Healthy Honey Walnut Shrimp

If you’ve ever craved that deliciously sweet and crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp that you find at your favorite Chinese restaurant, but wanted a healthier version to whip up at home, you’re in for a treat! This Healthy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe brings all the flavors you love, but with a nutritious twist that makes it a perfect addition to your dinner rotation. With a creamy, dreamy sauce and crunchy walnuts, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds—guilt-free!

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This Healthy Honey Walnut Shrimp is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience. It combines the sweetness of honey with the rich creaminess of coconut yogurt and the crunch of walnuts. Made with fresh shrimp and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. You can enjoy it over rice or a bed of greens, making it versatile enough to suit any meal plan!

Ingredient Notes

• Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the sauce, it adds richness without the heaviness of traditional mayonnaise.
• Honey: The star of the dish, adding natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the shrimp and walnuts.
• Coconut Yogurt/Cream: Adds creaminess and a hint of coconut flavor, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the honey.
• Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors. Adjust according to your preference.
• Sriracha: Offers a spicy kick; use according to your heat tolerance!
• Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are best for this recipe.
• Egg: Acts as a binder for the shrimp coating, giving it a crispy texture when fried.
• Tapioca Flour: A gluten-free alternative to regular flour that helps create a light and crispy crust.
• Walnuts: Add crunch and a nutty flavor; toasted for extra depth.

Hardware & Gadgets

• Large Skillet: For frying the shrimp and toasting the walnuts.
• Mixing Bowls: To prepare the shrimp coating and sauce.
• Spatula: For flipping the shrimp and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
• Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried shrimp.

The Method for Healthy Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup avocado oil mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons full-fat canned coconut yogurt, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1 to 3 teaspoons sriracha (if using for heat). Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp

In another bowl, season 1 pound of raw shrimp with 1 teaspoon sea salt and set aside. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 cup tapioca flour, and 1 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the tapioca flour mixture. Place the coated shrimp on a plate and continue until all shrimp are coated.

Step 4: Toast the Walnuts

In a skillet over medium heat, add 2/3 cup walnuts and toast for about 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons avocado oil. Once the oil is hot, add the coated shrimp in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Use paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

In a large bowl, toss the fried shrimp with the sauce and toasted walnuts until everything is well coated. Serve immediately while hot!

Adaptations for Special Diets

• Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free with the use of coconut yogurt.
• Gluten-Free: Using tapioca flour ensures this dish remains gluten-free.
• Nut-Free: Substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
• Spicy Version: Add more sriracha or even chili flakes for those who love heat!

Things That Go Wrong

• Soggy Shrimp: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding shrimp to achieve that crispy texture.
• Burnt Walnuts: Watch the walnuts closely as they toast—they can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
• Uncoated Shrimp: Make sure each shrimp is well coated in both the egg and tapioca flour for the best crispiness.
• Too Sweet: Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to your taste preference.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked shrimp and sauce separately. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. The shrimp will lose some of their crispiness, but they will still be delicious!

Questions People Ask

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the shrimp are best served fresh for the best texture, you can prepare the sauce and coat the shrimp ahead of time. Just fry them right before serving.

What can I substitute for shrimp?

You can substitute shrimp with chicken breast or tofu for a different protein source. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Healthy Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best taste, consume within 1-2 days.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.

Serve with These

• White Rice
• Cauliflower Rice
• Steamed Vegetables
• Fresh Salad

Ready, Set, Cook

Gather your ingredients and gear up for an exciting culinary adventure! With this Healthy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe, you’ll impress your family and friends while serving up a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Get that skillet sizzling, and enjoy every crispy, sweet bite!