Total Cooking Time: ~35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy–Medium
Estimated Calories: ~520–560 per serving
Sweet, crunchy, creamy, and irresistibly glossy, Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp is the ultimate better-than-takeout classic you can make right at home. Plump shrimp are coated in a light, crisp batter, paired with candied walnuts that snap between your teeth, and finished with a silky honey-mayo glaze that’s rich, sweet, and just slightly tangy. The result is a dish that feels luxurious and indulgent while still being approachable and fun to cook.
What makes this version truly special is the texture contrast. You get crunchy shrimp, caramelized walnuts, and a smooth, velvety sauce all in one bite. The flavors are nostalgic and comforting, yet fresh and balanced. It’s perfect for special dinners, family-style sharing, or anytime you’re craving that iconic restaurant flavor without the wait, cost, or heaviness of takeout.
Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a crowd favorite for good reason. It’s visually stunning, wildly satisfying, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. Once you make it at home, it’s hard to go back to ordering out.
Key Ingredients for Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp
These ingredients work together to create crisp texture, sweet richness, and that signature glossy finish.
Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 lb) – Juicy, tender protein that cooks quickly and stays succulent.
Cornstarch (½ cup) – Creates a light, crisp coating on the shrimp.
All-purpose flour (¼ cup) – Adds structure and balance to the batter.
Egg whites (2) – Helps the coating cling while keeping it airy and crisp.
Salt (¾ tsp) – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
White pepper or black pepper (½ tsp) – Adds subtle warmth without overpowering.
Neutral oil (for shallow frying) – Ensures golden, crunchy shrimp.
Walnut halves (1 cup) – Adds signature crunch and nutty richness.
Granulated sugar (½ cup) – Caramelizes the walnuts for that classic candy crunch.
Water (½ cup) – Dissolves sugar evenly for candied walnuts.
Mayonnaise (½ cup) – Creamy base of the honey sauce.
Honey (¼ cup) – Sweet, floral flavor that defines the dish.
Sweetened condensed milk (2 tbsp) – Adds silky richness and shine.
Rice vinegar or lemon juice (1 tbsp) – Cuts through sweetness with brightness.
Sesame oil (½ tsp) – Optional depth and aroma.
Green onions (2 tbsp, sliced) – Fresh contrast and color.
Toasted sesame seeds (1 tbsp, optional) – Light crunch and visual finish.
How to Make Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp Step by Step
Begin by preparing the candied walnuts. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the walnuts. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly and coats the nuts. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the walnuts to a parchment-lined tray, spreading them apart so they don’t stick together. Let them cool completely—this is when they become crunchy and glossy.
Next, prepare the honey sauce. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, rice vinegar, and sesame oil if using. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and lightly golden. Set aside at room temperature.
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until lightly frothy. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Dip each shrimp into the egg whites, then dredge lightly in the dry mixture, shaking off excess. The coating should be thin, not heavy.
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden, crisp, and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady. Transfer cooked shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Once all shrimp are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Add the honey sauce and gently toss until just coated. Fold in the candied walnuts, being careful not to break the crispy coating. The sauce should cling lightly without soaking the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp
Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp is a showstopper when it comes to presentation. One of the most classic ways to serve it is family-style on a wide platter. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, scatter candied walnuts on top, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. The glossy sauce and golden coating make it instantly eye-catching and perfect for sharing.
For a complete meal, serve the shrimp over steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice. The rice absorbs the extra sauce beautifully and balances the richness of the dish. You can also pair it with lightly sautéed snow peas, broccoli, or bok choy to add freshness and color. The contrast between crisp shrimp and tender vegetables makes each bite more dynamic.
For a modern twist, serve Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp in individual bowls with rice and greens for a restaurant-style presentation. It also works well as a centerpiece dish for celebrations, holidays, or dinner parties. However you plate it, this dish brings elegance, comfort, and irresistible flavor to the table.
Storage and Meal Prep for Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp
This dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch, but leftovers can still be delicious with proper storage. Allow everything to cool completely before storing. Place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Store any extra sauce and walnuts separately if possible to preserve texture.
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce and crispy coating don’t thaw well. If reheating leftovers, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore some crispness. Add fresh sauce and walnuts after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
For make-ahead prep, you can candy the walnuts and mix the sauce up to two days in advance. Store them separately at room temperature (walnuts) and in the refrigerator (sauce). Fry and assemble the shrimp just before serving for that signature crunch.
Conclusion
Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp is everything people love about the takeout classic—crispy, creamy, sweet, and indulgent—but even better when made at home. The textures are sharper, the flavors fresher, and the satisfaction undeniable.
This is a recipe that feels special yet approachable, impressive yet comforting. Whether you’re recreating a favorite restaurant dish or introducing someone to it for the first time, Sweet Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp delivers every time. Try it once, make it your own, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a requested favorite at your table.
