Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe: A Sweet And Savory Delight

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If you’ve ever visited Panda Express, you’ve likely tasted the irresistible Honey Walnut Shrimp—a crispy, tender shrimp dish coated in a creamy, sweet sauce with crunchy, caramelized walnuts. This popular dish has become a favorite for many, but what if you could make it home? In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating your own Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp right in your kitchen. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make dish that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Perfect for Families, Quick and Delicious

This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is great for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require much cooking time. With its crispy shrimp and sweet, creamy sauce, it’s a dish that the whole family will enjoy. You can serve it with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete meal, making it a quick and convenient option.

Nutritional Benefits and Simple Ingredients

Though this dish is rich and indulgent, it provides some nutritional benefits. Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein; walnuts add healthy fats and fiber to the diet. The honey sauce adds a touch of sweetness without overloading on sugars, and the overall dish provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbs. Plus, you can use simple, readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Adaptable and Budget-Friendly

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust the sweetness or crunchiness to your liking by adding more honey or changing the amount of walnuts. If you’re on a budget, you can replace the shrimp with chicken or tofu and enjoy the same flavors. The customizable dish makes it easy to adapt based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

Essential Ingredients for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Ingredients:

For the Candied Walnuts:

1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg, beaten
Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp condensed milk
1 tsp lemon juice

Shrimp

Shrimp is the key ingredient in this dish. It offers a delicate yet rich flavor and a satisfying texture. It’s quick to cook and absorbs the sauce beautifully.

Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken or tofu for shrimp. Both options will still provide a nice base for the honey sauce and walnuts.

Walnuts

Walnuts add the necessary crunch and depth to the dish, and when caramelized, they bring a rich sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and sauce.

Suggestions: If you’re allergic to walnuts or don’t have them on hand, use cashews, almonds, or pecans for a similar crunch and flavor profile.

Honey

Honey is what gives the dish its signature sweetness and glossy coating. The sweetness of honey also complements the savory shrimp and the rich walnuts.

Tip: You can use other sweeteners, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, but honey offers a natural, rich sweetness that is hard to replace.

Ingredient Preparation

Step 1 – Preparing the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for a more elegant presentation, but it’s unnecessary. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks, and they fry up crispy.

Step 2 – Preparing the Walnuts

In a small saucepan, toast the walnuts over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Then, pour some honey and let the walnuts simmer in the syrup until they are coated and caramelized. Set them aside to cool.

Step 3 – Preparing the Honey Sauce

Combine honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice in a separate bowl. Stir the mixture until smooth. This will create the creamy sauce that coats the shrimp. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if needed.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Preparing the Shrimp for Frying

Before you fry the shrimp, ensure that the oil in your deep fryer or frying pan is hot enough. The oil should reach 350°F for optimal crispiness. Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch to give them a light, crispy coating.

Step 2 – Frying the Shrimp

Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3 – Assembling the Dish

Toss the fried shrimp in the creamy honey sauce until evenly coated. Then, top with the caramelized walnuts and gently toss to ensure the walnuts are evenly distributed. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Tips for an Even Tastier Version

Adding Extra Ingredients

To enhance the dish further, add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a nice touch of crunch.

Techniques to Enhance Flavor

Marinate the shrimp in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before frying for a deeper flavor. This will add an extra layer of savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey sauce.

Adjustments for Preferences

If you want to reduce the calories, skip the frying process and bake the shrimp instead. A quick broil will give them a crispy texture without the added oil. You can replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative for those with dairy allergies.

Recipe Variations and Adaptations

Vegetarian Option

You can swap out the shrimp for crispy tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian version. Both alternatives will absorb the honey sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying bite.

Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Option

To make this recipe gluten-free, coat the shrimp with cornstarch instead of regular flour. For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp with steamed vegetables instead of rice, making it a lighter, keto-friendly meal.

Other Adaptations

You can change the flavor profile by adding a dash of chili flakes to the honey sauce for a sweet-spicy twist. Try topping the dish with fresh mango or pineapple in summer to give it a tropical flair.

Serving Suggestions

Salad or Soup Ideas

Pair your Honey Walnut Shrimp with a light salad, such as a simple green salad with sesame dressing or a cucumber and avocado salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a bowl of miso soup.

Hearty Sides

Consider serving the shrimp with jasmine rice or fried rice for a more filling meal. You could also pair it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, and carrots.

Drink Recommendations

The sweetness of the honey walnut shrimp pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced green tea. Try a lemon-lime soda with a splash of ginger ale for a mocktail.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp and sauce may lose some crispiness, but they’ll still be delicious.

Reheating Techniques

Place the shrimp in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes to reheat the shrimp. This will help restore some of the crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a hot pan for a few minutes, but avoid overcooking.

Portioning Tips

Pair the shrimp and sauce into separate containers if you’re meal-prepping. This will keep the shrimp from becoming soggy and allow you to reheat them when ready to eat.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

Nutritional Values per Serving

Each serving of Honey Walnut Shrimp contains approximately:

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 480
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Ingredient Benefits

Shrimp are a great source of protein and are low in fat, while walnuts provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Honey adds a natural sweetness to the dish and provides antioxidants. The combination of these ingredients makes for a balanced and delicious meal.

Recommended Portions

A typical serving size is about 6-8 shrimp, depending on their size, along with a small portion of rice or vegetables. Adjust portion sizes based on your dietary needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Issue 1 – Overcooking the Shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery. To avoid this, keep an eye on them while frying and remove them from the oil as soon as they turn golden brown.

Issue 2 – Soggy Walnuts

To prevent your walnuts from becoming soggy, ensure they are fully caramelized and cooled before adding them to the dish. This ensures they stay crunchy and add the perfect texture.

Issue 3 – Sauce Consistency

If the honey sauce becomes too runny, you can thicken it by adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. This will give the sauce the perfect consistency to coat the shrimp without being too watery.

Inspiring Conclusion

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and savory goodness. Whether you’re craving a dish that reminds you of your favorite takeout or want to try something new, this recipe will become a family favorite. You can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Don’t forget to experiment with the flavors and share your results with friends and family!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I prepare this recipe in advance? You can prepare the shrimp and the sauce beforehand, but it’s best to fry them just before serving for the crispiest texture.
What are the best substitutes for shrimp? You can substitute shrimp with tofu, chicken, or cauliflower for a vegetarian or different protein option.
Can I make this recipe without walnuts? If you don’t have walnuts, you can use other nuts like cashews or almonds or omit them entirely for a simpler version.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use cornstarch to coat the shrimp.
Can I freeze the Honey Walnut Shrimp? It’s not recommended, as they may lose their crispiness when reheated.
What’s the best way to store the leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore some of the crispiness.
Can I make the sauce spicier? You can add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to give the dish a spicy kick.
What can I serve this with? For a complete meal, serve the shrimp with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I use honey substitutes? You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey, but honey provides the best flavor for this dish.
How can I make this recipe healthier? To make the dish lighter, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them and use a lighter sauce with less honey.

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