Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines juicy shrimp with a creamy, sweet sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This dish is not just visually stunning but also an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. The combination of succulent shrimp, the richness of the sauce, and the nutty crunch of walnuts creates an irresistible dish that is perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This walnut shrimp recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors that is hard to resist. The creamy sauce, made with a hint of mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk, envelops the shrimp in a luscious coating that pairs beautifully with the crunchy candied walnuts. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate seafood into your diet, and it pairs well with various sides, making it versatile for different meal plans.
Tips and Tricks
- Prawns Selection: Opt for large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and taste. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Candied Walnuts: To enhance the flavor of the walnuts, toast them lightly before adding sugar to create a deeper nutty flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little more sweetened condensed milk if it’s too thick, or more mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
- Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the shrimp—cooking them just until opaque will ensure they stay tender and juicy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, typically in about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking will lead to rubbery shrimp.
- Wrong Sauce Ratios: Ensure the balance between the mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk is correct; too much mayonnaise can overpower the dish.
- Not Drying Shrimp: If the shrimp are wet before cooking, they won’t sear properly, leading to a boiled texture instead of a crispy one. Always pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.
Make Ahead Tips
To save time, you can prepare the candied walnuts in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The shrimp can be marinated in a mixture of cornstarch, egg whites, and a bit of salt for up to 2 hours before cooking, which helps to create a nice coating. The sauce can also be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Recipe Variations
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding steamed broccoli or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious boost.
- Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce can elevate the flavor.
- Different Nuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, try using pecans or cashews for a different nutty flavor.
How to Serve
Serve walnut shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. For a more elegant presentation, arrange the shrimp artistically on the plate with a dollop of sauce and a few candied walnuts scattered around.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this dish with a chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Riesling, which complements the sweetness of the sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water with a twist of lime. A light dessert like mango sticky rice or coconut sorbet can round out the meal beautifully.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to freeze the shrimp and sauce separately to maintain texture; they can be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Equipment Needed
- A large skillet or wok for frying the shrimp.
- A mixing bowl for preparing the sauce.
- A candy thermometer if you want to make perfectly candied walnuts.
- A slotted spoon for removing the shrimp from the pan.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free and adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts and consider using crispy chickpeas for crunch instead.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring or summer, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be added for brightness. In the winter, you could use roasted root vegetables as a side dish to complement the flavors of the shrimp.
Cost Breakdown
The overall cost for this walnut shrimp recipe is approximately $15 for four servings, making it around $3.75 per serving. To save costs, consider buying frozen shrimp in bulk or using lower-cost nuts like peanuts.
Kitchen Hacks
To peel shrimp quickly, use kitchen scissors to cut along the back, making it easier to remove the shell. For mess-free frying, use a splatter guard to keep your stovetop clean while frying the shrimp.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw and dry them completely before cooking.
- Can I substitute the sauce ingredients? Yes, you can customize the sauce to your taste using different mayo or sweeteners.
- What if I don’t have walnuts? You can use other nuts like pecans or even omit them entirely for a simpler dish.
Walnut Shrimp
Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines juicy shrimp with a creamy, sweet sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and mayonnaise. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the shrimp and mix until well-coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the walnuts in the oil, stirring constantly until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- In the same skillet, add the shrimp in batches, frying until they are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp with the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Top with the candied walnuts and garnish with green onions if desired.
Serve immediately over rice or salad.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 667Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 28gCholesterol 258mgSodium 1300mgCarbohydrates 54gFiber 2gSugar 34gProtein 34g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this walnut shrimp recipe is a delightful addition to any meal repertoire, offering an elegant dining experience with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with various adaptations and enjoy the culinary journey it brings to your table!
