If you love that irresistible crunch paired with a luscious sweet coating, you’re in for a treat with this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of crispy shrimp enveloped in a creamy honey sauce and sprinkled with chewy, candied walnuts that add delightful texture and sweetness. This dish combines simple ingredients to create an unforgettable homemade version of a popular restaurant favorite that will wow your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to capturing the true essence of the Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. Each one adds a unique touch—whether it’s the crispiness from the cornstarch batter or the creamy sweetness in the sauce, every element plays a starring role.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The foundation of the dish, shrimp provides sweet and tender seafood flavor.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating when frying the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the batter and add structure to the crispy shell.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the batter and sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Keeps the batter smooth and light.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binder for the batter and contributes to a nice golden color.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Provides the perfect frying medium for crispiness without overpowering flavors.
- 1/4 cup honey: The star of the sauce, delivering that sweet signature taste.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and tang, balancing the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk: Gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture and extra sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh citrus kick.
- Pinch of salt: Perfectly rounds out the sauce flavors.
- 1/2 cup walnut halves: Toasty, crunchy walnuts are candied to add a sweet contrast in texture.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Essential for making the candied walnuts with a shiny, sweet coating.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the sugar and caramelize the walnuts.
How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Make the Candied Walnuts
Start by bringing sugar, water, and a pinch of salt to a gentle simmer in a small saucepan. Stir occasionally and watch as the sugar dissolves into a syrupy glaze. Toss in the walnut halves and cook them for a couple of minutes while stirring, so they become beautifully coated and caramelized. Once glossy and fragrant, spread them out on parchment paper to cool, creating the perfect crunchy, sweet topping for your shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper before adding cold water and the beaten egg. This batter should be a silky, slightly thick consistency that clings to each shrimp perfectly. When dipping the shrimp into this batter, make sure every piece is fully coated for that signature crispiness once fried.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to about 350°F. Carefully slide the battered shrimp in batches, frying them for 2 to 3 minutes each. You’ll know they’re ready once they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crunchy outer shell. Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them light and crisp.
Step 4: Make the Honey Sauce
Whisk together honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until silky and smooth. This dreamy sauce perfectly balances sweetness and tang with a creamy texture that beautifully coats the crispy shrimp.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Place the freshly fried shrimp in a large bowl and generously drizzle the honey sauce on top. Toss gently to ensure every piece is coated in that luscious, sticky goodness. Finish by folding in the candied walnuts so their sweet crunch is evenly distributed, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your homemade Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately over fluffy steamed rice or enjoy it as a show-stopping appetizer. Garnish with extra candied walnuts for an inviting presentation and a bit more crunch!
How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions on the finished dish. These garnishes add a subtle nutty flavor and a pop of color that make your dish look as great as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This shrimp dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve alongside stir-fried veggies or a crisp Asian slaw for a balanced and vibrant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp on a bed of baby spinach or butter lettuce leaves to create individual lettuce wraps. Not only does this presentation add freshness, but it also makes it fun to eat with your hands—perfect for casual gatherings or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and candied walnuts in an airtight container and refrigerate. While best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch, they will keep well for up to 2 days with the sauce stored separately to preserve texture.
Freezing
Because fried shrimp tend to lose their crispiness, freezing is not ideal for the finished dish. However, you can freeze peeled shrimp before cooking if you want to prep ahead, then fry fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To best reheat, gently warm the sauced shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Avoid the microwave as it can make the shrimp soggy. If you have leftover candied walnuts, keep them separate and add them fresh to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before battering to ensure the coating sticks well and crisps up nicely during frying.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, a mix of heavy cream and powdered sugar can work in a pinch, but the rich, creamy sweetness it provides is tough to replicate perfectly.
How do I keep the shrimp crispy after coating with sauce?
To preserve crispiness, toss the shrimp with sauce just before serving rather than letting them sit in it for too long. Also, add the candied walnuts last to avoid losing their crunch.
Can I make the candied walnuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the candied walnuts up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay crunchy and add that distinctive sweet crunch when you’re ready to serve.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
Vegetable oil is ideal because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the shrimp’s natural sweetness and the honey sauce to shine through without imparting any unwanted tastes.
Final Thoughts
This Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe really hits every mark with its perfect blend of crispy shrimp, creamy honey sauce, and sweet candied walnuts. It’s a joy to make, even better to eat, and an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become one of your favorite homemade Chinese-inspired dishes. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones!
Print
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful copycat recipe featuring crispy battered shrimp coated in a luscious honey-mayo glaze and topped with sweet, crunchy candied walnuts. This dish combines sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a crispy texture, perfect for a quick and impressive Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Batter
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Candied Walnuts
- 1/2 cup walnut halves
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the candied walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Add the walnut halves and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the syrup thickens and coats the walnuts. Remove the walnuts and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cold water and beaten egg to form a slightly thick batter. Dip each shrimp into the batter thoroughly coating them.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the dish: Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with the honey sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Add the candied walnuts on top and give everything one final gentle toss to integrate.
- Serve: Serve the honey walnut shrimp immediately over steamed rice or enjoy on its own. Garnish with extra walnuts if desired for added crunch and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained around 350°F for crisp shrimp without excess oil absorption.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to keep shrimp crispy.
- The candied walnuts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the honey to suit your taste.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor, or thaw properly if frozen.
