Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

 

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the irresistible blend of crispy, tender shrimp coated in a luscious, sweet, and creamy glaze, then you’re in for a real treat with this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe. This iconic dish perfectly balances crunchy candied walnuts with succulent shrimp enveloped in a honey-kissed mayo sauce that’s as delightful on the palate as it is to the eye. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-style dinner to impress or just want to recreate a beloved takeout favorite at home, this recipe brings all the magic of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe plays a crucial role in creating the ideal harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. From the creamy mayo to the crispy walnut topping, every element is essential for that authentic taste and delightful crunch you’re after.

• Extra large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for perfect tenderness and bite-sized goodness.
• Large egg whites (2): Whisked to provide a light, airy coating helping the starch stick beautifully.
• Potato starch (8 tbsp): Also known as tapioca starch, this creates the signature crispy crust that locks in shrimp juiciness.
• Avocado oil (⅓ to ½ cup): Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Walnuts (½ cup): Unsalted and whole or chopped, for that sweet crunch that’s the heart of the dish.
• Scallion (1 bulb): Chopped to add fresh, vibrant color and a mild onion bite as garnish.
• Mayo (4 tbsp): Provides the creamy base of the luscious honey walnut sauce.
• Honey (1 tbsp): Or keto honey for a natural sweetness that ties everything together.
• Evaporated milk (2 to 2.5 tbsp): Adds richness and smoothness, or use sugar-free coconut condensed milk as a dairy-free option.

How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by butterflying the shrimp. Make a shallow cut along the back “spine” of each shrimp to create that signature silhouette and even cooking. This also allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors more deeply while frying.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Set up your workspace with three separate stations: one bowl with whisked egg whites, another with potato starch, and a large plate for the coated shrimp. Dip each shrimp first into the egg whites, ensuring a light, even coat, then dredge it in the potato starch so every inch is covered. This step provides that crunchy finish that makes this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp unforgettable.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a stainless steel or cast iron pan with high sides, pour avocado oil and heat over medium-high heat. Test the temperature after about 3 minutes by dropping a wooden chopstick into the oil—if bubbles appear, the oil is ready. For precision, aim for 350°F (177°C). Proper oil temperature is key for crispiness without greasiness.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Shallow-fry each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly crisp. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep that crunch intact. This crispy coating is the hallmark of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp, and it’s worth every careful step.

Step 5: Make the Sauce and Sweeten the Walnuts

In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, honey, and evaporated milk to create the glossy, sweet, and creamy sauce. Toss half of the walnuts with about 2 tablespoons of this sauce to sweeten them and add that signature candied crunch.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the crispy shrimp on a large serving plate, sprinkle the honey-coated walnuts on top, and drizzle generously with the remaining sauce. Finish with a garnish of chopped scallions for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy the sensational combo that is truly Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp!

How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Garnishes

Chopped scallions are a classic choice, adding a subtle sharpness and vibrant green that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. You might also sprinkle a few extra candied walnuts for enhanced crunch and presentation. The balance of creaminess, sweetness, and freshness makes the garnishes essential here.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the luscious honey walnut sauce. For a more complete meal, try it alongside stir-fried vegetables or crisp green beans. The lightness of fresh veggies balances the rich shrimp and walnuts beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider serving the honey walnut shrimp in mini lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. You could also pile it over a bed of vibrant mixed greens with a squeeze of lime for a more contemporary salad twist. Presentation is a great way to add your personality to this already stunning favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and walnuts separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the crispy texture intact as much as possible and keeps flavors at their best. Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal for texture. Freeze cooked shrimp and walnuts separately in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain crispy edges.

Reheating

To bring back crunch, reheat the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy. For walnuts, a brief warm-up in a dry skillet works wonders to revive their candied crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before butterfly cutting and coating. Excess moisture can affect the crispness.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the evaporated milk?

Yes, sugar-free coconut condensed milk is a fantastic dairy-free substitute that maintains the creamy, sweet texture of the sauce.

What if I’m allergic to walnuts? Can I substitute them?

Cashews or pecans can be great alternatives for the sweet crunch, but keep in mind the flavor profile will vary slightly from the classic Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp?

While frying gives the best texture, you can bake at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite the same but still delicious!

How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?

Use keto-friendly honey or sweetener and sugar-free condensed milk. Potato starch can be swapped with a low-carb coating option like whey protein isolate to stay aligned with keto guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of those dishes that never fails to impress, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion. Its perfect combination of crispy shrimp, sweet glazed walnuts, and creamy honey sauce is downright addictive. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll have a restaurant favorite ready in your own kitchen that friends and family will rave about. Trust me, once you taste it, this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp will become a treasured go-to dish in your recipe collection!

 

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