Embark on a culinary journey to create the most irresistible Honey Walnut Shrimp right in your own kitchen. This beloved dish, a popular Panda Express copycat recipe, masterfully blends the delicate crispness of perfectly fried shrimp with a lusciously creamy, sweet-tangy sauce, all crowned with delightfully crunchy candied walnuts. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that promises a restaurant-quality experience without ever leaving your home. Whether you’re planning an elaborate dinner party or seeking a quick, impressive weeknight meal, this homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe delivers unparalleled satisfaction and gourmet flair with surprising ease.
The magic of this dish lies in its exquisite balance: the rich sweetness of honey and condensed milk harmonizes beautifully with the slight tang of lemon, all complementing the savory, tender shrimp. But perhaps the most addictive element is the satisfying crunch of the candied walnuts, providing a textural contrast that elevates every bite. Beyond being a stellar main course, any leftover candied nuts make for an incredibly delicious snack. Pair this culinary masterpiece with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or a flavorful fried rice, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this easy, yet sophisticated, Asian-inspired dish.
If you’re a fan of the delightful crunch that nuts bring to savory Asian dishes, you might also enjoy my Chinese Szechuan Chili Chicken, known for its bold flavors and nutty texture, or my Authentic Kung Pao Chicken, another classic featuring peanuts for that perfect crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: This homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, creating a truly irresistible taste. The combination of succulent, crispy shrimp coated in a rich, creamy honey-mayonnaise sauce, perfectly balanced with bright lemon, and topped with crunchy, caramelized walnuts, delivers a complex and deeply satisfying flavor that will have you craving more. It’s a culinary experience that stands out.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Recreate your favorite Chinese takeout classic, the famous Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp, in your own kitchen with remarkable authenticity. This recipe empowers you to enjoy a gourmet meal without the high cost or wait of a restaurant. Impress your family and friends with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a professional chef, all from the comfort of your home.
- Surprisingly Easy & Quick to Prepare: Don’t let its sophisticated taste fool you – this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is designed for accessibility. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish in approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you desire something special, yet don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner repertoire.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp
Crafting the best Honey Walnut Shrimp begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the dish’s signature taste and texture:
- Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness in the candied walnuts; it’s essential for creating a rich, caramel-like glaze that adheres beautifully to the nuts, providing that sought-after crunch and golden hue.
- Water: Used in conjunction with brown sugar and butter, water helps dissolve the sugar to form a syrup, which then thickens into a glossy, candied coating for the walnuts.
- Walnuts (Halves): Opt for walnut halves over pieces for a more substantial crunch and a visually appealing presentation. The larger surface area allows for a more satisfying candied coating. If walnuts aren’t your preference, pecans make an excellent substitute, offering a similar buttery crunch.
- Shrimp: For the best results, choose small raw shrimp that have been thoroughly peeled, deveined, and have their tails removed. This ensures easy eating and allows the cornstarch coating to adhere perfectly, leading to ultimately crispy results. Fresh shrimp are always recommended for optimal flavor and texture.
- Seasonings (Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper): A simple yet effective blend that enhances the natural sweetness and savoriness of the shrimp. These spices create a foundational flavor layer before frying, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.
- Cornstarch: The secret to achieving that coveted crispy exterior on your shrimp. When coated and fried, cornstarch forms a light, delicate crust that locks in moisture and provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sauce. It also plays a role in slightly thickening the sauce.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying the shrimp to golden, crispy perfection. Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil, to avoid imparting unwanted flavors to your dish.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature honey walnut shrimp sauce. Full-fat mayonnaise is recommended for a rich and luxurious texture that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: A key ingredient for its unique sweetness and buttery richness. It contributes significantly to the characteristic flavor profile of the sauce, making it incredibly smooth and delectable.
- Honey: The star sweetener of the sauce, lending its distinct floral and sweet notes. Using a good quality honey will elevate the overall flavor. Pure maple syrup can be used as an alternative for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of fresh lemon juice is crucial for balancing the richness and sweetness of the sauce. It adds a bright, zesty counterpoint that prevents the dish from being overly heavy, creating a more dynamic and refreshing flavor.
- Scallions (Chopped Green Onions): Primarily used as a vibrant garnish, chopped scallions add a fresh, mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of green color, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and providing a subtle aromatic finish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home
Follow these detailed instructions to create an exquisite batch of homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp, just like your favorite takeout restaurant.
Step 1: Prepare the Glazed Walnuts for Optimal Crunch
In a medium-sized non-stick pan, combine the brown sugar, water, and butter. Add the walnuts. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and allow the sugar syrup to thicken and coat the walnuts. Continue to cook, stirring gently but constantly, until the liquid reduces to a thick glaze that clings to the walnuts without burning. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The goal is a shiny, caramelized coating.
Step 2: Cool and Crisp the Candied Walnuts
Immediately after the walnuts are perfectly glazed, transfer them onto a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread them out into a single layer, ensuring they don’t clump together. Allow the candied walnuts to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden, making them wonderfully crunchy and ready to be added to your shrimp dish.
Step 3: Season and Coat the Shrimp for Frying
Pat the peeled, deveined, and tail-removed shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the coating adhere better and ensures maximum crispiness. In a medium bowl, season the shrimp generously with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure an even coating. Next, add the cornstarch to the seasoned shrimp and toss again until each shrimp is lightly and evenly coated. The cornstarch will create a light batter that fries up beautifully.
Step 4: Deep Fry the Shrimp to Golden Perfection
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to about 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry the cornstarch-coated shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp curl into a C-shape and turn a beautiful golden color. They should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Remove the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Honey Walnut Shrimp Sauce
While the shrimp are frying, prepare the irresistible honey-mayonnaise sauce. In a clean medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess if desired. Set this delicious sauce aside until you’re ready to combine everything.
Step 6: Combine, Toss, and Serve
In a large mixing bowl, gently add the freshly fried crispy shrimp and the cooled, crunchy candied walnuts. Pour the prepared creamy honey sauce generously over the shrimp and walnuts. Using a rubber spatula or tongs, gently toss everything together until the shrimp and walnuts are thoroughly coated with the luscious sauce. Be careful not to toss too vigorously, as this can break the delicate crispiness of the shrimp. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions for a burst of color and a hint of fresh onion flavor, then serve immediately for the best possible experience.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent choices:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic choice! The delicate fragrance and fluffy texture of steamed jasmine rice provide a neutral canvas that perfectly absorbs the sweet and savory notes of the shrimp sauce. Its simplicity beautifully balances the richness of the main dish.
- Flavorful Fried Rice: For a heartier meal, serve your Honey Walnut Shrimp with a generous portion of homemade fried rice. The added textures from vegetables like peas and carrots, along with savory notes from soy sauce and egg, create a more complex and satisfying pairing that complements the creamy shrimp.
- Light Mixed Vegetables: To add freshness and a nutritional boost, stir-fried or lightly steamed mixed vegetables are an ideal accompaniment. Options like crisp bell peppers, tender broccoli florets, sweet snap peas, and vibrant carrots offer a delightful contrast in texture and a healthy balance to the meal.
- Savory Chili Garlic Noodles: If you’re looking for an alternative to rice, chili garlic noodles offer a fantastic, savory, and slightly spicy counterpoint to the sweet shrimp. The buttery, garlicky noodles create an exciting flavor dynamic that is incredibly addictive.
Pro Tips for Making Irresistible Honey Walnut Shrimp
Achieving restaurant-quality Honey Walnut Shrimp at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Ensure Shrimp are Bone Dry: This is arguably the most critical step for crispy shrimp. After thawing and peeling, pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Any residual moisture will create steam during frying, preventing that desired crispy texture and making the cornstarch coating less effective.
- Master the Candying Process for Walnuts: Don’t rush it! Cook the sugar syrup over medium heat until it fully caramelizes and thickens into a glossy glaze. Remove from heat immediately once perfectly coated to prevent burning. Spreading them quickly and evenly on parchment paper to cool completely is vital for individual, crunchy walnuts.
- Fry in Batches for Consistent Crispness: Overcrowding the frying pan will drastically lower the oil’s temperature, leading to steamed, rather than fried, shrimp. Fry the shrimp in small, manageable batches to maintain a consistent high temperature, ensuring each piece achieves a perfectly golden and crispy exterior.
- Toss Gently, Serve Immediately: Once the fried shrimp and candied walnuts are introduced to the creamy honey sauce, toss them very gently. The goal is to coat without damaging the crispy texture of the shrimp. For the absolute best experience, serve the dish as soon as it’s tossed to prevent the shrimp from losing their crispness.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure your oil stays within the ideal range of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Too cold, and shrimp become greasy; too hot, and they burn before cooking through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Can I freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp?
- I do not recommend freezing this dish once it’s fully assembled. The delicate crispy texture of the shrimp and candied walnuts will likely become soggy and mushy upon thawing and reheating, significantly compromising the dish’s quality and appeal.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- To maintain some of the shrimp’s crispiness, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this will almost certainly make the shrimp soggy.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While it’s best served fresh for optimal crispness, you can prepare certain components in advance. The candied walnuts can be made a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The honey-mayonnaise sauce can also be mixed and refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. Fry the shrimp and combine with the sauce and walnuts just before serving.
- How do you keep honey walnut shrimp crispy?
- The key to maintaining crispiness is two-fold: ensure the shrimp are thoroughly dry and properly coated with cornstarch before frying, and serve the dish immediately after tossing the fried shrimp with the sauce and candied walnuts. The sauce will naturally soften the crispy elements over time, so quick serving is crucial. If preparing for a gathering, keep the fried shrimp and sauce separate until the last possible moment.
More Quick & Delicious Shrimp Dinner Recipes
If you’re a fan of shrimp and looking for more fast and flavorful meal ideas, check out these other popular recipes:
- Panda Express Sizzling Shrimp
- Crispy Honey Shrimp (A variation focusing solely on crispy honey-glazed shrimp!)
- Easy Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Easy Sweet Chili Shrimp (Prawns)
Crispy, sweet, savory, and irresistibly crunchy – this homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your dining table. It’s a truly satisfying dish that’s surprisingly simple to master and guaranteed to impress both family and friends. Dive into this delightful culinary experience and elevate your home cooking!
If you enjoyed making this recipe or any of my other culinary creations, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment in the section below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! For my latest recipes, cooking tips, and social updates, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
By: Mariam Ezzeddine
Summary: This homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp features succulent crispy shrimp coated in a luxurious creamy honey sauce, adorned with delightfully crunchy candied walnuts. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, offering a gourmet meal experience that’s quick and easy to prepare at home.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Rating: 4.82 from 22 votes
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Ingredients
Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup walnuts, halves
- 1 tbsp butter
Shrimp
- 1 lb small raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- vegetable oil, for frying
Honey Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glazed Walnuts: In a medium non-stick pan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, and walnuts. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer until the sugar syrup thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the walnuts, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn.
- Cool the Candied Walnuts: Immediately transfer the hot candied walnuts onto parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread them into a single layer and allow them to cool completely. They will become crunchy as they cool.
- Season and Coat the Shrimp: Thoroughly pat the peeled, deveined, and tail-removed shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, season the shrimp with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well. Then, add cornstarch and toss again until each shrimp is lightly and evenly coated.
- Deep Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm.
- Prepare the Honey Walnut Shrimp Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, honey, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the fried shrimp and cooled candied walnuts. Pour the prepared honey sauce over them. Gently toss until everything is well coated. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions and serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
Chef’s Notes & Tips
- Dry the Shrimp: Ensuring the shrimp are completely dry before coating is essential for achieving a truly crispy fried exterior.
- Candy Walnuts Properly: Cook the sugar syrup until it’s a thick, glossy glaze without burning. Spreading them out to cool immediately on parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures individual crispness.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying shrimp. This maintains oil temperature, resulting in consistently crispy and perfectly cooked shrimp.
- Serve Immediately: For the ultimate experience, serve the Honey Walnut Shrimp as soon as it’s tossed with the sauce to preserve the crispiness of both the shrimp and walnuts.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the frying oil between 350-375°F (175-190°C) for optimal results.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 1003 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 98 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Fat: 53 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 32 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 309 mg
- Sodium: 2132 mg
- Potassium: 686 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 70 g
- Vitamin A: 704 IU
- Vitamin C: 5 mg
- Calcium: 269 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
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