Panda Express Honey Walnut is a delightful dish that combines crispy shrimp with a sweet and creamy sauce, topped with candied walnuts. This popular menu item from Panda Express has captured the hearts of many, and now you can recreate this delicious experience in your own home. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish promises to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Panda Express Honey Walnut

There are countless reasons to adore this Panda Express Honey Walnut dish. First, it offers a unique flavor experience that combines sweet and savory elements, making it a crowd-pleaser. Second, the crispy texture of the shrimp paired with the crunch of candied walnuts creates a delightful contrast. Third, it’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, this dish is adaptable; you can substitute shrimp with chicken or scallops, depending on your preference. Furthermore, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets. Lastly, it’s a fun and engaging recipe that you can make with family or friends, creating memorable moments in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Panda Express Honey Walnut

Gather these items:

1 cup Granulated White Sugar (Use coconut sugar for a healthier spin.)

1/2 cup Water (Essential for creating the syrup.)
1 cup Walnut Halves (Can substitute with pecans.)
1 pound Raw Shrimp (21-25 count) (Can be swapped for scallops or chicken.)
1 large Egg (Substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.)
1/2 cup Cornstarch (Arrowroot powder works as a gluten-free substitute.)

Oil for Frying (Vegetable oil or peanut oil recommended.)
1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative.)
1/4 cup Condensed Milk (Try making your own with milk and sugar.)
1 tablespoon Honey (Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative.)

2 tablespoons Green Scallions (No substitutes recommended.)

How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir the mixture and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes until it thickens. Toss in walnut halves until coated, then transfer them using a slotted spoon to parchment paper to dry.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat. While the oil heats, dip each raw shrimp in the whisked egg, ensuring they are well-coated, then roll them in cornstarch. Fry the shrimp in small batches for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Drain the finished shrimp on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, condensed milk, and honey. Whisk until everything is evenly blended, making sure to adjust honey to your desired sweetness.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are fried and drained, gently toss them in the creamy sauce until fully covered.
Step 5: Serve: Plate your Panda Express Honey Walnut, top with the candied walnuts, and garnish with freshly sliced green scallions. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Panda Express Honey Walnut

Keep these in mind:

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.

Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; this will lower the temperature of the oil.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
To make it a full meal, serve with steamed rice or veggies.

Best Ways to Serve Panda Express Honey Walnut

This sweet and savory Panda Express Honey Walnut dish pairs beautifully with white rice or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some stir-fried broccoli or a fresh salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spicy dipping sauces for an extra kick!

How to Store and Reheat Panda Express Honey Walnut

If you have leftovers of your Panda Express Honey Walnut, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the shrimp soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Honey Walnut

What’s the secret to perfect Panda Express Honey Walnut?

The secret lies in frying the shrimp at the right temperature and ensuring they are coated evenly in the creamy sauce. This creates the perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures.

Can I make Panda Express Honey Walnut ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the candied walnuts and sauce in advance. Just fry the shrimp right before serving for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Panda Express Honey Walnut?

Avoid frying too many shrimp at once, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Also, make sure to coat the shrimp evenly in the sauce for consistent flavor.

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Variations of Panda Express Honey Walnut You Can Try

Explore different variations of this dish by substituting shrimp with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add various vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance the nutrition and flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp for a delightful seafood experience. If you’re looking for a quick meal, Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers is a great option!

For more information on the health benefits of walnuts, you can visit Healthline.

Panda Express Honey Walnut: 5 Reasons to Love It

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Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delicious Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Made at Home

Instructions

Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir the mixture and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, until it thickens. Toss in walnut halves until coated, then transfer them using a slotted spoon to parchment paper to dry.
Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat. While the oil heats, dip each raw shrimp in the whisked egg, ensuring they are well-coated, then roll them in cornstarch. Fry the shrimp in small batches for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Drain the finished shrimp on paper towels.

Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, condensed milk, and honey. Whisk until everything is evenly blended, making sure to adjust honey to your desired sweetness.
Coat the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are fried and drained, gently toss them in the creamy sauce until fully covered.
Serve: Plate your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp, top with the candied walnuts, and garnish with freshly sliced green scallions. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.