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Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes for good reason. Crispy fried shrimp are coated in a creamy honey sauce and topped with crunchy candied walnuts for the perfect sweet-and-savory dinner. This easy homemade version tastes just like restaurant Honey Walnut Shrimp, but it comes together in about 30 minutes.

Close-up of creamy Honey Walnut Shrimp with candied walnuts

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Better than takeout and surprisingly easy to make at home
  • Crispy shrimp with a creamy honey sauce
  • Sweet candied walnuts add the perfect crunch
  • Ready in about 30 minutes
  • Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions
  • This Chinese shrimp recipe pairs perfectly with steamed rice or fried rice

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

shrimp

Substitute with medium shrimp if needed, but large shrimp give the best restaurant-style texture for Honey Walnut Shrimp

walnuts

Walnuts are cooked in a sweet honey syrup until caramelized and crunchy. They add texture and the signature flavor that makes Honey Walnut Shrimp so popular.

mayonnaise

Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the sweet sauce and helps balance the honey and condensed milk.

sweetened condensed milk

This ingredient gives the sauce its classic sweet and creamy flavor while helping it cling to the shrimp.

honey

Honey is used in both the candied walnuts and the sauce for extra sweetness and flavor.

cornstarch

Cornstarch helps create a light, crisp coating on the shrimp without making it feel heavy.

neutral frying oil

Using a neutral oil with a high smoke point helps the shrimp fry up crispy and golden without overpowering the sweet honey sauce. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well.

Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp including walnuts, granulated sugar, honey, and water on a light background
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp sauce including mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice
Raw shrimp, egg whites, cornstarch, and rice prepared for Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Honey Walnuts

  • water – no substitution recommended
  • granulated sugar – substitute with packed light brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor
  • honey – substitute with maple syrup, but the flavor will change slightly
  • walnuts – substitute with pecans or cashews if preferred

Sauce

  • mayonnaise – substitute with Japanese mayonnaise for a richer flavor
  • sweetened condensed milk – no substitution recommended
  • honey – substitute with maple syrup if needed
  • lemon juice – substitute with lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor

Shrimp

  • large shrimp – substitute with medium shrimp, adjusting cook time as needed
  • large egg whites – no substitution recommended
  • cornstarch – substitute with potato starch for a similar crispy coating
  • neutral oil for frying – vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil works best

For serving

  • steamed rice or fried rice – substitute with cauliflower rice or noodles if preferred

Variations

  • Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp – Add a drizzle of sriracha or sweet chili sauce to the creamy sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp – Cook the battered shrimp in the air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Lighter version – Use light mayonnaise and serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
  • Extra-crunchy shrimp – Double-coat the shrimp in the batter for an even crisper texture.
Honey Walnut Shrimp served over steamed white rice in a black bowl

Tips for Best Results

  • Pat the shrimp dry before coating to help the batter stick better.
  • Watch the walnuts carefully while caramelizing because the sugar can burn quickly.
  • Fry the shrimp in batches so the oil temperature stays consistent.
  • Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving to keep them crispy.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to keep the shrimp crispy and not greasy.

FAQs

What does Honey Walnut Shrimp taste like?

Honey Walnut Shrimp features crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet sauce and topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This takeout-style shrimp recipe tastes similar to the popular restaurant version served at many Chinese restaurants.

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp sweet or savory?

Honey Walnut Shrimp is both sweet and savory. The creamy honey sauce and candied walnuts add sweetness, while the crispy shrimp balances the flavor.

What kind of shrimp is best for Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Large shrimp work best because they stay juicy while frying and provide the perfect texture for the creamy sauce.

Why is my Honey Walnut Shrimp not crispy?

The shrimp can lose crispiness if they sit too long in the sauce. Toss the shrimp with the sauce immediately before serving for the best texture in this takeout-style shrimp recipe.

Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time?

The walnuts and sauce can be made ahead, but the shrimp are best fried and tossed in the sauce right before serving.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before battering.

What should I serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Steamed rice, fried rice, lo mein, roasted vegetables, or stir-fried veggies pair perfectly with this dish.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, but the shrimp will not be quite as crispy. An air fryer works best for a lighter version.

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How to Store Honey Walnut Shrimp

Store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp will soften as they sit, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe comes together quickly with crispy fried shrimp, homemade candied walnuts, and a creamy honey sauce. The combination of crunchy, sweet, creamy, and savory flavors makes this dish taste just like your favorite Chinese takeout meal.

Quick steps:

  1. Prepare the candied walnuts and let them cool on parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together the ingredients for the creamy honey sauce.
  3. Beat the egg whites and cornstarch until fluffy.
  4. Coat and fry the shrimp until golden brown.
  5. Toss the shrimp with the sauce and candied walnuts.
  6. Serve immediately over steamed rice or fried rice.

Serve with your favorite sides

Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp with easy takeout-inspired favorites like fried rice, lo mein, roasted broccoli, Asian Cucumber Salad, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete dinner. Add appetizers like egg rolls or crab rangoons to turn dinner into a restaurant-style meal at home. Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or cookies, for the perfect sweet ending.

Walnuts, sugar, and honey cooking in a skillet for homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp
Candied walnuts simmering in syrup for Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe
Homemade candied walnuts cooling on parchment paper for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice in a bowl for Honey Walnut Shrimp sauce
Creamy homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp sauce mixed in a glass bowl
Egg whites and cornstarch in a bowl for crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp batter
Whipped egg white batter prepared for crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp
Raw shrimp coated in whipped egg white batter for crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp
Fried shrimp draining on paper towels for homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crispy fried shrimp in a bowl before adding Honey Walnut Shrimp sauce
Fried shrimp tossed in creamy honey sauce for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp topped with candied walnuts in a glass bowl
Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp mixed with creamy sauce and candied walnuts
Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a black plate with white rice
Close-up of Honey Walnut Shrimp over white rice with candied walnuts

If You Enjoyed Honey Walnut Shrimp

If you loved the crispy, sweet, and savory flavors in this Honey Walnut Shrimp, you’ll definitely want to check out more of my favorite shrimp recipes! Southern Fried Shrimp delivers that satisfying crunch with a classic Southern twist, and Carolina Shrimp and Grits is pure comfort food with bold, rich flavor. For a fun and easy option, Peel-and-Eat Shrimp is always a crowd-pleaser – simple to make and even more fun to eat.

Love Asian-inspired flavors or popular takeout recipes to make at home? Then you won’t want to miss Chicken Teriyaki or Orange Chicken, which has that same sweet-savory glazed goodness over fluffy white rice. Easy Korean Beef Bulgogi or Beef and Broccoli are other great picks – tender, marinated beef with a flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the same sides you’d serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp.

And if you’re in the mood to keep exploring, Baked Curry Dumplings are a surprisingly easy weeknight dinner with a rich, cozy coconut curry sauce that’s totally irresistible. Any of these would make a wonderful addition to your dinner rotation!

For even more recipe ideas, be sure to check out my full recipe index.

📌 Save This Recipe

Save this Chinese Shrimp recipe to your favorite Pinterest dinner board for later! This crispy shrimp recipe is perfect for homemade takeout nights, easy seafood dinners, and quick family meals.

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Chopsticks holding a piece of Honey Walnut Shrimp above white rice and candied walnuts
Honey Walnut Shrimp served over white rice with creamy sauce and candied walnuts
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Servings: 6 servings

Honey Walnut Shrimp

By Jamie Sherman
Honey Walnut Shrimp is crispy, creamy, sweet, and better than takeout. Easy homemade shrimp dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

For the honey walnuts

  • 1 cup water
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup walnuts

For the sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the shrimp

  • 2 large egg whites
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 pound large shrimp, (26/30) peeled and deveined
  • oil for frying

For serving

  • Steamed rice or fried rice, for serving

Instructions 

  • Combine the water, granulated sugar, honey, and walnuts in a heavy-bottomed skillet.
    1 cup water, ⅔ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 cup walnuts
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking until the sugar dissolves and begins turning amber in color. Watch carefully because the mixture can burn quickly.
  • Remove the walnuts with a slotted spoon and transfer them to parchment paper to cool completely.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside.
    ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Preheat a deep fryer or heavy pot of oil to 375°F.
  • In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites and cornstarch with a handheld mixer until thickened and soft peaks form.
    2 large egg whites, ¼ cup cornstarch
  • Dip the shrimp into the batter, coating evenly.
    1 pound large shrimp
  • Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
    oil for frying
  • Transfer the cooked shrimp to paper towels to drain.
  • Toss the shrimp with the sauce until coated.
  • Stir in the candied walnuts.
  • Serve immediately over steamed rice or fried rice.
    Steamed rice or fried rice

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

♨️ REHEATING

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for the crispiest texture.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, though the shrimp will be softer.

❄️ FREEZING

• Freeze the fried shrimp separately from the sauce for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use raw shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Do not overcrowd the fryer while cooking the shrimp.
• Toss the shrimp with the sauce right before serving to maintain crispiness.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

• Air fryer method: Cook battered shrimp at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Oven method: Bake battered shrimp at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

• Use leftover shrimp in lettuce wraps or rice bowls the next day.
• Chop leftovers and add them to fried rice for an easy meal.

📝 NOTES

• Candied walnuts can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
• Japanese mayonnaise (ex. Kewpie) gives the sauce a richer restaurant-style flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 399kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 101mg, Sodium: 517mg, Potassium: 221mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 164IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 82mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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