EASY Chinese Candied Walnuts (Baked)
User Reviews
5
EASY Chinese Candied Walnuts (Baked)
Description
The recipe starts by boiling walnut halves in water for several minutes to reduce their natural bitterness, which allows less sugar to be used in the final dish. After draining, the walnuts are coated immediately with a mixture of sugar, vegetable oil, white sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt (optional) while still warm, helping the sugar adhere and partially melt.
The nuts are then spread out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and baked at 350°F. The walnuts are shaken halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning. The final product is crunchy with a balanced sweet and slightly salty flavor complemented by the toasted sesame seeds.
These candied walnuts make a tempting snack or a garnish for salads and desserts. They can also be made with pecans as a 1:1 substitute for walnuts, but almonds are not recommended due to their sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups walnuts Ideally walnut halves, if not walnut pieces work too, shelled
- 3½ Tablespoons sugar Brown or white work.
- 1½ Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon white sesame seeds untested
- prinkle salt Omit if you don't like sweet-and-salty snacks.
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 F/ 177C/ 157C with fan.
Reducing the bitterness of the walnuts
- Boil 2 Cups of walnuts in a small pot of water for 3-4 minutes. (You just need enough water to cover the nuts.) Reducing the bitterness will reduce the amount of sugar you need to add, making the snack healthier.
- Use a slotted spoon or sieve the walnuts.
Baking the Nuts
- Place the walnuts on a baking sheet (covered with parchment paper.) Immediately place 3.5 Tablespoons of sugar, 1.5 Tablespoon of oil, 1 Tablespoon white sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt on the walnuts.
- Immediately massage the sugar, oil, and salt into the nuts till the sugar has semi-dissolved, then spread the nuts over the parchment paper in a single layer.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven (once it's reached 350 F/ 177C/ 157C with fan.)
- Bake for 10 minutes, then use oven gloves to carefully remove the tray, give it a shake, turn it around, then return it to the oven. (The walnuts should still be in one layer.) Basically, the part of the tray that was in front should now be at the back of the oven and vice versa. Note: if you don't want the nuts to stick together, make sure they're not touching when you bake them!
- Bake for 10 more minutes, or till golden brown. (It can take up to 10 more minutes to get it nice and golden.)
- Allow to cool then store in an airtight container.
Notes
- You may substitute walnuts with pecans in equal amounts, but almonds are not recommended as they have a sweeter flavor that affects the final taste.
- The noted nutritional information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1918 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 1918kcal | 96% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 177g | 272% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 124g | 729% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 27g | 135% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 6mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 1070mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 17g | 68% |
| Sugar | 48g | 96% |
| Vitamin A | 48IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 308mg | 31% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
