If you’re longing for that perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy, then look no further than this unbelievably delicious Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe. This beloved takeout classic transforms plump shrimp into golden bites of crispy perfection, tosses them in a dreamy honey-mayo sauce, and finishes with glossy candied walnuts for the most irresistible sweet crunch. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab an extra helping—whether you’re impressing dinner guests or sneaking bites straight from the bowl! With a few everyday ingredients and a handful of steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how easy it is to recreate Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at home. Each ingredient plays a unique role, from bringing crunch to adding creaminess or a pop of sweetness—you’ll want to savor them all in every bite!

Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): Go for large, juicy shrimp—they hold up to frying and really soak in the creamy sauce.
Egg White (1): Whisked until frothy, egg white gives the shrimp a light, crispy coating when fried.
Cornstarch (½ cup): The secret to ultra-crispy shrimp—cornstarch fries up lighter than flour.
Walnuts (1 cup): These get candied for the signature Panda Express crunch and a sweet, nutty flavor boost.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Used to create a glossy glaze for the walnuts that sticks and shimmers.
Water (½ cup): Helps melt the sugar, creating a smooth syrup for glazing the walnuts.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Just a bit gives the candied walnuts a luscious, almost caramel flavor.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for the sauce that makes this dish so ridiculously moreish.
Honey (3 tablespoons): Infuses the sauce with silky sweetness that tastes like pure comfort.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 tablespoon): Just a touch balances sweetness and adds a rich, glossy finish to the sauce.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable so the shrimp fry up golden without extra flavor.

How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Step 1: Candy the Walnuts

Start by transforming plain walnuts into crunchy, glossy gems. In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and butter, bringing it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Toss in the walnuts and let them bubble away for 2–3 minutes—just long enough to coat the nuts in a shiny glaze. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and lay them on parchment paper to firm up; they’ll become irresistibly crisp as they cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Coating

For that signature light, almost tempura-like crust, whisk the egg white in a bowl until it’s nice and frothy. Dunk the shrimp in, making sure each piece gets an even, slippery coat, then dredge them in cornstarch for a powdery finish. This two-step coating is what sets Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp apart, giving each bite that perfect, airy crispness.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat your oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (take a moment to savor the anticipation—nothing beats hearing that first sizzle). Fry the shrimp in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan. Each side only needs two or three minutes to turn beautifully golden and crunchy. Drain on paper towels so they stay as crispy as possible.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Honey Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until you get a lush, glossy sauce. Taste a spoonful (I dare you not to smile)—this is the signature Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp flavor, rich and sweet with just the right amount of tang.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Add the freshly fried shrimp to your sauce and gently toss until every piece is enrobed in deliciousness. Pile the shrimp high on your serving dish and scatter the candied walnuts over the top. The golden shrimp, glossy sauce, and shiny walnuts make this a real showstopper.

How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Garnishes

Accent your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a dash of toasted sesame seeds. A few lemon wedges on the side add a bright pop and make each bite sing with color and freshness. The little extras really dial up both the flavor and the visual wow-factor.

Side Dishes

This dish was born to be the star of your table, but it plays beautifully alongside steamed jasmine or sticky rice, which soaks up every last drop of sauce. For extra color and crunch, pair it with simple stir-fried vegetables, or even a quick Asian cucumber salad—it’s the perfect way to round out your at-home Panda Express feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a group or just want to elevate your meal? Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp in individual lettuce cups for a light, party-ready appetizer. Or plate it family-style on a large platter surrounded by fluffy rice for a centerpiece-worthy main dish. For an extra touch, drizzle a little extra honey over the top just before serving—they’ll never guess it’s homemade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a few shrimp left over? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the candied walnuts separate if you can; this helps them stay crunchy and lets you restore that texture when you serve it again.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for the creamy sauce, but you can freeze the fried shrimp on their own after cooling. Lay them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a resealable bag. Add fresh sauce and walnuts after reheating for results closest to the original Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp experience.

Reheating

For best results, reheat shrimp in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—the crispy coating can get soggy. Warm sauce separately, toss with reheated shrimp, and top with walnuts right before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp without deep frying?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, air-fry or oven-bake the shrimp after coating them with egg white and cornstarch. While you’ll miss a bit of that classic crunch, you’ll still get plenty of flavor.

Do I have to use mayonnaise in the sauce?

Mayonnaise gives the iconic creamy texture and tang, but you can try using Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo substitute for a lighter or dairy-free option. Just keep in mind, the flavor will be somewhat different from authentic Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

If you’re out of walnuts or simply want to mix it up, pecans or cashews candy up beautifully and offer their own unique twist. Simply follow the same candying steps as in the recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! If you use certified gluten-free cornstarch and be sure your mayo is gluten-free, this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a great gluten-free option.

What’s the best way to keep the shrimp crispy?

To preserve that signature crunch, only toss the shrimp with sauce right before serving. If you’re prepping ahead, keep shrimp, sauce, and walnuts separate until it’s time to eat.

Final Thoughts

Bringing restaurant flavors to your home table is as easy (and satisfying) as this irresistible Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. There’s a reason it’s a menu favorite—the combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy is pure magic! So grab those chopsticks (or a fork, no judgment), and treat yourself to this outstanding dish. Your tastebuds will thank you!

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful recipe for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp that rivals the popular restaurant dish. Crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet honey mayo sauce and topped with candied walnuts.

Ingredients

Scale

For Candied Walnuts:

1 cup walnuts
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon butter

For Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 egg white
½ cup cornstarch
Oil for frying

For Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

Candied Walnuts: In a saucepan, boil sugar, water, and butter. Add walnuts, cook until glazed, then cool on parchment paper.
Shrimp: Toss shrimp in whisked egg white, coat with cornstarch, fry until golden and crispy.
Sauce: Whisk mayo, honey, and condensed milk. Toss fried shrimp in the sauce.
Top with candied walnuts and serve.