Easy Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express Style in 2024

Introduction

Panda Express, a popular Chinese-American fast-food chain, is known for its delicious and innovative dishes. One of their most beloved menu items is the Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express. This sweet and savory dish has captured the hearts and taste buds of many customers, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Panda Express.

What is Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish that combines crispy, battered shrimp with a sweet and creamy sauce, topped with candied walnuts. The shrimp is first coated in a light batter and then fried until golden brown, giving it a satisfying crunch. The sauce, made with honey, mayonnaise, and sweetened condensed milk, is then drizzled over the shrimp, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

The candied walnuts add an extra layer of texture and sweetness to the dish. They are made by coating walnuts in a mixture of sugar and honey, then baking them until they are caramelized and crispy. The result is a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp and creamy sauce.

How to Make a Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

Ingredients and Directions

Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

Course: MainCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

500

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 eggs, beaten

• Oil for frying

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup walnuts

• 1/4 cup sugar

Directions

• In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip the shrimp in the beaten eggs, then coat them in the flour mixture.
• Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok. Fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
• In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
• In a small saucepan, combine walnuts and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts. Remove from heat and let cool.
• Drizzle the sauce over the fried shrimp and top with the candied walnuts. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Why is Honey Walnut Shrimp so Popular?

There are several reasons why Honey Walnut Shrimp has become a fan favorite at Panda Express:

1. Unique Flavor Combination: The dish combines sweet and savory elements, creating a unique and addictive flavor profile that keeps customers coming back for more.
2. Texture Contrast: The crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts provide a delightful mix of textures that make every bite interesting and enjoyable.
3. Visually Appealing: The golden-brown shrimp, drizzled with the creamy sauce and topped with the glossy candied walnuts, makes for an attractive and appetizing presentation.
4. Versatility: Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs well with various side dishes, such as steamed rice, chow mein, or mixed vegetables, making it easy to create a satisfying meal.

How to Enjoy Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home

While Honey Walnut Shrimp is a staple at Panda Express, you can also enjoy this dish in the comfort of your own home. Here’s a simple recipe to help you recreate this delicious meal:

Ingredients:

Variations and Substitutions: Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

• Protein: While the recipe may call for a specific protein such as chicken or beef, feel free to experiment with other options like shrimp, tofu, or pork to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Vegetables: The beauty of stir-fry dishes is the flexibility to incorporate a variety of vegetables. Consider adding or substituting vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, baby corn, or bok choy to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile of the dish.
• Sauce: Adjust the sauce ingredients to your liking. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili sauce or add some red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of ginger or garlic. You can also experiment with different soy sauce varieties, such as low-sodium or dark soy sauce, to alter the taste and color of the dish.

Serving Suggestions: Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

• Rice: Serve the Chinese-American main course over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist. The rice will absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce and provide a satisfying base for the dish.
• Noodles: If you’re in the mood for noodles, consider serving the stir-fry over chow mein noodles or lo mein noodles. The combination of tender noodles and the savory sauce will create a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Garnishes: Elevate the presentation and add some freshness to the dish by garnishing it with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also contribute to the overall flavor profile.

Meal Prep and Storage: Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

• Prep ahead: To save time on busy weeknights, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Chop the vegetables, marinate the protein, and mix the sauce ingredients together. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Freezing: While stir-fry dishes are best enjoyed fresh, you can still freeze the leftovers for future meals. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a skillet or microwave until hot and sizzling.

Conclusion Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a testament to Panda Express’s ability to create memorable and delicious dishes that keep customers returning for more. The combination of crispy shrimp, sweet and creamy sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts makes for a truly irresistible meal. Whether you enjoy it at a Panda Express restaurant or make it at home using the recipe provided, Honey Walnut Shrimp is sure to become a favorite dish for you and your loved ones. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, savory, and satisfying, give Honey Walnut Shrimp a try – you won’t be disappointed!