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Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe Easy Panda Express Copycat Delight

crispy honey walnut shrimp recipe - featured image

A homemade version of Panda Express’ crispy honey walnut shrimp featuring crunchy shrimp coated in a sticky-sweet honey walnut glaze with candied walnuts. Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (light mayo preferred)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • ½ cup walnut halves
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add walnuts, stirring constantly to coat and caramelize evenly for about 3-4 minutes. Spread walnuts on parchment paper to cool and harden. Set aside.
  2. Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Add the beaten egg and mix until a smooth batter forms. It should be thick enough to coat shrimp without dripping excessively. If too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
  3. Batter the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Coat each shrimp in the batter, shaking off excess.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches, about 2-3 minutes per batch, until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to keep oil temperature steady. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
  5. Prepare the Honey Walnut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  6. Toss & Serve: Place fried shrimp in a large bowl, pour the honey walnut sauce over, and gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the candied walnuts on top. Serve immediately for best crunch.

Notes

Keep shrimp dry before battering to ensure crispiness. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Fry in small batches to avoid temperature drops. Toss shrimp gently with sauce to keep coating light and crispy. Candied walnuts should be stirred constantly and removed just before syrup hardens fully. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a hot oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey walnut shrimp, crispy shrimp, Panda Express copycat, easy shrimp recipe, fried shrimp, honey glaze, candied walnuts