Cozy Homemade Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Honey walnut shrimp is a favorite dish that combines Chinese and American flavors.

Panda Express has perfected this tasty recipe, turning a basic seafood meal into something special.

The crispy shrimp covered in a sweet, creamy sauce makes for an irresistible mix of textures and tastes.

Walnuts provide a crunchy, nutty touch that enhances the delicate seafood elements in the dish.

Using restaurant-style cooking methods helps turn simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s both luxurious and comforting.

Fans of seafood and casual diners enjoy this well-loved menu item for its perfect blend of sweetness, richness, and crispiness.

Why Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Is So Good

• Quick and Easy Flavor Explosion: Unleash restaurant-quality shrimp at home with minimal effort and maximum taste.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Master this recipe even without professional culinary skills, with straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results.
• Restaurant Copycat Magic: Recreate a beloved Panda Express dish without expensive takeout, saving money while impressing family and friends.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy crispy battered shrimp complemented by crunchy candied walnuts, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

What’s Needed For Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Walnuts: Crunchy sweet topping that adds texture and nutty flavor, best when fresh and crisp.

• Egg Whites, Cornstarch: Light coating creating crispy exterior for shrimp, provides golden crunch.

• Shrimp: Main protein with delicate seafood flavor, preferably large and fresh with clean, sweet taste.

• Mayonnaise, Honey, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy sweet sauce combining rich and tangy elements, creates signature Panda Express coating.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Water: Helps create glossy sweet walnut coating, brings caramelized flavor.

• Scallions: Fresh green topping adding mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for deep frying shrimp, maintains high heat for crispy texture.

How To Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Easy

Step 1: Create Candied Walnuts

• Water
• Brown sugar

Stir until sugar completely dissolves. Toss in walnuts and cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring each piece gets a glossy caramel coating. Spread walnuts on parchment paper and let cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Crispy Batter

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk egg whites until they become light and frothy. Gradually sprinkle cornstarch while continuously whisking to create a silky smooth batter with no lumps.

Step 3: Fry Golden Shrimp

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Dunk each shrimp into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Carefully place battered shrimp into hot oil and fry in small batches. Cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Honey Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Honey
• Sweetened condensed milk

Whisk ingredients until they blend into a luxurious, smooth sauce.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Gently toss fried shrimp in the honey sauce, ensuring each piece gets an even, delicious coating. Sprinkle candied walnuts on top and garnish with freshly sliced scallions for added color and crunch.

Top Tips For Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Prevent Soggy Batter: Pat shrimp completely dry before battering to ensure a crisp, golden exterior that doesn't become mushy.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350-375°F oil heat for perfectly crispy shrimp without absorbing excess grease.
• Customize Sweetness Level: Adjust honey sauce proportions to create a more tangy or sweeter profile based on personal preference.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free cornstarch to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Prepare Ahead: Candy walnuts and make honey sauce in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce last-minute preparation stress.

How To Keep Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Tasty

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the candied walnuts to keep them crispy.
• Reheating Method: Warm shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture.
• Walnuts Tip: Keep candied walnuts in a separate sealed container at room temperature for maximum crunch. Add them fresh when reheating the shrimp.
• Freshness Warning: Consume reheated shrimp immediately for best taste and texture. Discard if stored longer than recommended to ensure food safety.

What To Serve With Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Zest Up with Citrus White Wine: A crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the dish's richness, complementing the sweet and creamy sauce with bright, refreshing notes.
• Balance with Fragrant Jasmine Rice: Steamed jasmine rice provides a neutral, soft backdrop that absorbs the honey sauce while offering a delicate texture contrast to the crispy shrimp.
• Create Asian-Inspired Veggie Side: Stir-fried bok choy or garlic-sautéed green beans add a light, nutritious element that cleanses the palate between bites of the decadent shrimp.
• Enhance with Cucumber Salad: A cool, tangy cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil provides a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to the sweet and creamy shrimp dish.

Flavor Changes For Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend for batter. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce if included in the recipe.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap out honey and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener. Use almond flour for coating shrimp and reduce cornstarch quantity.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute shrimp with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets. Create egg-free batter using aquafaba or plant-based egg replacer. Use vegan mayonnaise and coconut condensed milk.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the honey mayo mixture. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over candied walnuts for extra heat.

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Answers

• Why do I need to candy the walnuts first?

Candying the walnuts creates a sweet, crunchy coating that adds texture and flavor to the dish, making each bite more interesting and delicious.

• Can I use a different type of seafood instead of shrimp?

While the recipe is specifically designed for shrimp, you could potentially substitute with similar-sized proteins like bay scallops or cubed white fish, though the cooking time might vary slightly.

• Is it important to whisk the egg whites until frothy?

Yes, whisking the egg whites creates a light, airy batter that helps the shrimp achieve a crispy, golden exterior when fried, ensuring a perfect texture.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

The shrimp are done when they turn golden brown and curl slightly, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes per batch. They should look crispy and have a firm texture.

Delectable Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp elevates classic Chinese-American cuisine with crispy golden shrimp and candied walnuts. Delicate seafood meets sweet-savory glaze, creating a restaurant-quality dish perfect for home cooks craving restaurant magic in their kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• ½ pound (0.5 lb/226.8 grams) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Coating and Batter:

• ⅔ cup cornstarch
• 4 egg whites
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Frying:

• ½ cup vegetable oil (for shallow frying)

Candied Walnuts:

• 1 cup walnut halves
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ⅓ cup water
• ⅓ cup brown sugar

Honey Walnut Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

1. Craft caramelized walnuts by melting butter in a small skillet, incorporating water and brown sugar until fully dissolved. Gently fold in walnuts, allowing them to shimmer and glaze for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to parchment paper, enabling complete cooling and crisp texture.
2. Create an airy batter by whisking egg whites until they transform into a light, frothy consistency. Gradually incorporate cornstarch, stirring meticulously to achieve a silky, lump-free mixture.
3. Establish a sizzling environment by heating oil in a spacious skillet over robust medium-high temperature. Delicately immerse each shrimp into the prepared batter, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Fry in strategic batches, rotating periodically to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior with a crisp finish. Extract shrimp and position on absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
4. Construct a luxurious sauce by blending mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture reaches a harmonious, creamy consistency with no visible separation.
5. Culminate the dish by gently enrobing the crisp shrimp in the honey sauce, guaranteeing each morsel receives an elegant coating. Garnish generously with the previously candied walnuts and sprinkle freshly sliced scallions for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Swap cornstarch for gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or potato starch to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Use smaller shrimp for bite-sized appetizers or for easier eating, creating a more manageable portion.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before battering to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Control oil temperature around 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without burning

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg