Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Sweet Savory at Home
- Recipe Introduction
- Unlock the Flavors of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Why You'll Love This Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Ingredients & Equipment: Your Toolkit for Success
- Let's Get Cooking: Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home!
- Recipe Notes for Your Honey Walnut Shrimp Extravaganza!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get that craving for takeout but cbf to actually order? I know, me too! Today we're diving into a Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp copycat recipe.
This dish is sweet, savory, and seriously addictive, I dare you not to love it!
Brief Overview
This iconic Chinese takeout shrimp recipe hails from the land of Cali Asian fusion. It's a medium level recipe, taking about 40 minutes from start to finish.
It will yield approximately 4 servings. That is enough to feed the family.
Main Benefits
Aside from being incredibly delicious, this dish packs a decent protein punch. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you crave something special without the restaurant price tag.
What makes our homemade honey walnut shrimp truly special is the crispy shrimp and that heavenly honey mayo sauce.
Unlock the Flavors of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Want to know a secret? I used to be intimidated by trying to replicate takeout classics at home. But honestly, this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is surprisingly doable, and the result? Chef's kiss! We are talking about those big, juicy shrimp coated in a light batter, fried to perfection.
Then they're slathered in this creamy, sweet honey walnut shrimp sauce and topped with candied walnuts. Oh my gosh!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Forget standing in line or paying those crazy delivery fees. This candied walnut shrimp recipe gives you all the taste and satisfaction of Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express , right in your own kitchen.
Plus, you get to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Honestly, what's not to love?
Alright, let's dive into making Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp ! Seriously, who doesn't love that sweet and savory crunch? This copycat recipe nails it. Let's gather everything you need, yeah?
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Toolkit for Success
Honestly, getting your ingredients sorted is half the battle. Trust me.
Main Ingredients: The Starring Roles
Candied Walnuts:
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup ( 60g ). Use fresh walnuts, they have the best crunch!
- Water: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml )
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons ( 25g )
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.5g )
Shrimp:
- Large Shrimp: 1 pound ( 450g ), peeled and deveined (16/20 count). Fresh or frozen (thawed) is fine.
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml )
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g )
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25g )
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup ( 60g )
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup ( 30g )
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g )
- Water: 1/4 cup ( 60ml )
- Vegetable Oil: 3-4 cups ( 700-950ml ), for frying. Canola works too.
Honey Mayo Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Full fat for the best flavour, you know?
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml )
- Honey: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml )
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Amplifiers
For the honey walnut shrimp sauce , a little goes a long way! Salt balances the sweetness. Feel free to add a tiny pinch of cayenne for a kick, if you are looking for Crispy honey walnut shrimp recipe .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls (3)
- Whisk
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot
- Slotted Spoon or Spider
- Paper Towels
- Thermometer (optional, for oil temperature)
No fancy deep fryer? No worries! A big pot works just fine. A thermometer helps. Aim for oil around 350° F ( 175° C) .
You'll get that Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express taste in no time!
Let's Get Cooking: Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home!
Honestly, who doesn't love Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express ? I'm totally obsessed. But let's face it, sometimes you just don't wanna deal with takeout.
That's where this Panda Express copycat recipe comes in! It's way easier than you think to make this Chinese takeout shrimp recipe at home.
Plus, you control the ingredients! I used to think Honey Walnut Shrimp was some fancy dish. Turns out, it's totally doable.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. Essential mise en place : Chop, measure, and get everything within arm's reach.
For the Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe, that means prepping the shrimp, candying the walnuts, and getting the sauce ingredients ready.
Time saving organization tips : Candy the walnuts before you start on the shrimp. Seriously, it'll save you a headache. Safety reminders : Hot oil is HOT.
Use caution when frying!
The step-by-step to Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp
Alright, here's the magic.
- Candy the Walnuts : In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup walnuts, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and coats the walnuts. Keep cooking until they dry and crystallize. Spread on parchment paper to cool.
- Shrimp Time : Pat 1 pound shrimp dry and toss with 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Batter Up : Whisk together 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Gradually add 1/4 cup water until smooth.
- Oil's Ready : Heat vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Fry Time : Dip shrimp in batter, and fry for 2- 3 minutes per side, until golden.
- Drain the Goods : Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Sauce It Up : Whisk together 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon honey. Hello, Honey Walnut Shrimp sauce !
- Final Touch : Toss fried shrimp with sauce and top with candied walnuts.
Pro Tips for Amazing Honey Walnut Flavor
Want to level up your crispy honey walnut shrimp recipe ? Here you go.
- Don't overcrowd the fryer! It will lower the oil temperature and you will end up with soggy shrimp.
- Common Mistake: Overcooking the shrimp. They get rubbery real fast!
- Make the candied walnuts a day ahead. It's a lifesaver. I honestly thought mastering Shrimp Recipes Honey Walnut would be impossible. Now, look at me. You can do it too!
Recipe Notes for Your Honey Walnut Shrimp Extravaganza!
Alright, let's talk details! You know, the nitty gritty to make your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp amazing . Honestly, it's easier than you think! Don't sweat it, we got this!
Serving Suggestions: Show Off Your Shrimp!
Okay, so presentation matters. A little. For plating, think about color. Some bright green steamed broccoli and a scoop of fluffy white rice looks fab.
Drizzle some extra honey walnut shrimp sauce on top for extra yum! Drinks wise? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio complements this dish nicely, or even a cold Japanese beer.
Storage Tips: Saving the Goodness
Leftovers? If you somehow have any, here’s the deal: Keep that Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express copycat recipe fresh. Pop the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge.
They'll be good for about 2 days. Freezing isn't really ideal. The shrimp can get a bit soggy. Reheating? Gently warm them in a pan on low heat.
Or even better, use an air fryer to crisp them up!
Variations: Remix Your Shrimp!
Want to mix it up? Of course, you do! For a healthier vibe, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Makes it tangy and cuts down on the fat.
And if you're feeling spicy, add a pinch of cayenne to that honey walnut shrimp sauce . Boom! You got some heat! Seasonal swaps? In the autumn, use roasted butternut squash instead of broccoli.
Delicious with the Honey Walnut flavor.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Okay, let's break it down. Each serving of this homemade honey walnut shrimp is roughly around 450 calories. It's got a good whack of protein (around 25g) and some healthy fats from the walnuts.
Walnuts are packed with omega-3s. So you are basically eating brain food!
So there you have it! This Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe isn’t just about the taste, it's a total experience .
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! You know, if you make this Chinese takeout shrimp recipe , snap a pic.
And show me, you'll become a legend!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my shrimp is crispy and not soggy when making Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at home?
The key to crispy shrimp is all about moisture control and hot oil. First, make sure to thoroughly pat your shrimp dry before battering think of it like giving them a good towel down after a swim. Second, ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) and don't overcrowd the fryer.
Frying in batches helps maintain the oil temperature, resulting in that perfect golden brown crispiness. No one wants a soggy bottom!
Can I prepare any parts of the Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe in advance to save time?
Absolutely! Channel your inner Mary Berry and get ahead of the game. The candied walnuts can definitely be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. You can also prep the shrimp by cleaning, deveining, and tossing with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Just remember to keep the shrimp refrigerated until you're ready to batter and fry. Prepping in advance means you'll be relaxing with a plate of delicious shrimp even sooner.
Is there a healthier version of the honey mayo sauce for this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp copycat?
You bet! If you're watching your waistline, you can lighten up the honey mayo sauce by swapping out some or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This will give the sauce a bit of tang, but it's a great way to cut down on the fat content.
You can also reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or use a sugar-free alternative. Think of it as a culinary wardrobe upgrade, keeping the style but making it fit a bit better!
How long does Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh because the shrimp will lose its crispiness as it sits. However, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the shrimp may become a bit softer.
Reheating in a dry skillet or air fryer can help restore some of the crispness, but it won't be quite the same as freshly fried. It's a bit like trying to revive yesterday's fish and chips - still good, but not quite the same magic!
Can I use an air fryer to cook the shrimp instead of deep frying for this Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Yes, using an air fryer is a great way to reduce the oil and make this dish a bit healthier. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the battered shrimp with cooking oil before placing them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The air fryer will give you a similar crispy texture without all the added oil, so you can have your cake (or in this case, shrimp) and eat it too!
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Sweet Savory A
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
