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The Recipe · No.472 · Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp, and where to source it

Honey Walnut Shrimp — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Honey Walnut Shrimp Chinese 5best2buy.com

Two things make this work: walnuts candied in a hot honey syrup so they set glassy, and shrimp fried in a light egg-white batter that shatters. The creamy sauce is just mayo, honey, and a little condensed milk, tossed off heat so the coating survives.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineChinese
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  eggs · gluten · tree nuts · shellfish
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Fresh shrimp
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined; fresh gives a snap frozen loses.
1 lb
Walnuts
Candied in honey syrup for the signature glassy crunch.
1 cup
Raw honey
Sweetens both the candied nuts and the creamy sauce.
1/3 cup
All-purpose flour
Combined with egg white for a light frying batter.
1/2 cup
Mayonnaise
The base of the creamy glaze; whisk with honey and a splash of milk.
1/3 cup
Scallions
Sliced thin to cut the richness.
2
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Candy walnutsBoil walnuts 2 minutes, then simmer in honey and water until glossy; drain and cool on a rack so they harden.
  2. BatterWhisk egg white with flour and a little cornstarch into a loose batter and coat the shrimp.
  3. FryFry at 350F for 2 to 3 minutes until pale gold and crisp, then drain.
  4. SauceWhisk mayo, honey, and a splash of milk until pourable.
  5. TossFold shrimp into the sauce off heat, then top with candied walnuts and scallions.
The Toolkit

Wok · Frying thermometer · Spider strainer · Wire rack · Whisk

Straight Answers
Can you make Honey Walnut Shrimp in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.472

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