Description
This Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a copycat recipe that recreates the sweet and savory flavor of the popular dish! Crispy shrimp are coated in a luscious honey sauce and topped with candied walnuts for a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. This dish is perfect for special occasions, or when you’re craving takeout at home.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 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)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
For the 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 it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the walnut halves and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the syrup thickens and the walnuts are coated.
Remove the walnuts from the saucepan and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. -
Prepare the shrimp:
In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cold water and beaten egg to make a batter. It should be slightly thick.
Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. -
Fry the shrimp:
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot (around 350°F/175°C), carefully drop the battered shrimp into the oil, a few at a time, frying them for about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. -
Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. -
Assemble the dish:
Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle the honey sauce over them, tossing gently to coat.
Add the candied walnuts on top, and give the shrimp one final toss to combine everything. -
Serve:
Serve immediately over steamed rice or enjoy on its own! Garnish with extra walnuts if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes instead of frying.
- For an extra touch, you can add a few drops of sesame oil to the sauce for a subtle, nutty flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save on preparation time, though the batter and frying part really adds to the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 29
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 185mg