts to frying the shrimp and whipping up that signature sauce.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Why This Walnut Shrimp Recipe Works

When you make walnut shrimp at home, you control the freshness, the crunch, and the sweetness.
 
This walnut shrimp recipe works because it balances textures and flavors in every single bite.
 
Here’s why it comes together so well.
 

1. The Shrimp Stay Juicy Inside

The key to making walnut shrimp is a quick fry at the right temperature.
 
A light batter of egg white and cornstarch seals in the moisture so the shrimp stay plump and tender.
 
That way, when you make walnut shrimp, the inside stays juicy while the outside gets golden and crisp.
 

2. The Candied Walnuts Add Crunch

Candied walnuts are what make walnut shrimp feel special.
 
You simmer walnut halves in sugar water, then fry them until they’re glossy and crunchy.
 
This step is worth it if you want your walnut shrimp to have that sweet, nutty contrast.
 

3. The Creamy Sauce Ties Everything Together

The signature sauce for walnut shrimp is a mix of mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk.
 
It’s rich, tangy, and just sweet enough to coat every piece of shrimp.
 
When you make walnut shrimp, this sauce is what gives the dish its unmistakable flavor.
 

Ingredients for Making Walnut Shrimp

Before you make walnut shrimp, gather everything so the process flows smoothly.
 
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic walnut shrimp recipe.
 

1. For the Candied Walnuts

One cup of walnut halves, half a cup of sugar, one cup of water, and oil for frying.
 

2. For the Shrimp

One pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
 
One egg white, half a cup of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
 

3. For the Creamy Sauce

Half a cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of condensed milk, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
 

How to Make Walnut Shrimp Step by Step

Now let’s break down how to make walnut shrimp from start to finish.
 

1. Candy the Walnuts

Boil the walnuts in water for a few minutes to soften them.
 
Drain, then simmer them in a sugar and water syrup until the liquid thickens.
 
Fry the coated walnuts in hot oil until golden, then cool them on parchment.
 

2. Prep and Batter the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry so the batter sticks.
 
Whisk the egg white until frothy, then toss the shrimp in cornstarch and salt.
 
Dip each shrimp into the egg white, then back into the cornstarch for a double coat.
 

3. Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil to about 350°F.
 
Fry the shrimp in batches for two to three minutes until they’re golden and floating.
 
Drain them on a wire rack so they stay crispy.
 

4. Whisk the Sauce and Toss

Stir together the mayo, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice.
 
In a bowl, gently fold the fried shrimp into the sauce until every piece is coated.
 
Top with the candied walnuts and serve right away.
 

Tips for Perfect Walnut Shrimp Every Time

A few small tweaks will help you make walnut shrimp like a pro.
 

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Frying too many shrimp at once drops the oil temperature and makes them greasy.
 
Work in small batches when you make walnut shrimp for the best crunch.
 

2. Sauce the Shrimp at the Last Minute

Only toss the shrimp with the sauce right before serving.
 
If you sauce them too early, the coating softens and the walnut shrimp lose their crispness.
 

3. Balance the Sweetness

Taste your sauce before tossing.
 
A little extra lemon juice keeps your walnut shrimp from being overly sweet.
 

So, How Do You Make Walnut Shrimp?

You make walnut shrimp by candying walnuts, battering and frying shrimp until crisp, then tossing them in a creamy honey-mayo sauce.
 
It’s a restaurant-style dish that’s surprisingly doable in your own kitchen.
 
Once you learn how to make walnut shrimp, you’ll want to serve it at every gathering.
 
And the best part is that when you make walnut shrimp at home, you can tweak the sweetness and crunch exactly how you like it.
 
So grab your shrimp and walnuts, and give this walnut shrimp recipe a try tonight.