For New Year’s Eve last year, we decided to make a Chinese feast at home—it’s something my family has done for years. The only difference is we did takeout growing up and now living in Europe, Asian restaurant options are awful in our location and there is no takeout near our house. One of the dishes we tried making ourselves (and now can’t stop making) was Honey Walnut Shrimp, a Chinese takeout classic that’s surprisingly easy to recreate in your own kitchen. This version makes shrimp with a light, crispy batter, sweet candied walnuts, and a creamy sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness.

If you’ve ever ordered this dish from a restaurant, you know how good it can be. What surprised me was just how simple it is to make at home. We’ve tried a few different methods, but this one is the clear winner. The shrimp are lightly fried, and the sauce comes together in seconds. Even better, this dish is so satisfying that you’ll wonder why you’ve ever ordered it for takeout.