Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe captures the delightful flavors of the popular dish from Panda Express, featuring crispy shrimp coated in a sweet honey sauce and topped with candied walnuts. It’s a perfect dish for a special dinner or when you’re craving a taste of Asian cuisine at home.
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Timing
Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this dish:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts
- Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, add water and sugar (1/2 cup each) and bring to a boil. Add the walnuts and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain and Dry: Remove the walnuts, drain them, and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, egg, and cold water until smooth.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip the shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the battered shrimp in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per batch). Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make the Honey Sauce
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and sesame oil. Mix well until smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Coat the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp with the honey sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Garnish: Top with the candied walnuts and serve immediately, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 15g |
Tips for Success
To ensure your Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or thawed shrimp will yield the best texture and flavor.
- Temperature Control: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your taste.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of sriracha or chili sauce to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, you can use cashews or almonds instead.
Conclusion
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a restaurant favorite at home. With its crispy shrimp, sweet honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts, it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the shrimp are best served fresh, you can prepare the honey sauce and candied walnuts ahead of time. Just fry the shrimp right before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before battering and frying.
What should I serve with this dish?
Honey walnut shrimp pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Enjoy making and savoring this delightful Honey Walnut Shrimp at home!
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Candy the Walnuts: In a small saucepan, add water and sugar (1/2 cup each) and bring to a boil. Add the walnuts and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain and Dry: Remove the walnuts, drain them, and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, egg, and cold water until smooth.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip the shrimp into the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or wok, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the battered shrimp in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per batch). Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and sesame oil. Mix well until smooth.
- Coat the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the fried shrimp with the honey sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Garnish: Top with the candied walnuts and serve immediately, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
