Sweet and Crunchy: Ready in Just 30 Minutes

Honey walnut shrimp—the name itself sounds fancy, right? But what if I told you this viral TikTok sensation is super easy to make, uses simple ingredients and tastes just like the Panda Express version? Seriously, the combination of sweet honey, crunchy walnuts, and juicy shrimp is a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. Plus, it comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and impressive weeknight meal. This is your guide to making honey walnut shrimp.

Honey walnut shrimp is a popular dish often found in Chinese American cuisine, characterized by a combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. The dish typically features crispy shrimp coated in a light, tempura-like batter tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made from honey and mayonnaise. Candied walnuts provide a textural contrast and nutty sweetness.

In the last few weeks, honey walnut shrimp has taken over my social media feeds—and for good reason. Watch this TikTok video below to see just how easy it is to cook it at home:

Replying to @Kimberly It’s a lot easier to make at home than you think it is. So give this recipe a try! ⬅️ Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp 🍤 Serves 3-4

• 1 lb shrimp, deveined and shelled
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp ground white or black pepper
• Frying oil
• Optional: Steamed broccoli

Candied walnuts

• 1 cup walnuts, whole and unsalted
• 3 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp sugar

Sauce

• 4 tbsp kewpie mayo
• 2 tbsp condensed milk
• 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

1. In a nonstick pan, melt butter, sugar, and water together. Continuously stir until the sugar is dissolved and turns light golden brown. Add walnuts and mix well. Stir continuously for about 3-5 mins or until deep golden brown. Right away, pour candied walnuts onto parchment paper and spread evenly so they don’t stick together. Let cool and set aside.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, cornstarch, rice flour, water, and baking soda together. Mix well.
3. For the sauce, mix kewpie mayo, condensed milk, and lemon juice and set aside.
4. In a wok, heat enough oil for a shallow fry. On medium-high heat, fry shrimp for 2 mins on each side or until cooked through. Strain in a bowl lined with paper towels to dry out any excess oil.
5. In a bowl, mix mayo sauce, fried shrimp, and candied walnuts together. Plate (with steamed broccoli, optional) and enjoy right away!

The best part about this dish is how quickly it comes together. Follow this simple recipe from CJ Eats Recipes.

Ingredients:

Shrimp

• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. white pepper
• ½ Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp. neutral oil

Coating

• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. white pepper
• Neutral oil, for frying

Candied walnuts

• 1 cup whole walnuts
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• ½ cup water

Sauce

• ½ cup mayo
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. condensed milk
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, sub rice vinegar
• Salt, to taste

Directions:

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

1. Make a small cut down the back of each shrimp to butterfly them.
2. In a small bowl, marinate shrimp with salt, white pepper, baking soda, cornstarch, and neutral oil.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add water and bring to a simmer, then stir in your walnuts and cook for five to six minutes until thickened. Immediately transfer the candied walnuts to a plate to cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, season cornstarch with salt and white pepper, then lightly coat your marinated shrimp.
5. Heat oil to 325°F and fry your shrimp in batches for two to three minutes. In a large bowl, combine mayo, honey, condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Stir in your fried shrimp and walnuts.