Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This honey walnut shrimp recipe is your answer. It's a restaurant-quality dish that you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes. Forget takeout – this recipe is your new go-to for quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. Prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet incredibly flavorful meal. This recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Instructions:
Getting Started: Prep the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
Coating and Frying: Achieving that Perfect Crisp
- Add the shrimp to the flour mixture and toss to coat evenly. Ensure each shrimp is fully covered.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot (a drop of batter should sizzle immediately), carefully add the shrimp in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
The Honey Walnut Sauce: Bringing it All Together
- In the same skillet, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the toasted walnuts to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly in the honey walnut sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your honey walnut shrimp immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy shrimp: Double-dip the shrimp in the flour mixture for an extra layer of crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or the honey walnut sauce for a little heat.
- Make it healthier: Use less oil when frying, or try baking the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
- Add some veggies: Incorporate broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a more nutritious meal.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts like pecans or cashews instead of walnuts.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. Generally, this recipe provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, with moderate carbohydrates depending on your choice of side.
This easy honey walnut shrimp recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a perfect example of how delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. Enjoy!