If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing that perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and savory shrimp at home, you’re in for a treat with this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. This dish effortlessly combines golden, crispy shrimp with a luscious honey-mayo glaze and perfectly candied walnuts that add a satisfying crunch. It’s a restaurant-quality delight that feels both indulgent and fresh, and I can’t wait to share the step-by-step magic with you so you can enjoy it anytime in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for creating that irresistible flavor and texture combination of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe. Each element plays its part—from the crisp batter coating the shrimp to the creamy honey glaze and the glossy, crunchy walnuts that crown the dish.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Adds crispiness to the batter that fries up perfectly.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch to create the light, crispy coating.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor in both batter and sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Provides a subtle hint of spice to balance sweetness.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Keeps the batter at just the right consistency.
- 1 egg, beaten: Binds the batter for a smooth coating.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures the shrimp crisp up beautifully without absorbing excess oil.
- 1/4 cup honey: The sweet heart of the honey-walnut glaze.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk: Brings a velvety sweetness that balances the tartness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce, cutting through the richness.
- Pinch of salt: Rounds out the flavors in the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup walnut halves: For the signature candied walnuts that add crunch and nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens and helps create the candy coating on the walnuts.
- 2 tablespoons water: Necessary for dissolving sugar into syrup for the walnuts.
How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Make the Candied Walnuts
Start by creating those irresistible candied walnuts that perfectly complement the tender shrimp. In a small saucepan, gently simmer sugar, water, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens. Toss in the walnut halves, cooking them for a few minutes until they are gleaming and cloaked in sticky sweetness. Let them cool on parchment paper—this little treat is pure magic for your taste buds.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Batter
Next up, let’s prepare the batter that will transform your shrimp into golden little pillows of crunch. Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper, then stir in cold water and the beaten egg. This batter should be just thick enough to coat each shrimp evenly without dripping too much. The blend is simple but essential for that perfect crispy texture.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok until it reaches that ideal 350°F (175°C) frying temperature. Carefully dip each shrimp into your batter, then slide it gently into the hot oil. Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil. The smell at this stage is incredibly inviting—your kitchen will feel like a top-tier restaurant.
Step 4: Make the Honey Sauce
While the shrimp rest, whip up the luscious honey sauce by whisking together honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and that pinch of salt. This creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce is what transforms the dish, wrapping each shrimp in a glossy, delicious coat.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
In a spacious bowl, toss your crispy shrimp with the honey sauce, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over as you give everything one final, gentle toss. This step is where flavors, textures, and aromas combine perfectly to create that signature Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe experience.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp are now ready to shine. Serve immediately, ideally over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or simply by itself if you want to keep it light and snappy. The combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy in every bite is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra candied walnuts on top adds that perfect finishing crunch and a little visual flair. For a fresh pop, consider a bit of finely chopped green onion or a few sprigs of cilantro, which brighten the dish beautifully and add a hint of herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic pairing that helps soak up the honey-mayo sauce, balancing the richness with softness. For some added texture and color, you could serve this with a simple cucumber salad or a vibrant stir-fried vegetable medley to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a fun twist? Serve the shrimp in small lettuce cups with a drizzle of sauce and some candied walnuts as a party appetizer. Or arrange them on a platter with edible flowers and fresh herbs for an elegant dinner table centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the shrimp and candied walnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, though for best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy the dish fresh.
Freezing
Because of the crispy batter and the delicate honey-mayo sauce, freezing isn’t recommended for this dish. The shrimp may lose their crunch, and the sauce can separate upon thawing, so it’s best to make just the right amount or enjoy leftovers cold or reheated briefly.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer to crisp up the batter again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the shrimp soggy. Add the sauce and walnuts fresh after reheating to maintain that perfect texture and flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them completely dry before battering and frying to ensure they get that perfect crisp without excess moisture.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and double-check that your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free. The batter might be a bit different in texture but still delicious.
Can I make the candied walnuts ahead of time?
Definitely. Candied walnuts keep well in an airtight container for several days at room temperature, so you can prepare them in advance to save time.
What other nuts can I use if I don’t have walnuts?
Pecans or almonds can be candied similarly and provide a lovely crunch. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since different nuts have different moisture levels.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! The sweet honey sauce and crispy shrimp are usually a hit with kids, but if you’re serving very young children, you might want to chop the walnuts finely to avoid any choking hazard.
Final Thoughts
Making the Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience that brings a little bit of that favorite takeout into your kitchen with fresh ingredients and a personal touch. It’s a dish that looks fancy but comes together easily and tastes spectacular every single time. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to for impressing friends, family, or just treating yourself to something truly delicious.
Print
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe features crispy, golden battered shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy honey sauce, topped with crunchy homemade candied walnuts. Ready in 30 minutes, it delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors reminiscent of the popular Chinese-American dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp Batter and Frying
- 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)
Honey 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 the walnuts are evenly coated. Remove walnuts and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.
- Prepare the shrimp batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in cold water and beaten egg to form a slightly thick batter. Dip each shrimp into the batter ensuring full coverage.
- Fry the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Carefully add battered shrimp in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the honey sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the dish: Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle the honey sauce over them. Gently toss to coat each shrimp evenly. Sprinkle the candied walnuts on top and toss once more to combine all flavors and textures.
- Serve: Serve immediately, either on its own or over steamed rice. Optionally garnish with extra candied walnuts for added crunch.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is around 350°F for perfect frying; too hot will burn shrimp, too cool will make them greasy.
- Batter consistency should be slightly thick to cling well to shrimp.
- Allow candied walnuts to cool completely to harden and become crisp.
- This dish is best served immediately to retain shrimp crispiness.
- For a lighter version, walnuts can be toasted without candying.
