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If you’ve ever found yourself craving that irresistible sweet and crispy flavor from your favorite takeout, you’re in for a treat. This Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe perfectly captures the magic of that beloved dish right in your own kitchen. Imagine plump, tender shrimp coated in a light, crunchy batter, tossed in a luscious honey-mayo sauce, and topped with perfectly candied walnuts for that delightful crunch and sweetness. This dish is a balance of textures and flavors that feels luxurious yet surprisingly easy to create. Trust me, once you make this at home, you’ll never look at takeout the same way again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive in, let me reassure you: the ingredients for this recipe are simple and straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that iconic flavor and texture. From the shrimp to the candied walnuts, every element adds something special that makes this dish sing.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, fresh shrimp give a juicy, tender bite.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds crispiness and ensures the batter sticks perfectly to the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Lightens up the batter and makes it golden and crunchy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and batter.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Gives just a hint of warmth to balance the sweet sauce.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Keeps the batter light and easy to coat the shrimp evenly.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as a binding agent to hold the batter together nicely.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil essential for that crisp, golden finish on the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup honey: The key sweetener that makes the signature sauce so deliciously sticky and smooth.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a touch of richness to the honey sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk: Intensifies sweetness and gives the sauce a luscious texture.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a hint of acidity, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Rounds out the flavors in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup walnut halves: Provides extra crunch and nutty richness with a beautifully candied coating.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Essential for making that irresistible candy coating on the walnuts.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the sugar and create the syrup for the candied walnuts.
- Pinch of salt (for walnuts): Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor in your candied topping.
How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Make the Candied Walnuts
This is where the magic starts! Combine sugar, water, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Toss in the walnut halves and let them cook for just a few minutes until the syrup thickens and beautifully coats every piece. Remove them and place on parchment paper to cool and harden. These candied walnuts add the perfect sweet crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Batter
In a shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper to create the base of your batter. Then stir in cold water and beaten egg until you get a slightly thick, wonderfully clingy batter. This mixture will coat your shrimp evenly, giving them that crave-worthy crispy texture once fried. Don’t rush this step—getting the right consistency is key!
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp Until Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully dip each shrimp into the batter, then gently lower them into the hot oil a few at a time. Fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn gorgeous golden brown and crunchy. When done, transfer the shrimp onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. The result is shrimp that are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 4: Prepare the Signature Honey Walnut Sauce
Whisk together honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of our Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe—it’s sweet, tangy, and just rich enough to coat the shrimp without overpowering their natural flavor.
Step 5: Toss it All Together
Place your crispy shrimp in a large bowl, drizzle with the luscious honey walnut sauce, and toss gently to make sure every piece is coated evenly. Finally, sprinkle those golden candied walnuts on top and give everything one last light toss to combine all the textures and flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Serve Immediately For Best Flavor
The best part? This dish is ready to enjoy right away. Serve it hot and fresh to savor that addictive crispy exterior with the creamy, sweet sauce and crunchy walnuts in every bite.
How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation, add some extra candied walnuts on top along with a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or a dash of toasted sesame seeds. These simple touches add bursts of color and fresh flavor that complement the rich shrimp perfectly.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or white rice is the absolute perfect partner for this dish—it soaks up every bit of the honey sauce beautifully. For a bit of greenery, serve alongside stir-fried broccoli or sautéed snap peas to balance the sweetness with fresh, crisp veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Try serving your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe in lettuce wraps for a light, crunchy twist or plate it over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette. It also makes a stunning party appetizer when skewered with some candied walnuts for easy grabbing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, store the shrimp and candied walnuts separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will keep fresh for up to two days, but keeping components separate prevents the walnuts from getting soggy.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp—but skip freezing the walnut topping. Freeze shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat the shrimp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the shrimp soggy. Add the candied walnuts fresh after reheating to keep their crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before coating in batter. This helps maintain the crispiness during frying.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk in the sauce?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk on hand, you can use a mixture of heavy cream and sugar, but the texture and sweetness might slightly differ. Adjust to taste for the perfect balance.
How do I prevent the walnuts from getting soggy?
The trick is to make the candied walnuts fresh and store them separately from the shrimp and sauce until you’re ready to serve. This keeps them delightfully crunchy every time.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
You can bake the shrimp for a healthier option, but they won’t be as crispy. To get closer to the fried texture, try baking at a high temperature on a wire rack to allow air circulation.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is sweet and creamy with no heat, making it perfect for those who prefer milder flavors. You can always add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce if you want a little kick.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the iconic Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe into your kitchen is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth every delicious step. With its perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and creamy, this dish is sure to become a new favorite for dinner parties or a special treat on a weeknight. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and dive into the joy of making this irresistible shrimp recipe yourself.
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