Name: Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8-10 jumbo coconut frozen shrimp; Candied Walnuts; ½ cup walnuts; ½ cup water; ½ cup sugar; Sauce; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 2 green onions; 1.5 cups white rice

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There’s something undeniably sumptuous about enjoying a plate of crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy sauce. Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp captures that essence perfectly, combining textures and flavors that tickle the taste buds. The tender, succulent shrimp paired with crunchy candied walnuts and a dreamy sauce creates an unforgettable dish. This easy honey walnut shrimp recipe allows you to replicate those restaurant vibes right at home, and trust me, you’ll feel like a culinary star as you whip it up!

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One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple it is to bring together. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delightful dish ready for lunch or dinner in no time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a fantastic option for weeknight meals or when you’re looking to impress without breaking the bank. There’s always something magical about serving up homemade fare that tastes like a great takeout treat, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and 16 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy a delicious meal in under 30 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: The perfect harmony of sweet and savory, with the added crunch of candied walnuts.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful golden shrimp drizzled with a creamy sauce and topped with green onions look stunning on any plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a cozy dinner or a show-stopping dish at your next gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using appropriate sauces and ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8-10 jumbo coconut frozen shrimp: I recommend using jumbo coconut shrimp for their crispy and tropical flavor, though any breaded shrimp will do.
½ cup walnuts: These provide that delightful crunch and nuttiness essential to the dish.
½ cup water: Used to create the syrup for the candied walnuts.
½ cup sugar: This is for sweetening the walnuts, giving them that addictive crunch.
½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sauce, which adds richness.
2 tablespoons honey: A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor of the sauce.
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk: This adds a delightful creaminess and extra sweetness to the sauce.
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce: For a little kick, balancing out the sweetness perfectly.
2 green onions (optional garnish): These provide freshness and a pop of color.
1.5 cups white rice (I used quick-cooking jasmine rice): Serving this dish over rice allows you to soak up that delicious sauce.

How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Cook the rice: Begin by cooking 1.5 cups of white rice according to package directions. This step can run simultaneously with the other preparations, ensuring everything’s ready to serve warm and fresh!

Preheat the oven: While the rice is cooking, preheat your oven according to the frozen shrimp package directions. This typically takes just a few minutes.

Make the candied walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Boil for about two minutes until the sugar has dissolved.

Add the walnuts: Carefully stir in ½ cup walnut halves and continue to cook for an additional two minutes. The nuts will start to get glossy and fragrant. Remove the nuts using a slotted spoon and allow them to cool on a piece of parchment paper.

Cook the shrimp: By this point, your oven should be preheated. Cook the frozen shrimp following package instructions until they’re golden brown and crispy. This usually takes around 12-15 minutes.

Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce until smooth. This sauce is where the magic truly happens!

Combine and serve: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the oven. Quickly toss the crispy shrimp and the cooled, candied walnuts in the creamy sauce to evenly coat them. Spoon this beautiful mixture over your fluffy rice and sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and watch your loved ones’ faces light up with joy!

Storing & Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best quality, avoid freezing, as the shrimp may lose their texture. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat to keep them crispy. Just remember, the sauce may lose some of its creamy texture when reheated, but it’s still delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid soggy shrimp: If you’re making the shrimp ahead of time, store them separately from the sauce. This keeps them crispy.
Let the sauce chill: If you prefer a thicker sauce, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before tossing with the shrimp.
Double the sauce: If you love that creamy flavor, consider making extra sauce to drizzle on your rice.
Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preference – more for heat, less for a milder dish.
Use fresh or homemade shrimp: If you want to elevate the dish, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. Just be sure to coat them with breadcrumbs for that desired crunch!

There you have it, an easy and satisfying recipe for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp that will have everyone craving more. The dish is full of flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients, making it your own! Enjoy this delicious dish, bringing restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh shrimp can be used for a more upscale version of this dish. Just coat them in breadcrumbs or a light batter to achieve that crispy texture when baked or fried.

How can I make this dish healthier?

You can make healthier substitutions by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or swapping out the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or agave. Additionally, serving it over brown rice can boost fiber content.

What if I don’t have candied walnuts?

No worries! You can easily make your own candied walnuts by following the sugar-water method I outlined. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it on your shrimp for the best consistency.

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