Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Craving that crispy, sweet, and savory combo from Panda Express? Well, I’ve got a copycat recipe for you that’s going to take your taste buds straight to flavor town! Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—the crispy shrimp coated in a rich, sweet honey glaze, topped with crunchy, caramelized walnuts. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors that make every bite irresistible. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll never need to hit up Panda Express again!

Why You’ll Love Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

This dish is all about indulgence with a touch of elegance. Here’s why it’s going to become a new favorite:

Sweet and Savory Perfection:

The shrimp are crispy and lightly battered, then bathed in a luscious honey glaze that’s the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The toasted walnuts add a crunchy contrast that elevates every bite.

Quick and Easy:

It’s surprisingly simple to make, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep work. This is a weeknight dinner hero if you’re craving takeout but want to skip the drive-thru.

Restaurant Quality at Home:

No need for delivery when you can make this Panda Express favorite right in your own kitchen. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that’s as delicious as what you’d get at the restaurant.

Customizable:

Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. You can swap the shrimp for chicken if you prefer, or even adjust the honey glaze to make it a bit sweeter or more savory—totally up to you!

Crowd-Pleasing:

This dish is perfect for sharing. It’s a hit with everyone, from kids to adults, and makes a fantastic appetizer for a dinner party or a quick dinner for the family.

Ingredients in Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here’s everything you need to make this sweet and savory delight:

For the Shrimp:

• Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star of the dish. You want them to be plump and juicy, with a crispy coating that holds up well when glazed.
• Cornstarch: For the crispy, light batter that coats the shrimp perfectly.
• Egg: Helps bind the batter together and gives it a nice texture when fried.
• Flour: Works with the cornstarch to create the batter for a crispy finish.
• Baking Powder: Helps give the batter some lift for an extra light and crispy texture.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the batter and the shrimp.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the shrimp to crispy perfection.

For the Honey Glaze:

• Honey: The star of the glaze! Sweet, golden, and sticky—it’s the key to that classic Panda Express flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Gives the glaze a creamy, smooth consistency and a slight tang.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds a touch of extra sweetness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch to elevate the flavor and add depth.
• Lemon Juice: A little splash of fresh lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the honey and adds brightness to the glaze.

For the Walnuts:

• Walnuts: These are lightly toasted to bring out their natural flavor and give them that delicious crunch.
• Sugar: To coat the walnuts and make them caramelized and sweet.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to make this crave-worthy dish? Let’s dive into the steps:

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

• Start by toasting your walnuts. Heat a small pan over medium heat and add the walnuts along with a tablespoon of sugar. Stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes until the walnuts are golden brown and the sugar has caramelized. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

• In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Dip each shrimp into the egg, then coat them in the dry flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the batter sticks.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp from the oil and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking, adding more honey or lemon if needed.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Glaze

• Place the fried shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey glaze over the shrimp and toss gently to coat each shrimp evenly with the creamy, sweet sauce.

Step 6: Add the Walnuts

• Gently fold in the toasted walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the shrimp.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve your delicious Panda Express-inspired honey walnut shrimp immediately! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it with a side of steamed rice or vegetables to complete the meal.

How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

While this dish is amazing on its own, here are a few ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:

Serve with Steamed Rice:

A simple side of steamed jasmine or white rice is the perfect base to soak up that sweet honey glaze.

Pair with Stir-Fried Veggies:

Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are great additions to balance out the richness of the shrimp and add some fresh crunch.

Serve as an Appetizer:

If you’re serving this dish at a party or get-together, it makes a fabulous appetizer. Your guests will love it!

Add a Fresh Salad:

A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the rich, sweet flavors of the shrimp. Try a simple cucumber or avocado salad for a fresh contrast.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your Honey Walnut Shrimp even better:

Use Fresh Shrimp:

If possible, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen. Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture.

Make the Sauce in Advance:

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the honey glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:

Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Keep the Walnuts Fresh:

For extra crunch, make sure your walnuts are freshly toasted. If you have any leftover toasted walnuts, they make a great snack or topping for salads and desserts!

Adjust the Sweetness:

You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze to suit your personal preference. Add more honey if you like it sweeter or more lemon juice for a tangier flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the recipe)

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 22g (34% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (15% DV)
• Cholesterol: 125mg (42% DV)
• Sodium: 470mg (20% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g (9% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 17g
• Vitamin A: 4% DV
• Vitamin C: 2% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut?

A1: Yes, you can substitute walnuts with cashews or almonds if you prefer. Just be sure to toast them until golden for that perfect crunch.

Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A2: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before frying to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A3: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the honey glaze and toast the walnuts ahead of time. Fry the shrimp just before serving.

Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?

A4: If you love spice, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the honey glaze for a sweet and spicy kick!

Q5: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

A5: Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative or use a vegan mayo to keep the dish dairy-free.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp in a skillet to retain its crispiness, but the walnuts may lose their crunch.

Q7: Can I make the shrimp ahead of time?

A7: You can fry the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before glazing.

Q8: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

A8: Yes, you can use chicken breast or thighs in place of shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Q9: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

A9: If you’re not into honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness.

Q10: How can I make the batter extra crispy?

A10: For an extra crispy texture, add a little bit of rice flour to the batter or double dip the shrimp in the flour mixture before frying.

Conclusion

Making Panda Express-style Honey Walnut Shrimp at home is easier than you think, and it tastes even better than takeout! This dish combines crispy shrimp, a sweet and creamy glaze, and crunchy walnuts for the ultimate flavor experience. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, it’s sure to impress. So go ahead—bring the restaurant home with this deliciously sweet and savory dish!

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