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Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

Scale

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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