Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful Chinese dish that combines succulent shrimp, crunchy candied walnuts, and a heavenly honey glaze. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this irresistible delicacy that can be prepared in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Overhead image of honey walnut shrimp on a plate

Why This Is Better Than Takeout

Fast. Quickly cooking shrimp cook in under 30 minutes to make a great weeknight meal.
Delicious. Plump and juicy shrimp that are perfectly crisp on the outside paired with a sweet sauce and crunchy walnuts make for a delightful bite.
Budget-friendly. Forget spending a fortune to take your family out to dinner. Make something just as tasty as the drive-thru at home for a fraction of the price!

Whether you're craving a taste of nostalgia or looking to experiment with Chinese-American flavors, this homemade version of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is bound to satisfy your taste buds.

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp From Panda Express Healthy?

As I always say, what is healthy for one person, may not be healthy for someone else. Always consider your personal dietary needs before you add a new dish to your dinner rotation.

While Honey Walnut Shrimp from Panda Express is undoubtedly delicious, it is not considered a particularly healthy or nutritious dish.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider making homemade versions of Honey Walnut Shrimp with modifications. You can opt for healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling the shrimp instead of frying. You can also reduce the amount of added sugar in the glaze or explore alternative sweeteners.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Shrimp

Shrimp
Cornstarch
Mayonnaise
Honey
Sweetened condensed milk
Nonstick spray

Candied Walnuts

Walnuts
Granulated sugar
Water

For the Sauce

Honey
Mayonnaise
Sweetened condensed milk

How To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Prepare the Shrimp. In a bowl, coat the shrimp with cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Make the Candied Walnuts. In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a syrup-like consistency. Add the walnuts to the syrup, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Continue cooking the walnuts in the syrup for about 5 minutes or until the syrup has thickened and turned golden. Transfer the candied walnuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool.
Prepare the Sauce. In a bowl, whisk together honey, mayonnaise, and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
Plate and Enjoy! In a clean skillet or wok, add the mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk mixture. Heat the sauce over medium heat until it starts to bubble and thicken slightly. Add the fried shrimp to the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently fold in the candied walnuts, reserving a few for garnish. Cook the shrimp and walnuts in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp over steamed rice or alongside your favorite stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with the reserved candied walnuts for an extra touch of elegance.

Close up shot of honey walnut shrimp on a white plate

Tips And Tricks

Proper Shrimp Preparation. Ensure that the shrimp are properly cleaned and deveined before cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as this will help the cornstarch coating adhere better.
Proper Frying Technique. Use a deep skillet or wok and heat the vegetable oil to the right temperature (around 350F) before adding the shrimp. Fry the shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can result in uneven cooking and a soggy coating.
Candied Walnut Crunch. To achieve crunchy candied walnuts, ensure the sugar syrup reaches the right consistency before adding the walnuts. Stir the syrup gently and cook until it thickens and coats the walnuts. Be careful not to burn the sugar. Allow the candied walnuts to cool completely before using them as a topping.

Variations

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be customized and adapted to suit individual preferences. Here are a few variations you can try to add a twist to the classic recipe:

Make it spicy- Add a kick of heat by incorporating spicy elements. You can include red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or minced chili peppers in the honey glaze to give it a spicy twist. This variation adds a delightful balance between the sweet and spicy flavors.
Add some citrus- Infuse the dish with a burst of citrusy freshness by adding orange zest or orange juice to the honey glaze. The tangy flavor of oranges complements the sweetness of the dish and adds a refreshing twist.
Wrap it up- Instead of serving the shrimp as a main dish, serve them in lettuce wraps. Wrap the shrimp, candied walnuts, and some fresh vegetables in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter and refreshing option.

What To Serve With It

Steamed Rice- Serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The simplicity of the rice allows the flavors of the shrimp and candied walnuts to shine.
Stir-Fried Vegetables- Create a colorful and vibrant plate by pairing the shrimp with a medley of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or bok choy. The combination of textures and flavors adds balance to the dish.
Asian Slaw- Create a refreshing Asian slaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a sesame ginger dressing. The crispness of the slaw adds a contrasting texture to the shrimp.

How Long Does It Last?

Honey Walnut Shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it's important to note that the quality and texture of the dish may slightly change over time. The crispy coating on the shrimp may become softer, and the candied walnuts may lose some of their crunch.

To ensure the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume the Honey Walnut Shrimp within the first couple of days after preparation.

Can You Freeze It?

This shrimp recipe is best enjoyed fresh or reheated straight from the refrigerator. I haven't personally tested freezing and reheating this recipe.

If you wish to try freezing leftovers for later, I would allow them to cool to room temperature, add them to a freezer-safe container with a date, and then freeze them flat. Enjoy within 2 months of freezing for the best flavor and texture.

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