Hey there! I’m so excited to share my favorite copycat recipe for Panda Express honey walnut shrimp. After tons of testing in my kitchen I’ve finally nailed down the perfect recipe that tastes even better than the restaurant version. The crispy shrimp sweet honey sauce, and candied walnuts create an absolutely irresistible combination that’ll make you forget all about takeout!
What You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Egg whites
- Potato starch (or tapioca starch)
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Sauce:
- Mayo
- Honey
- Evaporated milk (or condensed milk)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Other Stuff:
- Walnuts
- Green onions for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
Let’s Make It!
Step 1: Prep Those Walnuts
- Mix equal parts sugar and water in a pan
- Toss in walnuts
- Cook till they’re nice and candied
- Spread ’em out to cool
Step 2: The Famous Honey Sauce
Mix together:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp evaporated milk
Taste and adjust – you want it sweet but not overwhelming!
Step 3: Crispy Shrimp Time!
- Butterfly them shrimp (cut a lil slit in the back)
- Coat in egg whites
- Dredge in potato starch
- Fry at 350°F (177°C) for 2-3 mins each side
Step 4: Put It All Together
- Toss warm shrimp in that honey sauce
- Top with candied walnuts
- Sprinkle with green onions
- Dig in while it’s hot!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Keep that oil temp steady at 350°F for super crispy shrimp
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
- Use ice-cold water in your batter for extra crispiness
- Make extra walnuts – they’re addictive for snacking!
What to Serve It With
This dish goes great with:
- Steamed rice
- Chow mein
- Stir-fried veggies
- Other Panda Express favorites
Storage Tips
Look, this dish is best fresh (duh!), but if you gotta store it:
- Keep in fridge for 2-3 days
- Reheat in oven at 400°F
- Please don’t microwave (unless you like soggy shrimp!)
Why My Version’s Better Than Panda Express
I ain’t bragging, but:
- You control the ingredients
- Way fresher
- Adjust sweetness to your taste
- No mystery ingredients
- Cheaper than takeout!
Common Questions I Get
Q Can I use air fryer?A Yup! 375°F for about 8 mins flipping halfway
Q: No potato starch – now what?
A: Cornstarch or tapioca starch work too!
Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Try baking the shrimp and using light mayo
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this recipe in more detail?
How To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
This recipe is straightforward and comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how to make this delicious dish.
In a pot, combine water, butter, and sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, add the walnuts, and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and spread the walnuts on parchment paper to cool.
Next, in a bowl, whisk together condensed milk, honey, Japanese mayo, and lemon juice. Once its combined and somewhat smooth, set it aside.
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the sparkling water until it is just incorporated. Then heat the oil in a frying pan over high heat.
Now you can dip the shrimp into the batter and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Then transfer the fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss the fried shrimp and candied walnuts with the prepared sauce until well coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Store Honey Walnut Shrimp
The shrimp is for sure best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat any leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispy texture of the shrimp.