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A plate of creamy Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp topped with caramelized walnuts, with extra walnuts on parchment paper in the background.

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Author: Mandy Applegate
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of my favorite things to make at home because the result is so rich, so flavorful, and so much better than what you get in the takeout container. The shrimp fry up light and crispy in a sparkling water batter, the honey mayo sauce is creamy and sweet with just a touch of lemon, and those butter-caramelized walnuts on top add the most incredible crunch. I love making it for date nights and special dinners at home when the goal is to genuinely impress at the table and it delivers every single time. Store leftovers in in the fridge for up to 2 days, and keep the candied walnuts separate to maintain their crunch.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Keyword: Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Servings: 4
Calories: 1905kcal

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound medium shrimp
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup sparkling water

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Candied Walnuts

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For Frying

  • 2 cups vegetable oil
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Add the egg, then gradually whisk in sparkling water until the batter is smooth and slightly thick.
    1 cup cornstarch, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup sparkling water
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F.
    2 cups vegetable oil
  • Dip shrimp into the batter, then fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
    1 pound medium shrimp
  • In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and walnuts, stirring until coated and caramelized, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
    ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup walnuts
  • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
    1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Toss fried shrimp with the honey sauce, then fold in candied walnuts just before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

Here are my best tips for nailing Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp every time.
  • Use cold, sparkling water: The carbonation creates a lighter, crisper batter, and the cold liquid helps prevent the coating from absorbing too much oil when fried.
  • Pat the shrimp dry first: Removing excess moisture helps the batter cling evenly and gives you that signature crunchy coating.
  • Hit 350°F before frying: Oil that's too cool makes soggy shrimp, while oil that's too hot burns the batter before the shrimp cook through.
  • Work in small batches: Crowding the skillet drops the oil temperature fast, so fry just a handful of shrimp at a time for the crispiest results.
  • Watch the walnuts closely: Caramelized sugar goes from golden to burnt in seconds, so stir constantly and pull them off the heat the moment they're coated.
  • Flash-freeze the walnuts: Spread the candied walnuts on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes before storing, so they don't clump together in the container.

Nutrition

Calories: 1905kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 157g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 90g | Monounsaturated Fat: 34g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 250mg | Sodium: 682mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 259IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 3mg
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