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Keto Honey Walnut Shrimp: Your Ultimate Low-Carb Takeout Alternative

Craving the sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness of honey walnut shrimp without the guilt of excess sugar and carbs? Look no further! This incredible keto honey walnut shrimp recipe is your perfect solution. It transforms a beloved Chinese takeout classic into a low-carb masterpiece, featuring succulent shrimp coated in a sugar-free honey sauce and adorned with irresistibly crunchy candied walnuts. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals and impress your taste buds with this healthy and flavorful dish.

The Irresistible Allure of Keto Honey Walnut Shrimp

Once you experience the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this dish, it will quickly become a recurring craving. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked and lightly breaded, mingling with the satisfying crunch of candied walnuts. These elements are then generously coated in a luscious, sweet, and tangy sugar-free honey sauce. The interplay of nutty, salty, and sweet notes creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience that rivals any restaurant version, all while adhering to your ketogenic lifestyle.

What makes this recipe truly special is the homemade keto candied walnuts. Not only do they add a delightful textural contrast and depth of flavor to the shrimp, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can easily make an extra batch to sprinkle over your favorite chopped salads for a sweet and nutty topping, or simply enjoy them as a satisfying low-carb snack whenever a sweet craving strikes. They’re a fantastic addition to your keto pantry!

Choosing the Best Keto Honey for Your Sauce

The secret to achieving that authentic sweet honey flavor without the sugar lies in using a high-quality sugar-free honey substitute. For the creamy, dreamy sauce, we combine a keto-friendly mayonnaise with a touch of heavy whipping cream and, of course, the star ingredient: sugar-free honey. I highly recommend two brands that consistently deliver an authentic honey taste and texture, ensuring your sauce is both delicious and sticky:

Wholesome Yum Keto Honey: Known for its natural honey flavor and excellent consistency, making it a favorite among keto enthusiasts.
Nature’s Hollow Keto Honey: Another fantastic option that captures the essence of traditional honey, perfect for sauces and dressings.

These keto honey alternatives allow you to enjoy the classic sweetness without derailing your low-carb goals. If you find yourself captivated by the delightful combination of keto honey and shrimp, you might also love exploring other unique flavor profiles. For a slightly spicy yet irresistibly sweet twist, be sure to try my Keto Honey Old Bay Shrimp recipe next!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp

When crafting a meal around a sweet dish like Keto Honey Walnut Shrimp, the key to a balanced and satisfying experience is to pair it with something savory or salty. This creates a wonderful contrast that enhances all the flavors on your plate. This shrimp dish pairs exceptionally well with various low-carb Asian-inspired recipes, transforming your kitchen into a delicious keto takeout spot.

Consider starting your meal with a comforting bowl of Keto Naked Wonton Soup. Its light, savory broth and tender filling offer a perfect prelude to the richer flavors of the shrimp.

For a complete and satisfying main course, add a side of Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice. This flavorful and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional fried rice beautifully complements the sweet shrimp. If you’re a fan of noodles and miss their texture on a keto diet, then whip up some Low-Carb Chicken Zoodle Lo Mein. The spiralized zucchini noodles provide a fantastic low-carb noodle experience that pairs wonderfully with the honey walnut shrimp. Other simple side dishes like steamed broccoli, stir-fried asparagus, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also make excellent choices.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Shrimp is a wonderfully versatile and quick-cooking seafood, but a few simple tips can ensure you achieve the best results every time, especially when preparing this Keto Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Thawing Frozen Shrimp Properly:
Never use the microwave to thaw frozen shrimp, as it can lead to rubbery, unevenly cooked results. Instead, plan ahead by placing your frozen shrimp in a colander in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, transfer the frozen shrimp to a sealed bag and run cold tap water over the bag until they are fully thawed. Avoid using warm or hot water, as the shrimp can absorb the water, becoming mushy and losing their firm texture.

The Importance of Deveining:
Always opt for pre-deveined shrimp if possible. While slightly more expensive, the convenience is often worth it. Deveining involves removing the shrimp’s digestive tract, which can sometimes contain sand or mud, affecting both the taste and texture. If you buy shrimp that isn’t deveined, a quick cut along the back with a paring knife and a rinse under cold water will do the trick.

Avoid Overcooking:
Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, and overcooking is a common mistake that leads to tough, rubbery shrimp. Keep a close eye on them; they are done when they turn pink and opaque. For absolute precision, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – shrimp only needs to reach 120°F (49°C). A batch typically takes just 1-2 minutes per side to cook through.

Meal Prep & Storage: Keeping Your Shrimp Fresh

One of the many benefits of this Keto Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is its suitability for meal prepping. Cooked shrimp will stay fresh and delicious in an airtight food storage container in the refrigerator for approximately three to four days. This makes it an ideal option for healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. For a complete grab-and-go meal, consider pairing it with a portion of the keto cauliflower fried rice when storing.

The homemade candied walnuts also have a good shelf life. Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, they will remain crunchy and fresh for about a week. However, in my experience, they tend to disappear much faster than that!

Keto Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightfully low-carb and flavor-packed keto honey walnut shrimp. Follow these detailed steps to create a dish that will become a staple in your keto repertoire.

Recipe at a Glance:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch (for shrimp)
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: Approximately 4 net carbs per serving

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
Oil for frying (avocado oil or coconut oil recommended for keto)
1 cup Almond flour
1/4 tsp Garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large Egg
2 tbsp Heavy whipping cream
Chopped green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish

For the Keto Candied Walnuts:

1 cup Water
1/2 cup Swerve Granulated Sugar Substitute (or other keto-friendly granular sweetener)
1/2 cup Chopped walnuts

For the Keto Honey Walnut Shrimp Sauce:

1/4 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat, sugar-free)
2 tbsp Sugar-free honey substitute
2 tbsp Heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

Prepare Breading Mixture: Place the almond flour into a shallow bowl or plate. Stir in the garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a well-seasoned coating.
Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the large egg and heavy whipping cream until well combined. This will act as the binder for the almond flour.
Heat Oil: Heat enough oil for shallow frying (about 1/2 inch) in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking.
Bake and Fry Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat it in the almond flour mixture. Carefully add the coated shrimp to the heated oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook Shrimp: Fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (pink and opaque). Be careful not to overcook.
Drain Shrimp: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with any remaining shrimp.
Prepare Candied Walnuts: While the shrimp is cooking, combine the water and Swerve granulated sugar substitute in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
Coat Walnuts: Add the chopped walnuts to the sugar mixture and boil for 2 minutes, ensuring they are well coated. Using a slotted spoon, remove the walnuts and spread them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate to cool and crisp up.
Prepare for Sauce: Discard the oil from the skillet (carefully!) and return the cooked shrimp to the clean skillet or a large mixing bowl.
Make the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free honey, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and creamy.
Combine and Garnish: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.
Serve: Garnish generously with the crunchy candied walnuts, fresh chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving immediately. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

Calories: Approximately 253 kcal per serving
Net Carbs: Approximately 4 Net Carbs Per Serving

The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site, as values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

More Keto Shrimp Recipes to Explore

If you thoroughly enjoyed the sticky-sweet and utterly satisfying flavors of this keto honey walnut shrimp recipe, you’re in for a treat! Shrimp is a fantastic protein for a keto diet due to its low carb count and versatility. Here are some more incredibly delicious and light keto shrimp recipes you should definitely try next to keep your meal plans exciting:

Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp
Keto Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi
Spicy Keto Shrimp Stir-fry
Creamy Keto Coconut Curry Shrimp

These recipes offer a variety of flavor profiles, ensuring your keto journey is always full of delicious discoveries!

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