Golden Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of sweetness and crunch. This dish combines crispy shrimp and candied walnuts, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With its rich, creamy sauce, it's a perfect way to elevate your dinner menu.
Shrimp is the star of the show, providing a juicy, tender bite. Make sure they're large, peeled, and deveined for the best texture and ease of eating. Walnuts bring a crunchy contrast and nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness. Honey is used to candy the walnuts, giving them a delightful glaze. The mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk combine to create a rich, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the shrimp. For the batter, all-purpose flour and cornstarch are mixed with egg whites and water to create a light, crisp coating. Vegetable oil is used for frying, and don't forget the salt and pepper to season the dish to your liking.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a light, crisp salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside sautéed garlic green beans or a simple cucumber salad to complement the rich flavors.
First, you'll want to start with the candied walnuts. In a small saucepan, combine your honey with a splash of water and bring it to a simmer. This will thin out the honey just enough to coat the walnuts evenly. Stir in the walnuts until they're fully coated in the sweet mixture. Once they're nicely glazed, spread them out on parchment paper to dry and harden.
Next, let's prepare the batter for the shrimp. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, egg whites, and water until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. It should have a light consistency, almost like a pancake batter.
Now, heat up your vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough for frying but not smoking. Test it with a drop of batter; if it sizzles immediately, you're ready to go.
Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting any excess drip off. Carefully lower each into the hot oil. Fry them until they're golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once done, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
While the shrimp is draining, prepare the creamy sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Toss the fried shrimp in this mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Finally, arrange your shrimp on a serving plate and sprinkle the candied walnuts on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.