Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved dish found in many Chinese restaurants — and now you can make it at home! This recipe features large shrimp fried to golden perfection, coated in a creamy honey-lemon sauce, and finished with caramelized walnuts for that signature crunch. It’s rich, vibrant, and absolutely addictive — perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something a little fancy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, eggs, baking powder, salt, and water until smooth. The consistency should resemble pancake batter.
Tip: Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes while you heat the oil — this helps with a crispier fry.
Dip each shrimp into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and carefully drop in the battered shrimp. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 2–3 minutes per batch). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even frying.
In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, condensed milk, lemon juice, and honey. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
In a small saucepan or skillet, combine sugar and water over low-medium heat. Once the sugar dissolves, add the walnuts and simmer until the syrup thickens and clings to the walnuts. Remove and set on parchment paper to cool.
Tip: Keep an eye on the syrup — once it starts bubbling, it can caramelize fast. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl or pan, combine the fried shrimp with the sweet sauce. Toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Sprinkle the candied walnuts on top. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.