Honey Walnut Shrimp

 Ingredients

 For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 egg white

Vegetable oil for frying

 For the Candied Walnuts:

1 cup walnuts, halved

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon water

1/4 teaspoon salt

 For the Honey Walnut Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

 Equipment:

Large bowl

Small bowl

Wok or large skillet

Candy thermometer

Parchment paper

Slotted spoon

Serving bowl

 Instructions

 Preparing the Shrimp:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk egg white until frothy.

3. Add shrimp to the flour mixture and toss to coat.

4. Gradually add egg white to the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.

 Candied Walnuts:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

4. Add walnuts to the syrup and coat evenly.

5. Spread walnuts on prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

6. Let cool completely.

 Frying the Shrimp:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet to 375°F (190°C).

2. Carefully add shrimp to hot oil in batches and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Remove shrimp from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

 Making the Honey Walnut Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).

 Assembling the Dish:

1. In a large bowl, combine fried shrimp, candied walnuts, and honey walnut sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions if desired.

 Tips:

For extra crispy shrimp, let the shrimp rest for 15 minutes in the refrigerator after coating it with the flour mixture.

To prevent the sugar syrup from crystallizing while making the candied walnuts, avoid stirring it once it starts to boil.

For a richer flavor, use whole walnuts instead of halved walnuts.

Adjust the sweetness of the honey walnut sauce to your taste by adding more or less honey.

Enjoy your homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp!