How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Like Panda Express

Panda Express’ honey walnut shrimp is one of their most beloved menu items. The combination of crispy, fried shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy honey sauce and topped with crunchy candied walnuts is hard to resist.

Many people wonder if they can recreate this restaurant favorite at home The good news is that making honey walnut shrimp just like Panda Express is totally doable! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have restaurant-quality honey walnut shrimp anytime.

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to make Panda Express-style honey walnut shrimp right in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make Panda Express honey walnut shrimp:

• Shrimp – Use medium to large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. You’ll need about 1 pound.

• Flour – All-purpose flour thickens the batter that coats the shrimp before frying.

• Egg – Beaten egg helps the batter stick to the shrimp.

• Cornstarch – This is used along with flour to create the crispy coating on the shrimp.

• Baking powder – A leavening agent that gives the fried coating a light, crispy texture.

• Vegetable oil – For frying the shrimp. Peanut, canola, or vegetable oil work well.

• Walnuts – Chopped or halved walnuts are candied in a sugar syrup, then used as a topping.

• Sugar – Granulated white sugar is cooked with water to candy the walnuts.

• Honey – Gives the sauce its signature sweetness.

• Sweetened condensed milk – Adds richness and body to the sauce.

• Mayonnaise – Provides creaminess and tang.

• Lemon juice – A splash of lemon brightens the flavor of the sauce.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need some basic kitchen equipment and cookware to make this recipe:

• Mixing bowls – For the shrimp batter and sauce.

• Whisk – To combine the batter ingredients and sauce.

• Fryer thermometer – To monitor oil temperature for frying shrimp.

• Frying pan or pot – For frying the shrimp. Use one with high sides.

• Spoon – For stirring sauce and coating shrimp.

• Tongs or slotted spoon – For turning shrimp as they fry.

• Paper towels – For draining fried shrimp.

• Wire rack – Lets fried shrimp drain while keeping them crisp.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for crispy, saucy honey walnut shrimp just like your favorite restaurant:

Make the Candied Walnuts

1. Combine 1 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1 cup walnut halves in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

3. Drain the walnuts and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Let the walnuts cool and dry for about 20 minutes. They will become crispy as the sugar syrup dries.

Prepare the Shrimp Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 beaten egg.

2. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water as needed to reach a pancake batter-like consistency.

3. Pat shrimp dry, then dip them into the batter to evenly coat.

Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F in a frying pan.

2. Working in batches, fry the battered shrimp for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, flipping once.

3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp lemon juice.

Finish the Dish

1. Add the fried shrimp to the bowl of sauce and gently toss to coat.

2. Transfer sauced shrimp to a serving platter.

3. Sprinkle candied walnuts over the top.

4. Garnish with sliced scallions if desired.

5. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and crispy.

And that’s it – restaurant-worthy honey walnut shrimp made right at home! The key steps are frying the shrimp properly until crispy and golden, making a smooth honey sauce, and taking the time to candy the walnuts for crunch and sweetness.

With the right techniques and a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the sweet, crunchy magic of Panda Express honey walnut shrimp. Once you try these at home, you may never want to order takeout again!

Tips for Making Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp

Here are some handy tips to help you nail the texture and flavor of Panda Express-style honey walnut shrimp:

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Fry at 350-375°F for crispy shrimp.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry shrimp in batches for even cooking.

• Let shrimp drain well on paper towels before saucing for maximum crispiness.

• Toss the shrimp gently in the sauce to avoid breaking the crunchy coating.

• Use freshly chopped or halved walnuts for the best texture. Don’t skip this step!

• Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste. Add more honey for extra sweetness or lemon juice for tang.

• Serve the shrimp as soon as they’re sauced for warm, crispy shrimp in every bite.

• Double check that the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and patted very dry so the batter adheres well.

• Allow the candied walnuts to cool and dry completely before using so they stay crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to making honey walnut shrimp, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:

What size shrimp should I use?

Go for medium to large shrimp that are 26-30 or 31-35 count per pound. Smaller shrimp can overcook and larger shrimp may not get done in time.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

No, you’ll get the best results by frying raw shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp won’t fry up as crispy.

Is the mayonnaise really necessary in the sauce?

Yes, the mayo is needed to provide a creamy base and richness. Leave this out and the sauce will be too thin.

Can I use a deep fryer instead of a pan?

Absolutely! Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for frying at the right temperature.

How long do the fried shrimp keep after saucing?

It’s really best to serve them right away. The coating will start to get soggy if they sit in the sauce too long.

What sides go well with honey walnut shrimp?

Steamed rice, veggie egg rolls, stir fried veggies like broccoli, fried rice, or Chinese chicken salad.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Panda Express honey walnut shrimp is easier than you think with the right techniques and ingredients. Crunchy, fried shrimp in a sweet and creamy sauce topped with candied walnuts is a combo that’s hard to beat.

The keys are frying at the ideal temperature for crispy shrimp, making a smooth, balanced sauce, and taking the extra time to candy your own walnuts.

With this step-by-step guide and helpful tips, you can treat yourself to this favorite restaurant dish anytime the craving strikes. Once you master this recipe, try experimenting with your own variations too.

So grab your wok, turn up the heat, and enjoy honey walnut shrimp success right in your own kitchen.