Best 3 California Fried Walnuts Recipes
**California Fried Walnuts: A Sweet and Savory Snack for Any Occasion**
In the realm of snacks, California fried walnuts stand out as a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Originating from the sunny state of California, these walnuts undergo a unique frying process that transforms them into a crispy, addictive treat. Whether you're seeking a quick snack to satisfy your cravings or a sophisticated addition to your party platter, California fried walnuts are sure to impress. This article presents a collection of irresistible recipes, each offering a distinct twist on this classic snack. From a basic honey-glazed variation to more adventurous options incorporating spices like cayenne pepper and chili powder, these recipes cater to a wide range of preferences. You'll also discover a tantalizing bacon-wrapped version that adds an extra layer of savory goodness. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a culinary journey to create these delectable California fried walnuts that will leave you and your loved ones craving more.
5 MINUTE CANDIED WALNUTS
Toss these caramelized walnuts into your salad, over popcorn, or straight into your mouth. Crunch. Crunch. I love this easy method of making the candied nuts where everything goes into the pan at once. Other methods I've tried left me with globs of candy on the nuts rather than a more even coating. It also roasts the nuts at the same time so you don't have to pre-toast them, then add them back to the pan to be coated, blah, blah. Who needs extra steps? It seriously takes about 5 minutes on the stove and 5 minutes to cool. P.S. This recipe can easily be doubled.
Provided by Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Categories Easy
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat, add 1 cup walnuts, 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 Tbsp butter.
- Heat over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently so your mixture doesn't burn (especially towards the end). When the sugar mixture starts melting, stir constantly until all sugar is melted and nuts are coated.
- Transfer immediately onto a sheet of parchment paper and separate the nuts right away. Using two spatulas will make this task go faster. You don't want to give the nuts a chance to turn into a wad of inseparable delicious goodness unless you are the only person who will be enjoying the wad ;). Seriously, move quickly from the time the nuts are coated until they are separated out on the parchment paper.
- Once the coating hardens (5-7 minutes), you can transfer them to a bowl and enjoy!
CHINESE FRIED WALNUTS
I am always asked to bring these walnuts whenever we have a get together with family or friends. They are perfect on tables at a bridal or baby shower, and no one can ever figure out how they are made. Very addicting!
Provided by Valerie
Categories Appetizers and Snacks
Time 45m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place walnuts in a medium stock pot. Cover with water and boil for 2 minutes. Strain, but do not rinse. Transfer to a bowl, and toss with sugar while still hot until well coated.
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. When oil appears to shimmer, fry 1 nut to test for heat. Nut should begin to sizzle immediately. Fry 1/3 batch of nuts at a time for 4 to 5 minutes uncovered. Toss nuts before each batch, and repeat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer each batch to a cookie sheet to cool. Season to taste with salt, and break apart when cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 474 calories, Carbohydrate 21.9 g, Fat 43 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 194.5 mg, Sugar 17.6 g
HONEY WALNUT SHRIMP
Growing up I always saw honey walnut shrimp at Chinese wedding banquets but was never able to eat them due to my nut allergy. Luckily I outgrew the allergy in my early 20s and, consumed with curiosity for this iconic dish, it's one of the first recipes I wanted my mom to share with me. It's considered a special-occasion dish because of the technique and the size of the prawns used. And although the ingredients may seem simple, each component of the dish has a secret. For the walnuts, blanching them before frying is a classic technique Chinese restaurants use; it makes the nut's interior feel light and tender as a contrast to the crunchy candied exterior. For the sauce, the secret is the sweet-tart flavor of pineapple juice; without it the sauce could feel heavy from the mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk. Last but not least, butterflying the shrimp makes them appear larger, giving the dish the impressive look it's known for at Chinese banquets, and coating them in cornstarch creates a light and crisp exterior. I've made this dish numerous times for my family. My mom is glad that she no longer needs to wait for a wedding to enjoy it!
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the walnuts and bring the water back to a full boil. Boil for 3 minutes. Strain the nuts into a colander and shake off excess water. Transfer the blanched pieces to a paper towel-lined plate in an even layer and let them sit until dry to touch, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk the mayonnaise, condensed milk, pineapple juice, honey, vinegar and a pinch of salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Butterfly the shrimp by laying one flat on a cutting board and using a paring knife to slit them down the back from top to tail, cutting deeply but not all the way through. Press down to open the split shrimp up a bit. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining shrimp. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and set aside.
- Rinse out the saucepan the walnuts blanched in and fill it halfway with water. Season the water generously with salt as you would pasta water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli and blanch until bright green and crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Strain into a colander and shake off excess water. Make a ring using the florets on a serving platter and tuck the stem pieces under the florets. Set aside.
- Fill a wok or Dutch oven with about 2 to 3 inches of canola oil. Place over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
- While the oil is heating up, place 1/3 cup water and the sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir until dissolved. Set aside.
- Once the oil reaches 350 degrees F, reduce heat to medium and add the blanched walnuts. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes (don't let them become dark or they will be bitter). Remove with a slotted spoon and place on another paper towel-lined plate and turn the heat off. Sprinkle the walnuts lightly with salt.
- Place a wire rack over a sheet pan. Add the fried walnut pieces to the sugar syrup in the saucepan and stir to coat. Transfer the walnuts with a slotted spoon to the rack and let them dry slightly and set, about 5 minutes.
- Return the oil to medium-high heat and bring back to 350 degrees F. Place the shrimp in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss until each shrimp is fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp (work in two batches if necessary) and fry until they are orangish-pink and the cornstarch coating is almost translucent, about 3 minutes. (For smaller shrimp, see Cook's Note for cooking times.) When cooked through, the shrimp will float to the surface and the bubbling will begin to subside. Transfer the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon into the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Toss until fully coated.
- Place the shrimp in the center of the platter in the broccoli ring. Drizzle any additional sauce over the broccoli florets and shrimp. Scatter candied walnuts around the sides of the plate and on top of the shrimp and broccoli. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use fresh walnuts for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the walnuts in a single layer in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fragrant and golden brown.
- Use a large skillet or wok to fry the walnuts, so that they have plenty of room to move around.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat before adding the walnuts.
- Fry the walnuts for 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Add the seasonings to the walnuts immediately after frying, while they are still hot.
- Store the walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
California fried walnuts are a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to a variety of dishes. They are also a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. With their sweet and savory flavor, these walnuts are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
