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A white serving dish on a white marble cooktop with perfectly coated honey walnut shrimp, garnished with glossy candied walnuts. The dish is served alongside a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, ready to be enjoyed.

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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
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.
    A shiny stainless steel saucepan on a white marble cooktop filled with boiling water and honey. Halved walnuts are submerged in the bubbling mixture, gently cooking to achieve a glossy, caramelized texture. A slotted spoon rests on the side, ready to remove them.
  • 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.
    A glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop containing a whisked egg and water mixture, prepared for coating the shrimp. Beside it, another glass bowl holds a dry blend of cornstarch, salt, and pepper, evenly combined and ready for dredging.
  • Fry the shrimp – Heat oil in a pan and fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
    A black skillet on a white marble cooktop filled with hot oil, where coated shrimp sizzle and turn golden brown. A slotted spoon lifts one shrimp, showcasing its crispy, crunchy texture as it finishes frying.
  • Make the sauce – In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and yogurt until smooth.
    A glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop filled with a smooth, creamy sauce made of mayonnaise, honey, and yogurt. A whisk stirs the mixture, creating a rich, glossy, and velvety texture, perfect for coating the crispy shrimp.
  • Combine everything – Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce until well coated.
    Crispy fried shrimp being tossed in the creamy honey sauce inside a glass mixing bowl on a white marble cooktop. A wooden spoon gently folds the shrimp, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the luscious, sweet, and tangy glaze.
  • Garnish and serve – Sprinkle candied walnuts over the shrimp and serve immediately with rice or noodles.
    A white serving dish on a white marble cooktop with perfectly coated honey walnut shrimp, garnished with glossy candied walnuts. The dish is served alongside a bowl of fluffy steamed rice, ready to be enjoyed.