Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Who doesn’t love a little indulgence every now and then? If you’ve ever been to Panda Express, you know their Honey Walnut Shrimp is the star of the show. The crispy shrimp, coated in a rich and creamy honey sauce, paired with crunchy caramelized walnuts—it’s pure perfection in every bite. Trust me, you’re about to fall head over heels for this dish once you make it at home. And the best part? It’s easier than you think to recreate this restaurant favorite in your very own kitchen. Get ready for a delicious, sweet and savory adventure!

Why You’ll Love Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy shrimp and the sweet, nutty honey sauce. Here’s why this dish is a must-try:

• Crispy & Light: The shrimp are perfectly battered, crisped up in hot oil, and just melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Sweet & Savory: The honey sauce gives the dish a beautiful balance of sweet and savory that’s totally addictive.
• Impressive Yet Easy: While this dish feels like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant, it’s super simple to make at home with just a few ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just for yourself (hey, no judgment here!), it’s guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who tries it.

Ingredients

Ready to cook up a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance? Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp

The star of the dish! Make sure to buy large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. These little guys will soak up all that beautiful honey sauce.

Cornstarch & Flour

The perfect combination for the batter. Cornstarch helps the shrimp get extra crispy while flour provides the structure. Together, they create a light and crunchy coating.

Eggs

Helps bind the batter to the shrimp, giving it that golden, crispy texture when fried.

Vegetable Oil

For frying. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil. This will give you that perfect crispy exterior without burning the shrimp.

Honey

The sweet component of the sauce. You’ll need a good quality honey to get that rich, natural sweetness that makes this dish so irresistible.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Gives the sauce its creamy texture and a little extra sweetness to balance out the honey.

Mayonnaise

Adds richness to the sauce, making it creamy and smooth.

Walnuts

For that delightful crunch! Toasted walnuts are coated in sugar to add a sweet crunch to every bite.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a Panda Express:

Toast the Walnuts

Start by toasting the walnuts in a small pan over medium heat. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Once toasted, add a little sugar and stir until the walnuts are coated. Set them aside.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip the shrimp into the egg, then coat them in the cornstarch-flour mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Fry the Shrimp

Heat the oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the coated shrimp in, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, sweetened condensed milk, and mayonnaise. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. This sauce is what brings the dish together—creamy, sweet, and totally addictive.

Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce

Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl. Pour the honey sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Be careful not to break the crispy batter as you toss!

Serve with Walnuts

Top the shrimp with the toasted, sugary walnuts and give it a final toss. Serve hot and enjoy every crispy, creamy bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Steamed Rice: Serve the honey walnut shrimp over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up that creamy sauce.
• Vegetables: A side of stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli adds a nice, healthy balance to the richness of the shrimp.
• Spring Rolls: For a bit of extra crunch, pair this dish with some crispy spring rolls as an appetizer or side.

Additional Tips

Here are some pro tips to make sure your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out perfect:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work, but make sure to thaw frozen shrimp properly before cooking.
• Make the Sauce Ahead: If you want to save some time, you can make the honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
• Toast the Walnuts: Be careful when toasting the walnuts—they can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them while they’re in the pan.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different nut instead of walnuts?
A1: Yes! You can swap the walnuts for almonds, cashews, or even pecans. Just be sure to toast them for that perfect crunch.

Q2: Can I make this dish without frying?
A2: Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter version. While it won’t be as crispy as the fried version, it’ll still be delicious!

Q3: Can I make the honey sauce ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q4: What if I can’t find sweetened condensed milk?
A4: If you can’t find sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with regular milk and sugar, though the flavor may be slightly different.

Q5: Can I make this dish with chicken instead of shrimp?
A5: Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast. Just cook the chicken thoroughly before tossing it in the sauce.

Q6: Can I freeze leftovers?
A6: It’s best to eat this dish fresh, but if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispiness.

Q7: How do I get the shrimp extra crispy?
A7: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp—around 350°F. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become soggy.

Q8: How do I store the walnuts?
A8: Keep the toasted walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Q10: How do I make the sauce less sweet?
A10: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or sweetened condensed milk. You can also add a dash of soy sauce to balance out the sweetness.

Conclusion

Making Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at home is so much easier than you think, and it’s every bit as delicious as the version you’d order at the restaurant. Crispy shrimp, creamy honey sauce, and toasted walnuts—it’s a flavor combination that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy!

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