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Walnut Shrimp Copycat recipe

Walnut Shrimp

When it comes to a culinary adventure, few dishes can match the delightful juxtaposition of savory and sweet you find in Walnut Shrimp.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 6
Calories 408 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound 450 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for the freshest shrimp you can find. I often prefer to buy them frozen to maintain peak freshness until I'm ready to use them.
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten: This will help bind the shrimp in that delightful coating before frying.
  • 1 tablespoon cold water: A dash of water added to the egg ensures a smooth consistency.
  • ½ cup cornstarch or potato starch: This is the secret to achieving that wonderfully crispy coating. Both options are excellent; I often switch between them based on availability.
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt & ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Elevates flavors significantly. Don’t skip these!

Candied Walnuts

  • 1 cup walnut halves lightly toasted: Walnuts add that sweet crunch we crave in this dish. Lightly toasting them enhances their natural flavor.
  • ¼ cup raw honey: This is what makes the walnuts sweet and irresistible. Use good-quality honey for the best results.
  • 6 tablespoons filtered water: Balances the sweetness and helps in creating a lovely syrup.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional: A hint of spice can add warmth, but it’s completely optional.

Sweet Creamy Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise: Provides a rich base for our sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: This adds a tangy note making the sauce creamy yet not overly rich.
  • ¼ cup wildflower honey or any mild honey: For that sweet finish.
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated lime zest optional: A zing of freshness to round out the flavors perfectly.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. Trust me; having everything in its place makes the process so much easier and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Candied Walnuts

  • Let’s kick off with the candied walnuts. In a saucepan, combine the raw honey and filtered water over medium heat. Stir until the honey dissolves.
  • Tip: Make sure to avoid cooking at too high a temperature, as it can cause the honey to burn. Once dissolved, stir in the toasted walnuts to coat them evenly.

Step 3: Coating the Shrimp

  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of cold water.
  • Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, coating them thoroughly. Now, this is where the fun begins! Toss the egg-coated shrimp in the cornstarch or potato starch, shaking off any excess.

Step 4: Frying the Shrimp

  • Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil's shimmering, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown — about 2-3 minutes on each side.
  • Note: Ensure the shrimp are cooked through but still tender. They’ll continue cooking a bit more once you remove them from the oil.

Step 5: Make the Sweet Creamy Sauce

  • While your shrimp is frying, let’s whip up that sweet creamy sauce. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, wildflower honey, and lime zest.
  • Stir until all ingredients are combined, and adjust sweetness to your liking. If you want a bit more kick, squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice to balance things out!

Step 6: Combine It All!

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the fried shrimp with the candied walnuts.
  • Drizzle your sweet creamy sauce over the top and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 7: Serve It Up

  • Finally, serve your Walnut Shrimp over rice or with a side of your favorite veggies.
  • Enjoy the crunch of the walnuts and the creamy shrimp together. It’s an experience worth sharing!

Notes

  • Shrimp: Fresh shrimp are ideal; frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
  • Cornstarch vs. Potato Starch: Both achieve a great crunch, but potato starch can give an even more delicate texture.
  • Honey: Adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness. Different honeys will have varying flavor profiles.
  • Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version, consider using low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Serving: 180gCalories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 19gFat: 25.7gSaturated Fat: 4.3gTrans Fat: 3.9gCholesterol: 221mgSodium: 870mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24g
Keyword Walnut Shrimp
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