Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
If you’re a fan of the slightly sweet and crunchy Honey Walnut Shrimp from Panda Express, you’re going to love this homemade version! This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining crispy shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The tender shrimp, the crispy walnuts, and the creamy sauce create a symphony of deliciousness that is hard to resist. Plus, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring it’s made just the way you like it. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Why This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Stands Out
There are a few reasons why this Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a must-try. First off, it captures all the essence of the original dish but with fresher ingredients and a personal touch. The combination of the crispy shrimp and the sweet, creamy sauce is simply irresistible.
Additionally, making this dish at home is a fun culinary adventure. You can customize it to suit your preferences, whether that means adjusting the sweetness or adding your favorite spices. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family at your next gathering. The vibrant colors and luscious flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 10 ounces tempura mix
- 1 pound medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Cook’s Kit
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
- Slotted spoon: Ideal for retrieving the shrimp and walnuts from the hot oil.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for preparing the batter and sauce.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the tempura batter and sauce ingredients.
- Paper towels: Use these to drain excess oil from the shrimp and walnuts.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts
Start by making the candied walnuts. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add in the walnut pieces and let them simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the walnuts have soaked up the syrup, drain them and set them aside.
Step 2: Fry the Walnuts
In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully add the drained walnuts to the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the walnuts and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, prepare the tempura batter according to the package instructions. The batter should be light and airy. Dip each shrimp in the tempura batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
In the same pot of hot oil, carefully add the battered shrimp in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use the slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the sauce until they are well coated. Add the crispy walnuts and give it a light mix. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Better-for-You Options
- Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
- Try air frying the shrimp for a healthier cooking method while still achieving a crispy texture.
Cook’s Commentary
This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a fantastic dish to serve at gatherings or as a delicious weeknight meal. The sweetness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the walnuts, making each bite a delightful experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your liking! You can also try adding some heat by sprinkling in a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Storing Tips & Timelines
For best results, this dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the shrimp and walnuts separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp can be stored for up to 2 days, while the walnuts can last a bit longer. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in an air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness, and add the walnuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before battering and frying.
What can I serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even a simple vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve it alongside Chinese Mushroom Chicken for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the tempura mix with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to achieve a similar texture for the batter.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the honey sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
See You at the Table
This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is sure to become a family favorite. With its perfect blend of crispy shrimp, sweet creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a dish that satisfies on all levels. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers flavor and fun! Get ready to enjoy a delightful meal that’s as close to the restaurant classic as it gets, right in the comfort of your own home. Happy cooking!
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts - In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 3/4 cup of sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add in the walnut pieces and let them simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the walnuts have soaked up the syrup, drain them and set them aside.
- Step 2: Fry the Walnuts - In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully add the drained walnuts to the hot oil and fry them until they are golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the walnuts and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp - In a mixing bowl, prepare the tempura batter according to the package instructions. The batter should be light and airy. Dip each shrimp in the tempura batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Step 4: Fry the Shrimp - In the same pot of hot oil, carefully add the battered shrimp in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use the slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Make the Sauce - In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Combine and Serve - In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the sauce until they are well coated. Add the crispy walnuts and give it a light mix. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Try using coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
- Air fry the shrimp for a healthier cooking method.
