Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave-worthy textures, Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp absolutely deserves a starring place in your next homemade dinner lineup. Sweet, creamy, and delightfully crunchy, this Asian-American classic balances crispy fried shrimp, candied walnuts, and a luscious honey-mayo glaze. Not only is it the ultimate treat-yourself dish, but you can also whip it up at home in just 30 minutes—perfect for both weeknight cravings and dinner parties that call for extra wow-factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, crunch, and signature creamy sweetness that make every bite of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why you need it:
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender bites that crisp up beautifully when fried.
- Candied walnuts (1/2 cup): Adds sweet, nutty crunch to every forkful; you can make these yourself or buy them ready-made.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Forms the creamy base of the sauce and helps mellow the sweetness for a perfectly balanced glaze.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Infuses a delicate natural sweetness into the sauce, echoing the honey in the name of the dish.
- Sweetened condensed milk (2 tablespoons): Offers an extra layer of sweetness and silkiness, making the sauce utterly addictive.
- Egg white (1): Helps the cornstarch cling to the shrimp, ensuring a light yet satisfyingly crispy coating.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Gives the shrimp their famously airy-crunchy shell after frying.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Necessary for deep-frying the shrimp to golden, crunchy perfection; choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- Green onions (optional, for garnish): A pop of color and freshness if you want to add extra flair to your presentation.
How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Step 1: Make the Honey Mayo Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is velvety smooth and well blended. This iconic sauce is what turns fried shrimp and walnuts into Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp magic! Set it aside for now—you’ll want it close by when it’s time to toss the hot shrimp.
Step 2: Prep and Coat the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to help the coating stick and ensure extra crispiness. Next, in a separate bowl, whisk your egg white until it’s nice and frothy. Toss the shrimp in the frothy egg white, making sure each one is coated, then dredge them through the cornstarch so that every nook and cranny is covered and ready to fry.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan—this helps them turn out beautifully golden and super crispy. Each batch will need only 2 to 3 minutes; they’re done when crispy and lightly golden. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to blot any extra oil.
Step 4: Toss Shrimp with Sauce and Walnuts
While the shrimp are still warm, place them in a large bowl and pour your prepared honey mayo sauce over the top. Gently toss until every piece is evenly coated with that gorgeous creamy glaze. Add the candied walnuts in and give everything a gentle final mix so the nuts stay crunchy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp by sprinkling chopped green onions over the top for a little pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, so the coating stays perfectly crisp against that rich, sweet sauce.
How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Garnishes
Garnishing this dish adds eye-catching color and freshness. I love slicing a few green onions thinly and scattering them over the shrimp—your guests will notice the extra love! You could also add a scattering of toasted sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy, or a few sprigs of cilantro for a herbal twist.
Side Dishes
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple steamed white rice, which soaks up every last drop of that creamy sauce. For a boost of veggies, consider stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. Even a basic cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar works wonders for balance and color on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your meal into a showstopper by serving this shrimp atop a bed of fried rice or inside lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. For parties, arrange individual servings in small bowls with extra candied walnuts on top, or skewer a few shrimp alongside a scoop of rice for a playful, modern take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), transfer the shrimp and walnuts to an airtight container and refrigerate. To keep the best texture, store any extra sauce separately and toss before reheating.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal since the creamy sauce doesn’t always thaw well, but if you absolutely need to freeze, do so before tossing the shrimp in sauce. Cool the fried shrimp completely, layer in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to one month. Make fresh sauce and walnuts when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your shrimp in a 350°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive that crispy exterior. Warm the sauce separately (just a quick zap in the microwave works), then toss everything together right before serving for the closest thing to just-fried Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
For the crispiest results and best flavor, raw shrimp is strongly recommended. Pre-cooked shrimp won’t develop that signature crunchy coating and can easily turn rubbery when fried again.
How do I make candied walnuts from scratch?
Making your own is surprisingly easy! Simmer 1/2 cup walnuts with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water until the syrup thickens and coats the nuts, then drain and dry them on parchment. They’re deliciously crunchy and perfect for this recipe.
What kind of mayonnaise works best?
Regular full-fat mayonnaise yields a rich, creamy sauce just like the restaurant version. If you’re looking for a lighter option, opt for a high-quality light mayo, but steer clear of anything too tangy or watery.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You can use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free twist—it gives a subtle coconut flavor that actually pairs surprisingly well here. Just use the same amount as you would regular condensed milk.
Can I make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten free?
Absolutely! This recipe already skips flour in favor of cornstarch, which makes it naturally gluten free. Just make sure your mayonnaise and any bought condiments are gluten free, too.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about recreating takeout favorites in your own kitchen, and Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again. Gather your ingredients, invite a few friends over, and let the magic begin. Trust me—once you take that first sweet, creamy, crunchy bite, you’ll be hooked!
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Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to recreate the iconic Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at home with this delicious recipe. Crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet honey mayo sauce and tossed with candied walnuts – a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg white
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Additional:
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Coat the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry, dip in frothy egg white, then coat with cornstarch.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry coated shrimp until golden and crispy.
- Toss in Sauce: Coat fried shrimp in the prepared mayo sauce.
- Add Walnuts: Mix in candied walnuts and garnish with green onions.
Notes
- To make candied walnuts, simmer walnuts with sugar and water until syrupy, then drain and dry.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
