Now you can enjoy honey walnut shrimp with fewer carbs. Simply sear the crispy shrimp on a griddle and toss in the magical sauce.
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Table of Contents
What is honey walnut shrimp
Honey walnut shrimp is a popular dish at Asian restaurants like Panda Express. It’s made by dipping shrimp in a light batter and frying them in hot vegetable oil. The fried shrimp get tossed in a creamy honey sauce and candied walnuts.
The classic version is amazing. But this honey walnut shrimp recipe is just as good. Plus, it has fewer calories and is a lot easier to make.
Instead of frying the shrimp, the shrimp are quickly seared on a griddle or in a large pan or skillet. I like to use my Evo Griddle, but this recipe works on any flattop.
Once they’re seared, you toss them in that luscious honey walnut sauce, and dinner is ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- Raw Shrimp: Save time and buy peeled and deveined shrimp. You can buy frozen shrimp and then thaw it before you cook it. Just make sure to pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel for the best sear.
- Kosher Salt
- Corn Starch: This will help the shrimp create a beautiful crust.
- Oil: Use any high smoke point oil like canola oil, corn oil or avocado oil.
- Mayonnaise: You can use any brand, but I love Kewpie Japanese mayo. It’s made with more egg yolks, so the flavor is richer.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: You can now buy this in squeeze bottles, so you don’t have to waste a full can.
- Honey
- Rice Wine Vinegar: The acid will balance out the sweetness.
- Candied Walnuts: Save time and buy walnuts that are already glazed. You’ll find them near the salad dressings and toppings.
Substitutions: Instead of the vinegar, you could also use lemon juice.
See the full recipe card below for servings and a full list of ingredients.
How to make honey walnut shrimp on the griddle
Heat the griddle or a large skillet to medium-high heat.
- STEP ONE: Toss the shrimp in kosher salt, cornstarch and oil.
- STEP TWO: Drizzle a little oil onto the griddle. Add the shrimp to the pre-heated griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- STEP THREE: Once they have a golden brown sear, flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- STEP FOUR: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, condensed milk, honey, rice wine vinegar and a pinch of salt to make the sauce.
- STEP FIVE: Gently stir in the seared shrimp and honey walnuts.
How to serve honey walnut shrimp
Honey walnut shrimp makes great party food, especially for something different at a tailgate. Just serve it as an appetizer with some toothpicks.
It’s also an easy lunch or fun dinner. Garnish the shrimp with sliced green onions. To make a full meal, serve with white rice, fried rice or grilled or steamed veggies.
Storage
This version of honey walnut shrimp stores so much better than the fried version, because the shrimp won’t get soggy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheat them in the microwave or enjoy them cold. They don’t freeze well.
GCG Pro Pitmaster Tips
- Pat the shrimp dry to get the best sear
- Toss the shrimp with a little cornstarch to help create a nice crust
- You can season the shrimp and mix the sauce a day ahead of time, then cook when ready
Frequently Asked Questions
Honey walnut shrimp sauce includes mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey and some kind of acid like vinegar or lemon juice.
The shrimp have a mild seafood taste and the sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and creamy with a slight acidic saltiness.
According to the Panda Express website, one 3.7-ounce serving of their fried honey walnut shrimp contains 360 calories, 11 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbs and 24 grams of fat.
This griddle recipe for honey walnut shrimp has 306 calories, 15 grams of protein, 14 grams of carbohydrates and 20 grams of fat for the same 3.7-ounce serving size.
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Griddle Seared Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tsp vegetable oil
Honey Walnut Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- pinch salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup honey glazed walnuts
- 1 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Heat Griddle: Heat the griddle or a large skillet to medium-high heat.
- Season: Make sure the shrimp is fully thawed. Pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt, cornstarch and 2 teaspoons oil.
- Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the mayo, condensed milk, honey and vinegar. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Sear: Drizzle about 2 teaspoons of oil onto the griddle. Add the shrimp. Sear for 2-3 minutes. Flip. Sear another 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and sear on both sides.
- Mix: Transfer the seared shrimp to the sauce bowl. Add the walnuts. Gently stir until the shrimp are coated.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
