Get ready to bring restaurant magic to your own kitchen with this irresistible Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp! This dish’s crispy golden shrimp, tossed in a sweet and tangy honey-mayo glaze with crunchy candied walnuts, is simply heaven on a plate. I’ve tested and perfected every step so you can enjoy a spot-on takeout favorite without leaving the comfort of home. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or a dinner party showstopper, you’ll absolutely love how the flavors and textures come together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to create this show-stopping dish with just a handful of everyday ingredients! Each one adds something truly special, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or a touch of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a thing.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star—pick fresh or thawed for the best bite.
- Candied walnuts: Crunchy, sweet, and absolutely essential for that classic Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp finish.
- Mayonnaise: This is your creamy base for the signature honey glaze.
- Honey: Sweet and sticky, it perfectly balances the tang and creaminess.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Just a touch turns the sauce rich and silky—don’t skip this, trust me!
- Cornstarch: Helps the shrimp get that ultra-light, crisp coating without weighing them down.
- Large egg whites: Whipped until frothy, they anchor the cornstarch and give the shrimp an airy crunch.
- Vegetable oil: For deep frying—choose a neutral oil so the sweet flavors really shine.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors in the dish—season to your liking.
- Green onions (optional): Fresh and snappy, they make a beautiful finishing touch for both taste and presentation.
How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Step 1: Make the Sweet Honey Sauce
Kick things off by creating the luscious glaze that sets Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp apart. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until completely smooth. Don’t be afraid if it tastes a little sweet now! It magically balances out once it’s tossed with the crispy shrimp and walnuts. Set this sauce aside—you’ll want it ready to go when the shrimp are piping hot.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp Coating
Grab two bowls: In one, add your egg whites and beat them until they’re nice and frothy. This is the secret to that irresistible texture. In another, pile in the cornstarch. Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels, then dip them first into the egg whites, letting the excess drip off, and then toss each piece thoroughly in the cornstarch. This double-dipping guarantees the epic crunch.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, and heat it to 350°F. Working in batches, carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil, frying for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and deliciously crispy. Use a slotted spoon to move shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels so any extra oil can drain away. Try not to crowd the pan—working in batches keeps things extra crunchy.
Step 4: Toss and Finish
Now comes the moment where it all comes together! In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh-from-the fryer shrimp. Drizzle over your honey mayo sauce and sprinkle in the candied walnuts. Gently toss until everything is beautifully coated—the sauce should cling to each shrimp in a glossy, creamy layer that looks as legendary as it tastes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
For the picture-perfect finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. Serve your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp while it’s still hot and crispy for maximum wow factor!
How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Garnishes
A generous scattering of extra candied walnuts and a handful of thinly sliced green onions really seal the deal! Both add visual appeal and a final layer of texture. If you want to go the extra mile, a twist of fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of black sesame seeds can make your plate look straight out of a fancy restaurant.
Side Dishes
This Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is totally craveable all on its own, but pairing it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or even fried rice turns it into a truly satisfying meal. For a lighter touch, try a crisp Asian-style slaw or some stir-fried veggies to balance the sweetness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Set out lettuce leaves for an interactive, DIY lettuce cup situation—so fun for parties! Or pile the shrimp over a bed of buttery noodles for a decadent twist. Serving individual portions on small appetizer plates turns this into a fancy starter for a dinner with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), store the Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, try to keep the sauce separate from the shrimp and walnuts if possible—you’ll get closer to that just-cooked crispiness when reheating.
Freezing
While this dish is at its best freshly made, you can freeze the cooked, un-sauced shrimp in a sealed freezer bag for up to two months. Avoid freezing the sauce or walnuts—they tend to change in texture and flavor after thawing.
Reheating
To bring your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp back to its glorious self, reheat the shrimp in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy. Warm the sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then toss everything together just before serving. Skip the microwave for the shrimp alone—they’ll lose their crunch!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw and pat the shrimp very dry before coating and frying for the best possible crispiness. Frozen shrimp are super convenient and work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I make the walnuts extra crunchy?
For the crispiest walnuts, bake them after candying until they’re golden but not too dark—about 10–12 minutes at 350°F. Let them cool completely before adding to the dish for the perfect sweet crunch.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
If you want a lighter version, you can bake the coated shrimp on a rack at 400°F for around 12–15 minutes, flipping once. The result won’t be quite as crispy as frying, but the flavors of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp will still shine through!
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt can step in for a lighter sauce, or try a vegan mayo for an egg-free version. The texture will be a bit different, but the signature sweet-tangy flavor can still be achieved.
What type Main Course
Stick with a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These let the flavors of your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp really come through without any off-notes.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe a whirl soon—it’s pure comfort, celebration, and a hint of kitchen adventure all in one. Each bite gives you the punchy flavors and textures we all love about the classic takeout dish, made even better because you crafted it yourself. Gather your ingredients and dig in!
Print
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious replica of the popular restaurant dish. Crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet honey mayo sauce and candied walnuts make for a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- salt (to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts
- green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Beat egg whites until frothy. Toss shrimp in egg whites, then coat with cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry shrimp in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Coat Shrimp: Toss fried shrimp with honey sauce and candied walnuts in a large bowl.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can make candied walnuts by simmering walnut halves in a simple syrup for 2–3 minutes, then baking until golden.
- Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
