Craving the sweet and savory flavors of Panda Express’s Honey Walnut Shrimp? This homemade version captures the essence of the beloved dish, combining crispy shrimp with a creamy honey sauce and candied walnuts. It’s a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup Japanese mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1½ teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup glazed walnuts
• Thinly sliced scallions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Place the shrimp in a gallon-sized plastic bag.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cornstarch.
Seal the bag and shake to coat the shrimp evenly.

2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together Japanese mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
Set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Test the oil with a shrimp; if it bubbles lightly at the edges, it’s ready.
Fry the shrimp in batches, ensuring they don’t touch, for 2–3 minutes on each side until cooked through and opaque.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Combine and Serve:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and glazed walnuts.
Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with thinly sliced scallions if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients

Calories: 346 kcal
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 22 g

The Origins of Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is often considered a modern twist on traditional Chinese-American cuisine. The dish is known for its blend of Western ingredients, such as mayonnaise and sweetened condensed milk, with traditional Chinese cooking techniques and flavors. Though it is not rooted in authentic Chinese culinary traditions, Honey Walnut Shrimp has become a staple of Chinese-American fusion cuisine and is particularly popular in Chinese takeout restaurants across the United States.

At Panda Express, the dish is a fan favorite, often appearing as a special or in combination with other main dishes like orange chicken or beef and broccoli. The restaurant’s take on the dish helped it gain even more popularity, and it quickly became one of the most requested items on their menu.

The crispy shrimp, the luscious honey sauce, and the sweet, crunchy walnuts come together to form a well-balanced dish with contrasting flavors and textures. It is this unique combination that makes Honey Walnut Shrimp so universally loved, and it’s no surprise that so many people want to recreate it at home.

Why You Should Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home

While it is easy to pick up a box of Honey Walnut Shrimp from a restaurant, making it at home allows you to enjoy this delicious dish in its freshest form. Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp offers several advantages over takeout, including:

1. Control Over Ingredients: By making the dish yourself, you can control the quality of the ingredients. For instance, you can use fresh shrimp, high-quality mayonnaise, and make the walnut glaze from scratch. This can result in a much fresher and flavorful dish.

2. Customization: When preparing Honey Walnut Shrimp at home, you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to suit your tastes. You can even experiment with different types of nuts or add extra flavoring if you like a more intense taste.

3. Healthier Option: Although this dish is fried, cooking it at home allows you to use healthier oils and control the frying process, potentially cutting down on excess oil. Additionally, you can make adjustments to the sauce, such as using less sweetened condensed milk or opting for a lighter alternative.

4. Cost-Effective: Ordering Honey Walnut Shrimp from a restaurant can be expensive, especially if you’re feeding a family. By preparing it at home, you can make a larger batch at a fraction of the cost.

5. Impress Guests and Family: Honey Walnut Shrimp makes for an excellent dish to serve at dinner parties or family gatherings. Its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and appealing texture will undoubtedly impress your guests.

Key Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp

The foundation of any great Honey Walnut Shrimp lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here are some key elements that will ensure your dish stands out:

1. Shrimp: Fresh, medium to large shrimp is the best choice for this dish. Look for shrimp that are firm, pink, and have a slight sheen. While frozen shrimp can also be used, fresh shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor.

2. Mayonnaise: Japanese mayonnaise is often preferred for this dish because of its creaminess and subtle umami flavor. However, regular mayonnaise can also be used as a substitute if you prefer.

3. Honey: The honey is the star of the sauce, providing the natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory shrimp. Opt for high-quality, pure honey for the best flavor.

4. Walnuts: Candied walnuts are a must for this dish. The sweetness of the walnut glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the shrimp. You can either buy pre-candied walnuts or make your own by glazing them with a simple sugar syrup.

5. Lemon Juice: A small amount of fresh lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the sauce and enhances the overall flavor profile. A hint of acidity makes the dish feel lighter and less overwhelming.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Achieving the perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp involves careful attention to both the shrimp and the sauce. Here are some tips to help you perfect the cooking process:

1. Frying the Shrimp: When frying shrimp, it’s important to use oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. The oil should be hot enough to fry the shrimp quickly, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Be sure not to overcrowd the shrimp in the pan, as this can cause them to steam rather than fry.

2. Coating the Shrimp: A light coating of cornstarch is often used to give the shrimp a crispy texture. The cornstarch helps create a delicate batter that turns golden brown when fried. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated, and shake off any excess cornstarch before frying to avoid clumping.

3. Making the Sauce: The sauce for Honey Walnut Shrimp is typically a mix of mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth, and don’t forget to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking.

4. Candied Walnuts: To make the candied walnuts, simply coat them in a sugar syrup and cook until they are golden brown. This step adds a sweet crunch to the dish, making it irresistible.

5. Tossing the Shrimp and Walnuts: Once the shrimp and walnuts are prepared, toss them together with the sauce. Be gentle when tossing to avoid breaking the shrimp. You want the sauce to coat the shrimp evenly without overpowering the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Walnut Shrimp is versatile and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:

1. With Rice: Serve the dish over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice will absorb the sauce and complement the shrimp perfectly.

2. As Part of a Larger Meal: Honey Walnut Shrimp can be served as part of a Chinese-inspired meal, alongside dishes like fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even spring rolls.

3. Appetizer: If you’re hosting a dinner party, Honey Walnut Shrimp makes a great appetizer. Serve the shrimp in small individual portions with toothpicks for easy eating.

4. With Salad: For a lighter meal, serve Honey Walnut Shrimp with a side salad. The freshness of the salad balances out the rich and sweet flavors of the shrimp.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that beautifully combines sweet and savory elements into a delightful meal. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply for a weeknight dinner, this dish never disappoints. With its crispy shrimp, luscious honey sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves flavorful and indulgent meals.