Walnut shrimp is a luxurious dish featuring crispy, lightly fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet sauce and topped with candied walnuts. Though inspired by Cantonese cuisine, it was created in the 20th century, likely in Hong Kong or Chinese-American restaurants, as chefs began incorporating mayonnaise and sweet glazes into traditional seafood dishes. The combination of crunchy walnuts, tender shrimp, and rich sauce highlights the creativity and fusion of flavors that define modern Cantonese and Chinese-American cooking.