Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Copycat
This honey walnut shrimp is a restaurant-style favorite recreated at home with crisp shrimp, creamy honey sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts. Perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, this dish delivers the indulgence of Chinese takeout without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2-3 tbsp oil for pan-frying
- enough to coat cornstarch light coating for shrimp
Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions
Candy the Walnuts
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil to form a simple syrup.
- Add walnuts and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer walnuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.
Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry and lightly coat with cornstarch.
- Heat 2–3 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pan-fry shrimp until golden and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), honey, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Assemble the Dish
- Toss cooked shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Top with candied walnuts and sprinkle with chopped scallions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Cook shrimp in small batches to maintain crispiness.
- Keep candied walnuts separate until serving to preserve crunch.