Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Let me just say—this is a game-changer. Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp? It’s one of those dishes that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and just sigh because it’s that good. Think crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a silky-sweet, honey glaze, with crunchy walnuts adding the perfect bite of texture. This dish is everything you love about indulgent takeout, but made right at home, so you can enjoy it whenever you want!

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, treating yourself after a long day, or just in the mood for some comfort food, this Honey Walnut Shrimp is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Ready to dive into this deliciously sweet and savory recipe? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience. From the moment you start cooking to the last bite, this dish will make you feel like a culinary pro. Here’s why you’re going to love it:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a wow-worthy dish for your next get-together, this shrimp recipe is adaptable to any occasion. Imagine serving this as a showstopper at a party, or enjoying it on a quiet evening—it fits any mood.
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to hit the fancy grocery stores for ingredients. A simple mix of shrimp, honey, and a few pantry staples is all it takes. You can indulge without feeling like you’re breaking the bank.
• Quick and Easy: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is super straightforward. It’s all about getting that crispy shrimp just right and tossing it in that sweet, sticky sauce. No fuss, just deliciousness!
• Customizable: If you want to spice things up, add a bit of cayenne or chili flakes for some heat. Not a fan of walnuts? Try cashews or skip them altogether. The flavor is still amazing!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, family, or friends—everyone loves this dish. The combination of crispy shrimp, sweet honey, and toasted walnuts makes it a crowd favorite every time.

Ingredients in Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Let’s break down the magic behind this recipe:

• Shrimp: The star of the dish! You’ll want to use large, juicy shrimp. When fried, they get perfectly crispy and create the ideal bite.
• Honey: This is what gives the dish its signature sweetness. The honey coats the shrimp and gives it that addictive glaze. You’ll find yourself licking the spoon.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy component that makes the sauce rich and velvety smooth. Don’t skip this—it brings everything together.
• Walnuts: These crunchy beauties add texture and a nutty contrast to the sweetness of the sauce. Toasting them brings out their natural flavor, making them extra irresistible.
• Butter: For sautéing and to bring a rich, buttery finish to the sauce. It’s the secret to making the sauce truly luxurious.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if necessary. Rinse them and pat them dry with a paper towel. The drier the shrimp, the crispier they’ll be when fried.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Sauce

In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise and honey. This will form the sweet and creamy base of your sauce. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Toast the Walnuts

In a pan over medium heat, toast your walnuts for a few minutes, just until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Watch them closely—they can burn quickly. Set them aside once done.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

In a separate pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry your shrimp in batches until golden and crispy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Once they’re done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Combine

Now comes the fun part! Toss the crispy shrimp into the honey-mayo mixture, coating them generously. Add the toasted walnuts on top and gently mix to combine.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp over a bed of steamed rice, or enjoy it on its own as a fantastic appetizer. Trust me, it’s going to be a hit.

How to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, so here are some suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Steamed Rice: The perfect base for soaking up that sweet and savory sauce. It’s the classic pairing that never goes wrong.
• Fresh Salad: A simple, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas add color and nutrients while complementing the dish’s flavors.
• Noodles: If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, serve the shrimp with noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out perfectly:

• Prep Ahead: If you want to save time, prep the shrimp and honey sauce ahead of time. Just keep everything stored separately and combine when you’re ready to fry.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the honey-mayo sauce.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The shrimp will lose some crispiness, but they’ll still be delicious when reheated.
• Double the Batch: If you’re hosting a crowd, double the recipe—this dish is always a crowd-pleaser and it’s easy to make more!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try cashews or almonds. Just make sure to toast them for the best flavor.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Just fry the shrimp and toss them in the sauce right before serving for the best crunch.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan to help bring back some of the crispiness.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe, as the shrimp might lose their crispy texture. However, you can freeze the sauce separately and then make fresh shrimp to toss in later.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough room to fry all the shrimp in batches so they stay crispy.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A6: Reheat in a pan over medium heat to bring back some of the crispiness. You can also microwave it, but it won’t be as crispy.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a specific diet?
A7: For gluten-free options, you can swap out the flour with a gluten-free alternative. Keep in mind the mayonnaise contains eggs, so it might not be suitable for vegans.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: A simple side of steamed rice, sautéed green beans, or a light cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with this shrimp.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: To make it healthier, try baking the shrimp instead of frying them and use a lighter mayonnaise.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A heavy-duty skillet works best for frying the shrimp evenly. You could also use a deep fryer if you have one for extra crispy results.

Conclusion

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of those dishes that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s sweet, savory, crispy, and totally satisfying. With just a few simple steps, you can recreate this takeout favorite at home. So, grab your apron and give this recipe a go—you won’t regret it!

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