Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of crispy shrimp and sweet, creamy sauce with toasted walnuts. This homemade version captures the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great dish to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 large egg whites, whisked
• 8 tbsp potato starch or tapioca starch (or 4 tbsp whey protein isolate)
• ⅓ to ½ cup avocado oil
• ½ cup walnuts, unsalted, whole or chopped
• 1 bulb scallion, chopped

Honey walnut shrimp sauce:

• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp honey (or keto honey)
• 2 to 2.5 tbsp evaporated milk (or sugar-free coconut condensed milk)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Butterfly the shrimp by making a shallow slit along the back “spine” of each shrimp.
2. Step 2: Set up your workspace with separate bowls for the egg whites and potato starch, plus a large plate. Dip each shrimp first in the egg whites, then coat evenly with the potato starch. Place the coated shrimp on the plate as you go.
3. Step 3: Heat the avocado oil in a stainless steel or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Test the oil temperature by dipping a wooden chopstick into the oil; bubbles around the chopstick indicate it’s ready (about 350°F / 177°C).
4. Step 4: Fry the shrimp in batches, shallow frying for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer cooked shrimp to a wire rack to drain excess oil and stay crispy.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, and evaporated milk. Stir well to make the honey walnut shrimp sauce.
6. Step 6: Toss the walnuts with 2 tablespoons of the sauce until well coated and slightly sweetened.
7. Step 7: To serve, arrange the shrimp on a large plate, sprinkle the honey-coated walnuts on top, drizzle with additional sauce, and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If unavailable, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.
• Try using light mayonnaise for a less rich sauce or swap honey with agave or maple syrup as a sweetener.
• For a crispier coating, double dip the shrimp in egg white and starch before frying.
• If you prefer a milder sweetness, reduce the honey in the sauce slightly.
• Walnuts can be toasted lightly in a dry skillet beforehand to enhance their crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in a hot oven or skillet to help retain crispiness. The sauce can be served cold or warmed slightly before drizzling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, pecans or cashews work well as substitutes and provide a similar texture and mild flavor.

What if I don’t have potato starch or tapioca starch?

You can use cornstarch as an alternative, but the coating might be slightly less crisp. For a protein boost, whey protein isolate can also be used as indicated.

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a crispy, sweet, and savory dish featuring perfectly fried shrimp coated in a creamy honey walnut sauce, topped with candied walnuts and fresh scallions. This delightful recipe combines a light, crunchy texture with a rich, flavorful glaze that replicates the popular Chinese-American takeout favorite in a simple and delicious way at home.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Coating

• 1 lb extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 large egg whites, whisked
• 8 tbsp potato starch or tapioca starch, or 4 tbsp whey protein isolate
• ⅓ to ½ cup avocado oil (for frying)
• ½ cup unsalted walnuts, whole or chopped
• 1 bulb scallion, chopped

Honey Walnut Shrimp Sauce

• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp honey (or keto-friendly honey)
• 2 to 2.5 tbsp evaporated milk or sugar-free coconut condensed milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Butterfly the shrimp by making a shallow slit along the back ‘spine’ to open them up slightly. This helps them cook evenly and absorb more coating.
2. Coat the shrimp: Set up your workspace with separate bowls for the whisked egg whites and the potato starch (or alternative). Dip each shrimp first into the egg white, then coat evenly with the starch, and place on a large plate. Repeat for the entire batch.
3. Heat the oil: Pour avocado oil into a high-walled stainless steel or cast iron pan and heat over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready by dipping a wooden chopstick—if bubbles form around it, the oil has reached approximately 350°F (177°C).
4. Fry the shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Shallow fry each side for about 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp and rest them on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispness.
5. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, honey, and evaporated milk (or coconut condensed milk) thoroughly to create a smooth honey walnut sauce.
6. Candy the walnuts: Toss the walnuts with 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce to coat them evenly and sweeten them slightly.
7. Assemble and serve: Arrange the fried shrimp on a large serving plate. Scatter the candied walnuts on top, drizzle additional sauce over the shrimp, and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• For a keto-friendly version, use keto honey and sugar-free coconut condensed milk.
• Whey protein isolate can be used as a low-carb coating alternative to starches.
• Use avocado oil or another high smoke point oil for frying to ensure crispiness and safety.
• Resting shrimp on a wire rack after frying helps keep them crispy by draining excess oil.
• You can chop walnuts if preferred, but whole walnuts provide a nice texture contrast.
• Make sure oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked shrimp.

Keywords: Honey Walnut Shrimp, Panda Express Copycat, Crispy Shrimp, Sweet and Savory Seafood, Chinese-American Recipe, Fried Shrimp with Sauce