Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
If you’ve ever found yourself craving the crispy, sweet, and nutty delight of Panda Express’s Honey Walnut Shrimp, you’re in for a treat! This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. With a crunchy texture, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, sweet sauce, each bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out because it captures the essence of the iconic dish without the need for takeout. The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures: crispy shrimp, sweet honey, and the crunch of walnuts. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients and adjust them to your liking. It’s a fun cooking project that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 10 ounces tempura mix
- 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Cook’s Kit
- Large frying pan or deep fryer – for frying the shrimp and walnuts.
- Slotted spoon – to remove shrimp and walnuts from the oil.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the batter and sauce ingredients.
- Thermometer – to check oil temperature for frying.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil from fried items.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts
Start by making the candied walnuts. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the walnut pieces to the saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes. Once they are coated, remove the walnuts and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to cool and harden.
Step 2: Make the Tempura Batter
In a mixing bowl, prepare the tempura batter according to the instructions on the package. The consistency should be smooth and slightly thick for optimal coating on the shrimp.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Dip the peeled and deveined shrimp into the tempura batter, making sure they are fully coated. This step is crucial for that light and crispy texture.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place the battered shrimp in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
Step 7: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Add the candied walnuts and toss again to combine.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp to a serving platter. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or additional walnuts for a pop of color. Serve it alongside steamed rice or your favorite vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free tempura mix.
- Replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if there are nut allergies.
Avoid These Traps
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
- Avoid using old or expired ingredients, especially the tempura mix, as it can affect the texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the cooling step for the walnuts; they need time to harden to achieve that perfect crunch.
- Be cautious with the oil temperature; too hot can burn the shrimp, while too cold can make them greasy.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare certain elements ahead of time. The candied walnuts can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. The shrimp can be battered and kept in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness instead of using a microwave.
Ask the Chef
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before proceeding with the battering and frying process.
What can I serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or a light vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve it with a side of crispy egg rolls for a complete meal.
How do I know when the shrimp are done frying?
The shrimp will turn a golden brown color when they are done frying. They typically take about 2-3 minutes per batch. Make sure to keep an eye on them as they cook quickly!
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can bake the shrimp instead of frying them for a lighter version. Coat the shrimp in the tempura mix, place them on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
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Next Steps
Now that you have the recipe for Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! This delicious meal will not only satisfy your cravings but also impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations on social media!
With just a few simple steps, you can recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking!
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by making the candied walnuts. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the walnut pieces to the saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes. Once they are coated, remove the walnuts and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to cool and harden.
- In a mixing bowl, prepare the tempura batter according to the instructions on the package. The consistency should be smooth and slightly thick for optimal coating on the shrimp.
- In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying.
- Dip the peeled and deveined shrimp into the tempura batter, making sure they are fully coated. This step is crucial for that light and crispy texture.
- Carefully place the battered shrimp in the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Add the candied walnuts and toss again to combine.
- Transfer the Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp to a serving platter. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or additional walnuts for a pop of color. Serve it alongside steamed rice or your favorite vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free tempura mix.
- Replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
- You can bake the shrimp instead of frying for a healthier version.
