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Easy Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp photo

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

This Honey Walnut Shrimp is a homemade delight! Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy sauce with crunchy walnuts—simply irresistible!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Equipment

  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.