This Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe Has Panda Express Executives Sweating!

There’s something magical about the perfect balance of crispy, golden-battered shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy sauce with crunchy candied walnuts. Honey Walnut Shrimp isn’t just a restaurant favorite—it’s a dish that brings together indulgence and elegance in every bite.

With its irresistible mix of textures and flavors, it’s no wonder people are searching for a homemade version of the Panda Express classic.

And the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or a long list of ingredients to recreate this dish at home. This recipe keeps things simple while delivering the same rich, caramelized nuttiness and light, crispy shrimp that make it so addictive.

Pair it with Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein for a fusion twist or add a side of Garlic Green Beans to balance the richness. The secret to making this recipe shine is in the batter.

A light cornstarch coating creates the perfect crispiness, while a touch of yogurt in the sauce adds just enough tang to keep the sweetness in check. If you’ve ever hesitated to make restaurant-style shrimp at home, this is the recipe to change your mind.

Why You Will Be Hooked?

• Restaurant Flavor, Homemade Simplicity – No takeout wait times, no guessing ingredients—just crispy, creamy shrimp straight from your own kitchen.
• That Perfect Crunch – The combination of light cornstarch batter and caramelized walnuts is pure texture heaven.
• A Sweet-Savory Balance – The honey-mayo sauce isn’t overpowering; it’s just the right blend of sweet and creamy with a hint of tang.
• Better Than Takeout – You control the ingredients, keeping it fresh and skipping unnecessary additives.
• A Showstopper for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish always impresses.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express Recipe

Crispy shrimp coated in a rich, creamy honey sauce and topped with crunchy candied walnuts—this Panda Express copycat recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and indulgent flavors.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese-American

Servings 6

Calories 432 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Small saucepan
• Frying pan or deep skillet
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound shrimp peeled
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Candied walnuts:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 6 tablespoons water
• 1 cup walnuts halved

Sweet sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

Instructions

 

• Prepare the walnuts – Boil water and honey, add walnuts, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Drain and let them dry on parchment paper.
  
• Coat the shrimp – In a bowl, whisk egg and water. In another bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dip shrimp in egg wash, then coat with cornstarch mixture.
  
• Fry the shrimp – Heat oil in a pan and fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  
• Make the sauce – In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and yogurt until smooth.
  
• Combine everything – Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce until well coated.
  
• Garnish and serve – Sprinkle candied walnuts over the shrimp and serve immediately with rice or noodles.
  

Nutrition Info:

Essential Tips For This Recipe!

1. Double-fry for extra crispiness – If you want the shrimp to stay crispy even after tossing in the sauce, fry them once at a medium temperature (around 325°F), then refry at a higher temp (375°F) for a few seconds. This locks in the crunch.
2. Let the walnuts cool completely – After candying the walnuts, don’t rush to use them while they’re still warm. Let them fully cool on parchment paper so they develop that perfect crisp texture.
3. Don’t overcrowd the frying pan – Too many shrimp frying at once will lower the oil temperature, making them soggy instead of crispy. Work in small batches for the best texture.
4. Use a light touch with the sauce – Instead of fully drenching the shrimp, gently toss them in just enough sauce to coat. This keeps the balance between crispy and creamy.
5. For a deeper flavor, toast the walnuts first – Before candying, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes. This enhances their natural nuttiness and makes them even more addictive.
6. Swap mayo for a tangier twist – If you like a little more depth, replace half of the mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy contrast to the honey.
7. Make it spicy – If you love a little heat, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. The contrast of sweet, creamy, and spicy is next-level.
8. Serve immediately – This dish is at its best fresh out of the pan. If you need to make it ahead, fry the shrimp first and toss them in the sauce just before serving.

John Lee

John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.

Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.