walnut shrimp

17 Pinches 6 Photos
Piney Flats, TN
Updated on Jun 22, 2017

I took a summer culinary arts class one day several years ago and the owner/chef (Benny Linn) of the Pagoda Chinese Restaurant in North Pole, Alaska taught us to make some of his world-famous dishes. It was also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives many years ago. This is listed as an appetizer for $18.95, but I love it so much, that I order this as my main meal. Oh my goodness, I know there are a lot of steps, but I promise, you will love this recipe!

prep time 30 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Deep Fry
yield Depends, if an appetizer 3-4 if a main meal 2

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds shrimp (21-25) (i like the big ones, peeled and deveined
  • - vegetable oil for deep frying
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • CANDIED WALNUTS:
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons karo light syrup
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • WALNUT SHRIMP SAUCE:
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • GARNISH: (BLANCHED)
  • 1 cup carrots, julliened
  • 1 cup broccoli florets

How To Make walnut shrimp

  • Shrimp comes out super crispy after deep frying.
    Step 1
    Boil shrimp/prawns until they turn pink, drain and put in a bowl. Toss cooked shrimp with cornstarch. IMPORTANT: The oil needs to be over 400 degrees F and deep fry a few at a time. This makes your shrimp super crispy.
  • Candy the walnuts in a wok and remove to a bowl.
    Step 2
    In a wok, heat vegetable oil. Mix together the walnuts, karo syrup, honey. Add to the oil in the wok and slow cook until the walnuts have absorbed the liquid (they are "candied"). Set aside in a bowl.
  • Step 3
    Heat oil in deep fryer to 350 and, using a heat-safe colander, add walnuts a few at a time to cook ONLY 1 minute while stirring. Remove to a cookie sheet and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • I love this sauce!  You may want to adjust your ingredients to your liking.
    Step 4
    In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, mayo, salt, lime juice and 1/2 and 1/2 to make a dipping consistency. Whisk together, taste and adjust as needed.
  • Step 5
    Combine the shrimp, walnuts and sauce. Transfer to a nice serving platter.
  • Step 6
    Cook carrots and broccoli just until tender. (This is more of a garnish) Top the shrimp, walnuts and sauce with this.

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