Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express Copycat

There’s something irresistible about recreating restaurant favorites at home. Our honey walnut shrimp panda express recipe brings that golden crunch, creamy glaze, and candied walnut sweetness right to your table in less than 30 minutes. Inspired by Panda Express shrimp, this dish is elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknight cravings.

What is Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

Honey walnut shrimp panda express is a popular Chinese-American entrée that balances crispy fried shrimp with a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce. The shrimp are dipped in a light cornstarch batter, fried until golden, and then tossed in a blend of mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk. Candied walnuts add a crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy coating.

This dish became one of the most ordered items on the Panda Express menu because it combines indulgence with familiarity. The blend of textures tender shrimp, sticky glaze, and crunchy walnuts makes every bite satisfying. While it may look like takeout magic, you can make it easily at home with pantry staples.

If you love exploring shrimp recipes, you might also enjoy our Chinese coconut shrimp for a tropical twist, or try the shrimp fried rice for a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with this Panda-style classic.

Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express Copycat

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• Author: Emma & Ella
• Total Time: 25 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Crispy golden shrimp coated in a creamy honey glaze and candied walnuts. A Panda Express copycat recipe made in just 25 minutes, perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

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1 cup water

2/3 cup white sugar

1/2 cup walnut halves

4 egg whites

2/3 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk

1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Scallions for topping, optional

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Add water, sugar, and walnuts to a saucepan, boil for 2 minutes, then remove walnuts and dry.
2. Step 2: Whisk egg whites until foamy, then add cornstarch and mix until smooth.
3. Step 3: Dip shrimp into batter one at a time, letting excess drip off.
4. Step 4: Heat oil to 350°F and fry shrimp in small batches for 4–5 minutes until golden.
5. Step 5: Whisk together honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk for the sauce.
6. Step 6: Toss fried shrimp in sauce, top with candied walnuts and scallions, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the crispiest results, fry shrimp in small batches. Keep candied walnuts separate until serving to preserve crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 625
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 1032mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 293mg

Why You’ll Love This

There are plenty of reasons honey walnut shrimp panda express has such a loyal following, and once you make it at home, you’ll see why.

First, the flavors are unforgettable. The shrimp stay tender inside their crisp coating, while the creamy honey glaze delivers just the right balance of sweet and savory. Each bite is finished with candied walnuts, adding crunch and a nutty depth that feels restaurant-quality.

Second, this dish is faster to make than most takeout orders. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, it’s a weeknight win. Pair it with rice or noodles, and you’ll have a complete meal in no time. If you’re craving something equally bold and crowd-pleasing, our bang bang shrimp is another great option for seafood lovers.

Finally, there’s the joy of presentation. Honey walnut shrimp panda express looks elegant on the table, making it ideal for both family dinners and entertaining guests. The glossy sauce and golden shrimp shimmer beautifully, much like our creamy shrimp scampi pasta, which is another showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

Quick Overview

Making honey walnut shrimp panda express at home is easier than it looks. You’ll candied the walnuts, coat shrimp in a light cornstarch batter, fry them until golden, and then toss in the creamy honey-mayo sauce. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-style main dish that rivals the Panda Express shrimp favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this copycat recipe:

Step-by-Step

1. Candy the walnuts: In a small saucepan, boil water and sugar. After two minutes, remove walnuts and set aside to dry.
2. Make the batter: Whisk egg whites until foamy, then stir in cornstarch until smooth. Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Fry the shrimp: Heat oil in a medium pot to 350°F. Fry shrimp in small batches for 4–5 minutes until light golden. Drain on paper towels.
4. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk until creamy.
5. Combine: Toss fried shrimp in the sauce until fully coated. Top with candied walnuts and scallions before serving.

For another sweet-savory dish, check out our honey walnut shrimp recipe which shows just how versatile this takeout classic can be when made at home.

What to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express With

Honey walnut shrimp panda express is rich, creamy, and a little sweet, so it shines when paired with lighter, savory sides. One of the best options is a bowl of steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the glossy sauce and balances the sweetness, making every bite satisfying.

Noodles also make a wonderful base. A simple garlic noodle or stir-fried lo mein provides texture and a neutral backdrop for the shrimp’s bold flavor. For a restaurant-style spread, you might pair it with shrimp fried rice to keep the seafood theme going while adding heartiness.

If you’re leaning toward freshness, a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed greens will cut through the richness. For a more indulgent dinner, serving it alongside creamy shrimp scampi pasta creates a seafood feast that feels luxurious without being complicated.

And don’t forget if you’re hosting, a small appetizer like our bang bang shrimp makes the meal feel festive, while keeping shrimp lovers delighted from start to finish.

Top Tips for Perfecting Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express

1. Fry in small batches
   Overcrowding the pot lowers the oil temperature, which can leave shrimp soggy. Frying just a few at a time keeps them crisp and golden, just like the shrimp from Panda Express.
2. Dry the candied walnuts well
   After boiling in sugar water, lay walnuts flat to dry completely. This ensures they stay crunchy instead of sticky when sprinkled over the shrimp.
3. Keep the sauce balanced
   The sauce for honey walnut shrimp panda express relies on harmony. Too much mayonnaise can overwhelm the honey, while too much condensed milk makes it overly sweet. Stick to the recipe proportions for that signature flavor.
4. Toss gently
   The shrimp’s delicate batter can break if stirred too roughly. Use a wide spoon to fold them into the sauce, coating evenly without losing texture.
5. Serve right away
   This dish is at its best when eaten fresh. Like many fried foods, the coating softens over time. Serve it immediately to enjoy the true crunch and creamy glaze.

For more shrimp tips and ideas, our Chinese coconut shrimp shows another way to achieve a light, crisp texture paired with a sweet sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Honey walnut shrimp panda express is best fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious with the right care. Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep candied walnuts separate in a small bag or container to maintain their crunch.

When reheating, skip the microwave if possible, since it makes the shrimp rubbery and the coating soggy. Instead, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Add fresh candied walnuts on top just before serving.

For another seafood dish that reheats beautifully, try our creamy shrimp scampi pasta, which holds up well for lunch the next day.

FAQs

Conclusion

Honey walnut shrimp panda express is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting. With crispy shrimp, a creamy honey glaze, and crunchy candied walnuts, it’s easy to see why it’s a Panda Express favorite. The best part? You can now make it at home in under 30 minutes.

Serve it with rice, noodles, or even fresh greens, and you’ll have a restaurant-style meal without leaving your kitchen.Hosting or feeding a crowd — this one always earns its place.

We’d love to see your creations share them with us on Facebook or pin them on Pinterest to inspire your next meal. Gather your ingredients, heat up the skillet, and enjoy a homemade version of shrimp from Panda Express that just might become a new family tradition.