Jolie’s Honey Walnut Shrimp

• 1 cup whole walnuts
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 star anise
• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Fried Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt, to taste
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil, for frying

1. Make the sauce: Mix the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Whisk until creamy and fully combined.
2. Prepare the walnuts: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Wash and drain the walnuts and place them into a small pot. Add brown sugar, water, salt, and star anise. Bring the water to a boil, turn the heat down to medium, and stir constantly. Keep cooking until the sauce has evaporated. Turn off the heat and remove the star anise. Place the walnuts evenly on a baking tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.  Keep a close eye on it so they don’t burn. Place the baked walnuts on a plate and sprinkle on the sesame seeds.
3. Fry the shrimp: Place the shrimp in a bowl, sprinkle with the salt, and gently stir to coat the shrimp. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. In a third bowl or plate, place the cornstarch. Dredge each shrimp into the egg whites, and then roll in the cornstarch until coated.
4. Fill a skillet with oil to about 2 inches deep; heat over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp until they are golden and crispy; remove and place the shrimp on a plate lined with paper towels.
5. IPlate the shrimp, drizzle on the sauce, and sprinkle on the candied walnuts. Serve immediately.