Honey Walnut Shrimp (Panda Express Inspired Recipe)

This honey walnut shrimp recipe is my favorite shrimp appetizer that's equally delicious as a main dish. With crispy shrimp, candied walnuts, and a creamy honey sauce, I'm confident your family will love this recipe as much as mine does!

My Take on Honey Walnut Shrimp

My honey walnut shrimp is kind of like the Panda Express honey walnut shrimp, but my family thinks it's even better! 

The combination of crispy shrimp, sweet candied walnuts, and a creamy honey sauce is a combination of flavors that'll have even non-shrimp eaters licking their plates clean!

What I love most about this recipe is how the different textures and flavors come together. The crunchy shrimp and walnuts, combined with the smooth, sweet, and tangy sauce, make for a delightful eating experience. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish any night of the week! 

Ingredients

Another thing I love about this recipe is that you really don't need any complicated ingredients. Don't believe me? Here's what you'll need for the tempura mix:

• 1 lb shrimp
• Oil for frying
• ¾ cup flour
• ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon corn starch
• ⅔ cup sparkling water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the candied walnuts mixed throughout:

• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup walnuts

And for the addictive sauce:

• 1 tablespoon condensed milk
• 1.5 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon Japanese mayo
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

How To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

This recipe is straightforward and comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how to make this delicious dish.

Step One: Make the Candied Walnuts

In a pot, combine water, butter, and sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, add the walnuts, and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and spread the walnuts on parchment paper to cool.

Step Two: Prepare the Sauce

Next, in a bowl, whisk together condensed milk, honey, Japanese mayo, and lemon juice. Once it's combined and somewhat smooth, set it aside.

Step Three: Make the Tempura Batter and Fry the Shrimp

In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the sparkling water until it is just incorporated. Then heat the oil in a frying pan over high heat.

Now you can dip the shrimp into the batter and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp. Then transfer the fried shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step Four: Combine and Serve

In a bowl, toss the fried shrimp and candied walnuts with the prepared sauce until well coated. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Store Honey Walnut Shrimp

The shrimp is for sure best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat any leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispy texture of the shrimp.

FAQs About This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Japanese mayo?

Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise, but Japanese mayo has a slightly different flavor and creaminess that enhances the dish.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy?

To keep the shrimp crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Reheat leftovers in a skillet to retain crispiness.

More Shrimp Recipes

• Shrimp gumbo
• Shrimp poke bowl
• Shrimp and rice
• Beer battered shrimp