Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular dish from Panda Express, featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and creamy sauce, topped with candied walnuts. This delicious recipe is perfect for a homemade take on your favorite restaurant dish!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Oil for frying

For the Honey Walnut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Candied Walnuts:

• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Timing

Making Honey Walnut Shrimp takes about 30 minutes for preparation and cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts

1. Cook Walnuts: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Add Walnuts: Add the walnuts to the boiling sugar mixture and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the walnuts are coated.
3. Cool Walnuts: Remove the walnuts from the saucepan and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool and harden.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Mix Batter: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the cold water until smooth.
2. Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Coat Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Fry Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Honey Walnut Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Toss Shrimp: In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the honey walnut sauce until well coated.
2. Add Walnuts: Top with the candied walnuts and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Honey Walnut Shrimp (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	20g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Shrimp Alternatives: You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
• Add Vegetables: Consider adding steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that captures the sweet and savory flavors of Panda Express right in your kitchen. Enjoy this delicious recipe with family and friends!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the shrimp is best served fresh, you can prepare the candied walnuts and sauce in advance. Just fry the shrimp just before serving.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.