How To Make Walnut Shrimp

You can make walnut shrimp at home by coating plump shrimp in a light, crispy batter, frying them until golden, and tossing them in a creamy, sweet honey-mayo sauce with candied walnuts.
 
It sounds fancy, like something you’d only order at a Chinese banquet, but honestly, making walnut shrimp in your own kitchen is totally doable.
 
The magic is all in the balance of textures and flavors.
 
You get that satisfying crunch from the walnuts, the tender juiciness of the shrimp, and the rich, velvety sauce that ties it all together.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make walnut shrimp, step by step, so you can nail this restaurant favorite at home.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

What Is Walnut Shrimp and Why You’ll Love Making It

Walnut shrimp is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy fried shrimp and candied walnuts coated in a creamy honey mayonnaise sauce.
 

1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The reason so many people love how to make walnut shrimp is the harmony of sweet, savory, and creamy notes.
 
The sauce isn’t heavy or cloying because a little lemon juice or condensed milk cuts through the richness.
 

2. Surprisingly Simple Ingredients

When you learn how to make walnut shrimp, you’ll realize the ingredient list is short and mostly pantry staples.
 
Shrimp, walnuts, mayonnaise, honey, and a few basics for the batter are really all you need.
 

3. A Showstopper for Any Occasion

Knowing how to make walnut shrimp means you can impress guests at a dinner party or just treat yourself on a random Tuesday.
 
It looks and tastes like takeout, but you made it yourself.
 

Ingredients for Making Walnut Shrimp

Before we dive into how to make walnut shrimp, let’s gather everything so the process is smooth.
 

1. For the Shrimp

You’ll need one pound of large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, with the tails left on if you like.
 
A simple batter of one egg, half a cup of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and white pepper does the trick.
 

2. For the Candied Walnuts

Grab one cup of walnut halves, half a cup of sugar, and a quarter cup of water.
 
A tiny pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness.
 

3. For the Creamy Sauce

The signature sauce for how to make walnut shrimp combines half a cup of mayonnaise, three tablespoons of honey, and one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk.
 
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to keep it from being too sweet.
 

4. For Frying and Garnish

You’ll need neutral oil for frying, plus thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a pretty finish.
 

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Walnut Shrimp

Now, here’s the heart of how to make walnut shrimp at home, broken down into easy stages.
 

1. Candy the Walnuts First

Start by boiling the walnuts in water for two minutes to remove some bitterness, then drain them.
 
In a pan, combine sugar, water, and salt, and bring it to a simmer.
 
Add the walnuts and stir until the sugar crystallizes and coats them, then let them cool on parchment paper.
 

2. Prepare and Batter the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels so the batter sticks well.
 
Whisk the egg in one bowl and mix the cornstarch, salt, and white pepper in another.
 
Dip each shrimp into the egg, then dredge it in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
 

3. Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat about two inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
 
Fry the shrimp in small batches for two to three minutes until they’re golden and float to the top.
 
Drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to keep them crispy.
 

4. Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
 
Taste it and adjust the sweetness or tang to your liking.
 

5. Toss and Serve Immediately

Gently fold the fried shrimp and candied walnuts into the sauce until everything is evenly coated.
 
Pile it onto a plate, garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, and serve right away so it stays crunchy.
 

Tips for Perfect Walnut Shrimp Every Time

A few smart tricks can make the difference between good and unforgettable when you make walnut shrimp.
 

1. Keep Everything Cold Before Frying

Chilling the battered shrimp for ten minutes helps the coating adhere and fry up extra crispy.
 

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Oil

Frying in small batches keeps the oil temperature steady and prevents soggy shrimp.
 

3. Sauce Just Before Serving

Only toss the shrimp with the sauce when you’re ready to eat so the crust doesn’t get soft.
 

So, How Do You Make Walnut Shrimp?

You make walnut shrimp by frying battered shrimp until crisp, candying walnuts in a sugar glaze, and folding both into a sweet, creamy honey-mayo sauce.
 
It’s a dish that feels special but comes together with simple, everyday ingredients.
 
Now that you know how to make walnut shrimp, you can skip the takeout menu and whip up this crowd-pleaser whenever the craving hits.
 
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite homemade treat.