How To Cook Walnut Shrimp

To cook walnut shrimp, you coat plump shrimp in a light, crispy batter, fry them until golden, and toss them in a creamy, sweet, and tangy honey mayonnaise sauce with crunchy candied walnuts.
 
This dish is a favorite at Chinese banquets and restaurants like Panda Express, and the good news is you can absolutely make it at home with a few simple steps.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to cook walnut shrimp that tastes just like the restaurant version, you’re in the right place because it’s easier than it looks.
 
The key to how to cook walnut shrimp perfectly lies in three things: crispy shrimp, crunchy walnuts, and that signature creamy sauce that ties everything together.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cook walnut shrimp step by step, from prepping the walnuts to frying the shrimp and whipping up that luscious sauce.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

Why This Walnut Shrimp Recipe Works

Learning how to cook walnut shrimp at home works because each component is simple on its own, and together they create a balanced dish.
 
Here’s why this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
 

1. The Shrimp Stay Juicy and Crispy

The secret is a cornstarch and egg white coating, which fries up light and crispy without getting greasy.
 
A quick dip in ice water after frying keeps the shrimp plump and juicy inside that crunchy shell.
 

2. The Walnuts Add Sweet Crunch

Candied walnuts are what make this dish special because they bring a sweet, nutty crunch that contrasts the creamy sauce.
 
Coating them in a simple sugar glaze and letting them cool gives you that glossy, candy-like finish.
 

3. The Sauce Brings It All Together

The creamy honey mayonnaise sauce is the heart of how to cook walnut shrimp, blending mayo, honey, condensed milk, and a touch of lemon juice.
 
It’s sweet, tangy, and rich, coating every shrimp and walnut in pure deliciousness.
 

Ingredients You’ll Need to Cook Walnut Shrimp

Before you learn how to cook walnut shrimp, gather these ingredients so the process flows smoothly.
 
For the shrimp, you’ll need one pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp, one egg white, half a cup of cornstarch, and salt and white pepper to taste.
 
For the candied walnuts, grab one cup of walnut halves, half a cup of sugar, and one cup of water.
 
For the sauce, you’ll need half a cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of condensed milk, and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
 
You’ll also want oil for frying and some toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
 

How to Cook Walnut Shrimp Step by Step

Now let’s break down how to cook walnut shrimp from start to finish.
 
Follow these steps and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in about 30 minutes.
 

1. Candy the Walnuts

Start by boiling the walnuts in water for two minutes to remove bitterness, then drain them.
 
Bring sugar and water to a boil, add the walnuts, and simmer until the syrup thickens and coats them.
 
Spread them on parchment paper to cool and harden while you move on to the shrimp.
 

2. Prep and Coat the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry and season with salt and white pepper.
 
Whisk the egg white until frothy, then toss the shrimp in it before coating each one evenly in cornstarch.
 
This coating is what gives you that signature crispy shell when you cook walnut shrimp.
 

3. Fry the Shrimp

Heat oil to 350°F and fry the shrimp in batches for about two minutes until golden and crispy.
 
Don’t overcrowd the pan because that lowers the oil temperature and makes the coating soggy.
 
Drain on paper towels, then immediately plunge them into ice water for a few seconds for that extra crunch.
 

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
 
Taste and adjust the sweetness or tang to your liking because this sauce makes or breaks how to cook walnut shrimp.
 

5. Toss and Serve

Gently fold the fried shrimp and candied walnuts into the sauce until everything is coated.
 
Plate it up, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve right away over steamed rice or lettuce cups.
 

Tips for Perfect Walnut Shrimp Every Time

A few smart tips will help you nail how to cook walnut shrimp without any hiccups.
 
Keep your oil at the right temperature because too hot burns the coating and too cool makes it greasy.
 
Dry your shrimp well before coating so the batter sticks properly.
 
And make your sauce right before serving so the shrimp stay crispy instead of getting soggy.
 

So, How to Cook Walnut Shrimp?

To cook walnut shrimp, you coat shrimp in a crispy batter, fry them until golden, and toss them in a creamy honey mayo sauce with candied walnuts.
 
It’s a simple dish with a few key steps, and once you nail that sauce and the candied walnuts, you’ll feel like a pro chef.
 
Now that you know how to cook walnut shrimp at home, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy this sweet, crunchy, creamy classic whenever the craving hits.