There is nothing quite as satisfying as crispy, sweet, and creamy Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe served fresh and warm. This dish perfectly balances the crunch of golden-fried shrimp with the luscious honey-mayo glaze and candied walnuts, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will have you hooked from the very first bite. Whether you’re craving a restaurant-quality treat at home or looking to impress friends with a crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers an irresistible combination that feels indulgent and comforting all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with raw gray shrimp sits on the right side, below it is a white bowl with white powder, and near it are two brown eggs placed side by side. Above the eggs, a small white bowl holds a creamy light yellow sauce. To the upper left, a black measuring cup is full of walnut halves with a few walnuts spilled beside it. On the upper right, a clear glass jar contains a beige liquid, and a small black cup with a dark amber liquid is placed between the jar and shrimp bowl. All items are arranged on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is crucial to achieving that classic Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp flavor. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing to the perfect balance of crispy texture, sweet glaze, and nutty crunch.

Extra large shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined for easy preparation and maximum flavor absorption.
Large egg whites (2): Whisked to help the potato starch stick and create that crispy coating.
Potato starch (8 tbsp): Or use tapioca starch or whey protein isolate for the perfect light and crispy crust.
Avocado oil (⅓ to ½ cup): Chosen for its high smoke point to achieve that golden fry without burning.
Walnuts (½ cup): Unsalted whole or chopped, toasting just right for that signature sweet crunch.
Scallion (1 bulb): Chopped for fresh, vibrant garnish and subtle onion flavor.
Mayonnaise (4 tbsp): Provides creamy richness that binds the sauce beautifully.
Honey (1 tbsp): Or keto-friendly honey for that irresistibly sweet note.
Evaporated milk (2 to 2.5 tbsp): Or sugar-free coconut condensed milk to add smoothness and balance the glaze.

How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Butterfly the Shrimp

Start by giving your shrimp some love: butterfly each by making a shallow cut along their backs. This not only ensures even cooking but also creates a beautiful shape, making each bite more tender and easier to eat.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Station

Organize your workspace with three separate areas: a bowl for the whisked egg whites, a bowl for the potato starch, and a large plate ready to catch your coated shrimp. This assembly line setup helps keep things neat and speeds up the process.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp first into the egg whites, making sure it’s fully covered, then dredge it evenly in the potato starch. Lay the coated shrimp flat on the plate and continue until they’re all ready for frying. The starch creates that addictive crunch you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Heat the Oil and Fry the Shrimp

Pour avocado oil into a deep pan with high walls and heat it over medium-high. To test if it’s hot enough, dip a wooden chopstick in; bubbles mean it’s ready. Aim for around 350°F (177°C) for the perfect fry. Work in batches, cooking shrimp for about 3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Rest the Shrimp

Use a wire rack to place your fried shrimp and let them rest. This dries off excess oil and preserves the crispy texture, making every bite delightfully crunchy.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey Walnut Sauce

Mix the mayo, honey, and evaporated milk together until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is the heart of the Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe, giving it that sweet and silky appeal.

Step 7: Sweeten the Walnuts

Toss the walnuts with 2 tablespoons of the honey walnut sauce. This small step transforms the nuts into a crunchy, sweet topping that perfectly complements the shrimp.

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Place the crispy shrimp on a big serving platter, sprinkle the glazed walnuts on top, then drizzle with more honey walnut sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped scallions for freshness and color. Serve this dish hot, and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation worthy of any special occasion.

How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of fried shrimp in a white shallow bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The shrimp are golden brown with a crispy texture, piled over each other in about two layers. Creamy light beige sauce is drizzled on top, mixing with small pieces of chopped green onions and bits of walnuts, adding green and light brown colors. A fork with a dark handle rests inside the bowl on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Chopped scallions add a bright touch to this dish, cutting through the sweetness with subtle freshness. You can also sprinkle a few sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation effortlessly and add another layer of flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Complement your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe with steamed jasmine rice or a fluffy coconut rice to soak up the honey glaze. Steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy are excellent vegetable sides that bring balance, freshness, and a pop of vibrant green to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in individual lettuce cups for a finger-food style appetizer at parties. Alternatively, use the shrimp in a noodle bowl with rice noodles and leafy greens for a more substantial meal. Brighten up your dinner table by plating on a long serving platter with the walnuts and sauce artfully drizzled.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will lose some crispiness but will still taste delicious when reheated carefully.

Freezing

While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and walnuts separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the sauce; prepare it fresh when ready to serve again.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps revive the crunch without drying them out. Warm the sauce gently in a microwave or stovetop and drizzle over before eating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before butterflying and coating. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture without extra moisture.

Is there a substitute for avocado oil?

Certainly! Any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, will work well for frying. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can alter the flavor.

Can I make a keto-friendly version of this recipe?

Absolutely. Use keto-friendly honey or sugar-free syrup alternatives and consider using whey protein isolate as your coating instead of starch. Evaporated unsweetened coconut milk helps keep the sauce creamy without added sugar.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy after frying?

Drain them on a wire rack to avoid sogginess, and if you’re not serving right away, keep them in a warm oven on low heat to maintain their crunch until plating.

What makes the sauce so creamy and flavorful?

The combination of mayonnaise, honey, and evaporated milk creates the perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and smooth texture that defines the Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe is a magical way to bring a restaurant favorite right to your own kitchen. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of crispy shrimp, sweet sauce, and crunchy walnuts that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe soon—it’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely worth every minute of your time in the kitchen!