Best Easy Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Crispy battered shrimp are tossed with candied walnuts and a creamy mayo-based sauce. A Cantonese banquet family favorite, this indulgent dish delivers protein alongside irresistibly sweet and crunchy textures.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 420 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-off) 1 lb
  • walnut halves 0.5 cup
  • egg whites 2 large
  • cornstarch 0.5 cup
  • vegetable oil (for frying) 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • mayonnaise 0.25 cup
  • sweetened condensed milk 2 tbsp
  • honey 1 tbsp
  • sugar 2 tbsp
  • water 2 tbsp
  • lemon juice 1 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 31%
Protein 20 g 19%
Fat 23 g 49%
Serving size 170g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Prepare candied walnuts: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water, stirring until dissolved. Add walnut halves and simmer for 3-4 minutes, then drain and spread walnuts on a parchment-lined tray. Let cool until just tacky, then deep-fry in 1/2 cup hot vegetable oil (350°F) for 1-2 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.

  2. 2

    Mix the creamy sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Coat the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. In one bowl, beat egg whites until slightly foamy. In another, add cornstarch. Dip each shrimp first in egg white, then dredge thoroughly in cornstarch.

  4. 4

    Fry the shrimp: Heat remaining vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and just cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan for even browning.

  5. 5

    Assemble and serve: In a large bowl, gently toss fried shrimp with the creamy sauce until evenly coated. Fold in candied walnuts. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The star ingredients are large shrimp, which provide juicy texture and protein, and walnut halves, which add a signature sweet crunch. Together with the creamy mayonnaise-based sauce, these components define both the flavor and the signature texture of walnut shrimp.
Q. How do I keep the shrimp extra crispy?
To ensure the shrimp stay crispy, thoroughly pat them dry before coating, dredge in cornstarch right before frying, and always fry in small batches at 350°F. This prevents the temperature from dropping and avoids sogginess. Toss the shrimp with sauce just before serving for maximum crunch.
Q. What's the best way to caramelize the walnuts for this dish?
Simmer walnut halves in a sugar-water mixture for a few minutes, drain, and then deep-fry briefly. This method coats the nuts in a candied shell, giving them a glossy crunch perfect for complementing the creamy shrimp.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving (170g) contains approximately 420 kcal and 20g of protein. The protein makes up about 19% of calories, making this a dish that delivers both substantial energy and a satisfying amount of protein.
Q. Which ingredients in the sauce add sweetness and richness?
The sauce's sweetness comes from honey and sweetened condensed milk, while mayonnaise adds richness and smooth texture. This combination balances savory seafood with irresistible creamy and sweet flavors.
AI 채팅 아이콘