Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe at Home Tonight

Crispy golden shrimp dance with a delightful honey walnut shrimp recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Restaurants often charge premium prices for this delectable dish.

Sweet and crunchy textures combine in a way that surprises and delights.

Chefs secretly know the magic lies in perfectly balanced coating and glazing techniques.

Home cooking becomes an adventure with these simple yet impressive steps.

Nutty walnuts add a surprising crunch that elevates every single bite.

Ingredients for Sweet and Crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that serves as the protein base of this classic Panda Express dish.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that provide a sweet, candied texture and nutty flavor to the recipe.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that creates a glossy, rich coating for the shrimp.

• Egg Whites: Light, airy ingredient that helps create a crispy exterior for the shrimp.
• Cornstarch: Powdery starch that ensures a light and crisp coating on the fried shrimp.

• Mayonnaise, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy ingredients that contribute to the sauce's smooth and rich consistency.
• Butter, Brown Sugar, Water: Key components for candying the walnuts and creating a sweet, glossy coating.
• Scallions: Fresh green onions that add a bright, sharp garnish to the finished dish.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for deep-frying the battered shrimp.

How to Make Panda Express Style Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Create Candied Walnuts

Grab a small saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Pour in water and brown sugar, stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves.

Add walnuts and let them dance in the mixture for 2-3 minutes until they’re beautifully coated and shiny. Spread the walnuts on parchment paper to cool and crisp up.

Step 2: Whip Up Light Batter

Take egg whites and whisk them until they become light and frothy. Gradually sprinkle in cornstarch while continuing to whisk, creating a silky smooth batter that will give the shrimp a delicate, crispy coating.

Step 3: Fry Crispy Shrimp

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Dunk each shrimp into the batter, ensuring complete coverage.

Carefully lower the battered shrimp into the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.

Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Honey Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Honey
• Sweetened condensed milk

Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Gently toss the crispy fried shrimp in the honey sauce, making sure each piece gets a perfect coating. Sprinkle the candied walnuts on top and garnish with freshly sliced scallions for a pop of color and flavor.

Pro Tips to Perfect Your Shrimp Dish

• Use a non-stick pan to prevent sugar from burning and ensure even coating for glossy, crunchy nuts.
• Whisk egg whites until they form soft peaks to create a light, airy coating that makes shrimp extra crispy.
• Maintain oil at 350-375°F for golden, crisp shrimp without absorbing excess oil – use a thermometer for precision.
• Adjust honey and condensed milk ratios to control sweetness, adding a touch of rice vinegar for balanced flavor complexity.
• Plate shrimp immediately after coating to preserve crispiness and prevent soggy texture from sitting too long.

Variations to Switch Up Your Honey Walnut Shrimp

• Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the honey sauce for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty seafood experience.
• Coconut Crunch Walnut Shrimp: Replace some cornstarch with shredded coconut in the batter for added texture and tropical flavor that enhances the original dish.
• Lemon Herb Walnut Shrimp: Mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley and thyme into the batter, and add lemon zest to the honey sauce for a bright, refreshing variation.
• Garlic Parmesan Walnut Shrimp: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the fried shrimp and add minced garlic to the honey sauce for a savory, umami-rich version.

Pairing Suggestions That Complement This Dish

• Pair Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet German white wine perfectly complements the honey sauce's sweetness and cuts through the shrimp's richness.
• Balance with Ginger Mojito: The cocktail's refreshing mint and zesty ginger notes beautifully offset the creamy, sweet flavors of the dish.
• Match Asian-Inspired Lager: A light, crisp beer like Tsingtao provides a clean palate cleanser that enhances the shrimp's delicate texture.
• Elevate with Sparkling Sake: This effervescent Japanese drink offers a subtle sweetness and light acidity that harmonizes with the honey walnut shrimp's complex flavor profile.

Storage Advice to Keep Shrimp Crispy

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping shrimp and walnuts separate to maintain crispiness.

Place shrimp and walnuts in individual freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 1 month. Avoid freezing sauce.

Spread shrimp on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring some crunchiness. Add walnuts after heating to prevent sogginess.

Quickly sauté shrimp in a hot pan with a touch of oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to prevent breaking, then drizzle with fresh sauce.

FAQs

• How do I make the batter for the shrimp?

Whisk egg whites until frothy, then gradually add cornstarch while whisking to create a smooth, light batter that will give the shrimp a crispy coating.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?

While walnuts are traditional, you can substitute with pecans or almonds, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different from the original recipe.

• What's the key to getting crispy shrimp?

Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches and drain on paper towels to maintain crispiness.

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Inspired Delight

• Savor Restaurant-Quality Indulgence: Recreate the beloved Panda Express classic in your own kitchen, enjoying gourmet flavors without dining out.
• Master Impressive Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level skills like candying nuts and creating a crispy batter that transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for entertaining friends or family, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal complicated steps, making it a go-to for special gatherings.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adjust spice levels or swap ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds.

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Panda Express honey walnut shrimp brings coastal Chinese-American flavors to home kitchens with crispy, golden seafood and candied walnuts. Sweet, crunchy bites promise restaurant-quality deliciousness that you can easily recreate for a delightful meal.

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Ingredients

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Shrimp:

• 1/2 pound (0.5 pounds / 226 grams) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2/3 cup (106 grams) cornstarch
• 4 egg whites
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil for shallow frying

Walnuts:

• 1 cup (100 grams) walnut halves
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) water
• 1/3 cup (75 grams) brown sugar

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

1. Caramelize walnuts in a skillet over medium heat by melting butter, incorporating water and brown sugar until sugar dissolves completely. Gently fold walnuts into the syrup, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they develop a glossy, golden coating. Transfer to parchment paper and allow to cool and crisp.
2. Create a light batter by whisking egg whites until they become frothy and aerated. Gradually incorporate cornstarch, continuously whisking to eliminate lumps and achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
3. Prepare a deep frying station with oil heated to 350°F. Thoroughly coat each shrimp in the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coverage. Carefully lower battered shrimp into hot oil, frying in small batches until they turn golden brown and achieve a crisp exterior. Transfer fried shrimp to paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Craft the signature sauce by blending mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy, creating a rich, creamy texture.
5. Finalize the dish by gently tossing crispy shrimp in the prepared honey sauce, ensuring each piece is generously and evenly coated. Garnish with the previously caramelized walnuts and thinly sliced scallions for added crunch and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Ensure walnuts are completely dry before candying to prevent splattering and achieve perfect caramelization.
• Whip egg whites to soft peaks for an extra light and crispy batter that creates a delicate coating on the shrimp.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and pat them completely dry before battering to prevent excess moisture and ensure a crisp exterior.
• For a healthier version, consider baking the shrimp instead of deep-frying, using a wire rack to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American-Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 820 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 40 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg