Golden, crispy shrimp coated in a luscious honey-walnut glaze—this dish brings the indulgent flavors of a high-end Asian bistro straight to your kitchen. Inspired by Panda Express but elevated with chef-approved techniques, this recipe balances crunch, sweetness, and umami in every bite.
For a well-rounded meal, pair this shrimp with a refreshing Vesper sip or a crisp Watermelon With Tajin. The fresh, tangy notes from these Mediterranean sides cut through the richness, creating a perfect contrast.
Mastering this dish is all about technique—achieving that shatteringly crisp tempura coating while keeping the shrimp juicy. The best part? It all comes together faster than takeout, and the first bite will have you hooked.
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe?
- How easy it was to perfect – The tempura-like batter fries up beautifully, even for beginners. No deep-fryer is needed!
- The flavor balance is spot-on – The glaze is sweet but not overpowering, with just enough tang to keep things interesting.
- It pairs surprisingly well with Mediterranean salads – The contrast of warm, crispy shrimp and cool, herby salads is unbeatable.
- Homemade beats takeout every time – Fresh ingredients and a few simple chef tricks make all the difference.
- It’s seriously addictive – The first bite is crunchy, sweet, and buttery, and before you know it, you’re reaching for more.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express Recipe
This irresistible dish features crispy, golden-brown shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet honey mayo sauce with candied walnuts for a perfect crunch. The combination of rich flavors and textures makes it a favorite takeout-inspired meal that's easy to recreate at home for a restaurant-quality experience.
Equipment
- Stainless steel or cast iron pan with high walls
- Thermometer or wooden chopsticks
- Mixing bowls
- Large plate
- Wire rack
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp potato starch tapioca starch, or 4 tbsp whey protein isolate
- 1 lb extra large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 bulb scallion chopped
- ½ cup avocado oil
- 2 large egg white whisked
- ½ cup walnuts unsalted whole or chopped
Honey walnut shrimp sauce
- 2½ tbsp evaporated milk or sugar-free coconut condensed milk
- 4 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp honey or keto honey
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by making a shallow slit at the back to butterfly them.
- Set up your workspace with separate bowls for beaten egg, potato starch, and a large plate for holding the coated shrimp.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg, then coat it evenly in tapioca starch before placing it on the plate.
- Heat oil in a high-walled stainless steel or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Test the temperature after three minutes using a wooden chopstick; if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready, or use a thermometer to reach 350°F (177°C).
- Fry the shrimp in batches for about three minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove and place on a wire rack to keep them crisp and drain excess oil.
- In a bowl, mix mayo, honey, and milk until smooth to create the sauce.
- Coat the walnuts in two tablespoons of the sauce and toss well.
- Arrange the shrimp on a serving plate, top with the sweetened walnuts, drizzle with additional sauce, and garnish with scallions.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the shrimp by repeating the egg and starch process.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, use cornstarch instead of tapioca starch.
- Toasting the walnuts before coating them enhances their flavor and crunch.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 346kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 99g |
Variations To Help You Customize This Dish!
- Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp – Add Sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. A teaspoon of gochujang can also add a smoky heat.
- Healthier Baked Version – Instead of frying, coat the shrimp lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until crispy. An air fryer also works well at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 minutes.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of potato starch. Ensure your mayo and other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan Honey Walnut “Shrimp” – Swap shrimp for crispy battered king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm. Use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Extra Crunchy Coating – Mix panko breadcrumbs into the starch coating for an extra crispy bite.
