I can’t help but get excited when I think about honey walnut shrimp – it’s like a sweet, crunchy hug in a bowl. Just imagine the glossy, honey-coated shrimp mingling with nutty walnuts, creating a delightful dance of flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s as if takeout just got a homemade upgrade, without the wait.
Steps
- Prepare the walnuts by boiling them in a mixture of water and sugar until they are caramelized. Drain them and set aside on a plate to cool.
- Combine mochiko flour, cornstarch, egg, and water to create a batter. Coat the shrimp thoroughly in the batter.
- Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the battered shrimp in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, mix mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk to form a sauce. Gently toss the fried shrimp in this sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve the shrimp garnished with the caramelized walnuts. Enjoy the dish with a side of steamed broccoli and rice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of walnuts
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 pound of shrimp, deveined and tail/shell removed
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup of mochiko flour (sweet rice flour)
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk
- Steamed broccoli for serving (optional)
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
FAQ
- What can I do if my walnuts turn out wet and not very sweet?
- If your walnuts end up being wet and underwhelming in sweetness, consider using less water or creating a sugary paste to coat them. This adjustment could enhance their texture and flavor. Additionally, instead of spreading them on a cookie sheet, try using a dinner plate that’s dishwasher-friendly to minimize cleanup.
- How can I substitute mochiko flour if I can’t find it locally?
- If mochiko flour is unavailable in your local stores, you can purchase it online through platforms like Amazon. This flour is essential for the batter, but any leftover can be used for future attempts at this dish or to make homemade mochi.
- What should I do if I’ve never fried meat before?
- If frying meat is new to you, take your time and follow the recipe closely. The process may take longer, around 1.5 hours from start to finish, including preparing side dishes. Make sure to monitor the oil temperature and cook the shrimp until golden and crispy.
- How can I reduce the cleanup after making this dish?
- To minimize the number of dishes, use a dinner plate for the walnuts instead of a baking sheet, which is easier to clean. Organizing your cooking space and cleaning as you go can also help reduce the mess.
- What is a suitable side dish to serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
- A good choice for a side dish is steamed broccoli and a serving of rice. These complements balance the sweetness of the shrimp and walnuts, providing a well-rounded meal.
Tips
- Dry the Walnuts Thoroughly: To ensure your walnuts are sweet and not soggy by serving time, consider reducing the water or creating a thicker sugary paste. Using a dinner plate instead of a cookie sheet for drying can also minimize cleanup.
- Sourcing Mochiko Flour: If you can’t find mochiko flour locally, try ordering it online. The flour is essential for achieving the ideal batter consistency and can be used for other recipes like homemade mochi.
- Efficient Cleanup: This dish results in many dishes to clean. Using fewer, more efficient tools, such as drying the walnuts on a dinner plate, can help reduce the cleanup time.
- Timing and Preparation: Allocate around 1.5 hours for preparation and cooking, especially if you are making additional sides like rice and steamed broccoli. Prepping ingredients like deveining shrimp in advance can help streamline the process.
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Duty Deep Pot – For frying the shrimp.
- Candy Thermometer – To monitor the oil temperature for frying.
- Baking Sheet – If you decide to bake the walnuts to dry them out.
- Steamer Basket – For steaming broccoli, if you don’t have one.
- Mochiko Flour – Since it was mentioned as being purchased on Amazon, it may not be available locally.
