Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Picture this: golden, crispy shrimp coated in a rich, creamy, and sweet honey sauce, topped with glossy caramelized walnuts—all in one bite. This honey walnut shrimp recipe is the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory, making it one of the most irresistible dishes on a Chinese takeout menu.
If you’ve ever ordered this dish at Panda Express or your favorite Chinese restaurant, you know how addictive it can be. But did you know that you can make it at home—faster, fresher, and even tastier?
Homemade honey walnut shrimp not only allows you to control the ingredients, but it also lets you enjoy the best flavors without the excess grease or artificial additives. The crispy shrimp, coated in a silky, sweet sauce, paired with crunchy, caramelized walnuts, creates a mouthwatering experience that’s even better than takeout!
Let’s dive into this easy honey walnut shrimp recipe and learn how to recreate this restaurant-style dish at home with simple ingredients!
Table of Contents
What is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Honey walnut shrimp is a popular Cantonese-inspired dish often found in Chinese-American cuisine. It consists of lightly battered and crispy-fried shrimp, tossed in a creamy honey sauce, and topped with candied walnuts for an added crunch.
This dish is known for its sweet and savory contrast, with a unique blend of crunchy textures from the shrimp and walnuts combined with a smooth, velvety sauce.
While it’s commonly found in Chinese restaurants, making it at home is surprisingly simple—and even more satisfying!
Why Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home?
✅ Healthier Ingredients – No artificial flavors or excessive oil.
✅ Customizable – Adjust sweetness, crispiness, or spice to your liking.
✅ More Affordable – Restaurant-style quality without the high price.
✅ Easy to Make – No special skills needed, just a few simple steps!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect honey walnut shrimp, you’ll need three key components:
1. Candied Walnuts
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Walnut halves | ½ cup |
| Water | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
2. Crispy Shrimp
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large shrimp (peeled & deveined) | 1 lb (450g) |
| Egg whites | 2 |
| Cornstarch | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Oil (for frying) | As needed |
3. Creamy Honey Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ⅓ cup |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey Walnut Shrimp
Step 1 – Prepare the Candied Walnuts
The candied walnuts add a crunchy, caramelized touch to the dish. Here’s how to make them:
1️⃣ In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of water and ¼ cup of granulated sugar over medium heat.
2️⃣ Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
3️⃣ Add ½ cup of walnut halves and let them simmer for about 3-5 minutes until they become slightly sticky.
4️⃣ Using a slotted spoon, transfer the walnuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out so they don’t stick together.
5️⃣ Let them cool completely before using.
Step 2 – Coat the Shrimp
For that signature light and crispy texture, the shrimp is coated in a cornstarch and egg white mixture instead of a traditional flour batter.
1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk 2 egg whites until slightly frothy.
2️⃣ Add the shrimp and mix until they are well coated.
3️⃣ Sprinkle ½ cup of cornstarch and ½ tsp of salt over the shrimp, tossing to coat evenly.
📌 Tip: Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated in cornstarch for the crispiest results!
Step 3 – Fry the Shrimp Until Golden & Crispy
1️⃣ Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2️⃣ Carefully drop shrimp in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
3️⃣ Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
📌 Pro Tip: To achieve extra crispy shrimp, fry them once, let them rest for a minute, then fry them again for 30-60 seconds.
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Honey Sauce
The secret to the silky smooth, sweet, and tangy flavor of honey walnut shrimp is in the sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of honey, mayonnaise, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice.
How to Make the Sauce:
1️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (for a creamy base)
- 2 tbsp honey (for natural sweetness)
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (adds a rich, caramelized flavor)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for a slight tang)
2️⃣ Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
📌 Pro Tip: Want a lighter sauce? Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or use a blend of mayo and sour cream for a tangier twist!
Step 5 – Toss Everything Together
Now comes the most satisfying part—coating the crispy shrimp in the creamy honey sauce!
How to Toss the Shrimp Properly:
1️⃣ Place the crispy shrimp into a large mixing bowl.
2️⃣ Pour the creamy honey sauce over the shrimp.
3️⃣ Gently toss everything together until each shrimp is evenly coated.
4️⃣ Add the candied walnuts and give it one last gentle toss.
📌 Pro Tip: Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
Serving Suggestions – How to Enjoy Honey Walnut Shrimp
Now that your homemade honey walnut shrimp is ready, it’s time to serve it up!
Best Ways to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp:
🍚 Over Steamed Rice – A classic pairing! The creamy shrimp tastes amazing over fluffy white rice.
🥬 With Steamed Vegetables – Balance the richness with a side of broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
🍜 With Noodles – Toss it with stir-fried noodles or serve alongside lo mein for a hearty meal.
🥗 On a Salad – Add it to a fresh Asian-inspired salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing.
📌 Pro Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and color!
Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Walnut Shrimp
Even though this recipe is simple, a few expert tricks can take it to the next level!
1. Use Fresh Shrimp for the Best Texture
- If possible, go for fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and bite.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness
- For an even crispier bite, fry the shrimp twice—just like restaurants do!
- After the first fry, let them rest for a minute, then fry again for 30 seconds.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Frying
- Fry in small portions to achieve uniform cooking and a crispy texture.
- Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, making the shrimp soggy.
4. Make the Candied Walnuts in Advance
- The walnuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- If they get sticky, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
How to Store & Reheat Honey Walnut Shrimp
Since this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you might be wondering: What if I have leftovers?
How to Store Leftovers:
📌 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
📌 Freezer: Not recommended—the sauce will make the shrimp soggy when thawed.
How to Reheat for Best Crispiness:
🔥 Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
🔥 Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
🔥 Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
📌 Pro Tip: Avoid microwaving—it will make the shrimp soft and rubbery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Honey Walnut Shrimp
Here are some of the most common questions about making homemade honey walnut shrimp, with expert answers to help you perfect this dish!
1. Is the Honey Walnut Shrimp from Panda Express Fried?
Yes, Panda Express’ honey walnut shrimp is deep-fried. The shrimp is coated in a tempura-style batter, then fried until golden and crispy. After frying, it’s tossed in a sweet and creamy honey mayo sauce with candied walnuts on top.
If you love the Panda Express version but want a homemade twist, you can try:
- Deep-frying – Just like Panda Express for the most authentic taste.
- Air frying – A healthier version that still gives you crunch.
- Pan-frying – Uses less oil but keeps a crispy texture.
2. What Is a Good Side Dish for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Since honey walnut shrimp is rich and creamy, it pairs well with sides that are savory, fresh, or slightly spicy. Some great options include:
✅ Steamed White Rice – The neutral flavor balances the creamy sauce.
✅ Fried Rice – Adds extra flavor and texture to your meal.
✅ Garlic Green Beans – A light, garlicky contrast to the sweet shrimp.
✅ Stir-Fried Vegetables – Bok choy, bell peppers, or broccoli add freshness.
✅ Spicy Szechuan Noodles – A little heat balances the sweetness.
✅ Asian Cucumber Salad – A cool and refreshing side to cleanse the palate.
If you want a restaurant-style meal, serve your shrimp with a combination of rice, veggies, and a light soup like miso soup or hot and sour soup.
3. Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Unhealthy?
It depends on your dietary goals. While delicious, Panda Express’ honey walnut shrimp is higher in calories and fat because it’s deep-fried and covered in a sweet, creamy sauce.
Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (based on Panda Express nutrition facts):
- Calories: ~360
- Fat: ~23g
- Carbs: ~35g
- Protein: ~13g
👉 If you’re looking for a healthier version, try:
- Air-frying or baking the shrimp instead of deep-frying.
- Reducing the amount of mayonnaise and condensed milk in the sauce.
- Using honey instead of sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Homemade honey walnut shrimp lets you control the ingredients and make a version that suits your diet!
4. How to Make Shrimp Soft and Tender?
Shrimp can easily turn rubbery if overcooked. To keep your shrimp soft and juicy, follow these tips:
🔥 Use fresh shrimp – Frozen shrimp can work, but fresh shrimp have a better texture.
⏳ Don’t overcook – Shrimp cook in 2-3 minutes per side. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done!
🛁 Brine in baking soda & salt – Soak shrimp in ½ teaspoon baking soda + 1 teaspoon salt + water for 15 minutes before cooking. This makes them bouncy and tender.
💦 Marinate in cornstarch & egg white – A Chinese technique called “velveting” keeps shrimp extra juicy.
🔥 Cook on high heat quickly – Searing shrimp fast in a hot pan prevents them from becoming tough.
Following these steps ensures your shrimp stay soft, juicy, and restaurant-quality every time!
5. Can I Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Without Deep Frying?
Yes! If you want a healthier version, try these alternatives:
- Air Fryer: Lightly coat the shrimp in oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Frying: Use a non-stick pan with a small amount of oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.
- Baking: Bake the shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
These methods still give you crispy shrimp without excess oil.
6. Can I Use a Different Nut Instead of Walnuts?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic to walnuts or just want a different flavor, try:
- Pecans – Slightly sweeter and buttery.
- Almonds – Crunchy and mild-flavored.
- Cashews – Soft and rich, a great alternative.
Each option adds its own unique texture and taste to the dish!
7. What Can I Substitute for Sweetened Condensed Milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use:
- Heavy cream + sugar (1 tbsp cream + 1 tsp sugar).
- Evaporated milk + honey (1 tbsp evaporated milk + ½ tsp honey).
- Coconut milk + sugar (for a dairy-free option).
These swaps help maintain the sweet and creamy consistency of the sauce.
8. Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix the honey sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using.
This makes meal prep easier when you’re short on time!
9. How Do I Keep the Shrimp Crispy After Coating?
To maintain crispiness:
- Don’t add the sauce until right before serving.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour in the batter—it makes a crispier crust!
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven instead of a microwave.
This keeps your shrimp crunchy and fresh instead of soggy.
Final Thoughts – Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Making honey walnut shrimp at home is easier than you think—and even better than takeout! ✨
✅ Super Crispy Shrimp – Thanks to the perfect batter and frying technique.
✅ Rich, Creamy Sauce – A dreamy combination of honey, mayo, and condensed milk.
✅ Crunchy Candied Walnuts – Adds the perfect nutty crunch.
✅ Better Than Takeout – Fresh, flavorful, and 100% homemade.
For another take on this delicious dish, check out this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe from AllRecipes. It offers a slightly different approach with step-by-step instructions to help you recreate this crispy, creamy favorite at home. Whether you follow our version or explore theirs, you’ll end up with a mouthwatering dish that’s better than takeout!
Try It & Share Your Thoughts!
📌 Have you made honey walnut shrimp at home? Drop a comment below with your experience or any tweaks you tried!
Hungry for more? 🍤🍚 Try pairing this dish with:
➡️ Fried Rice – The perfect side for this creamy dish.
➡️ Garlic Green Beans – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich shrimp.
➡️ Mango Sticky Rice – For a delicious Asian-inspired dessert!
And if you are looking for a perfect salmon recipe? This 6-step guide will help you achieve rich, flavorful fish every time! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this simple yet effective brining method enhances texture and taste. Check out the full recipe here: Smoked Salmon Brine Recipe and start smoking like a pro!
Enjoy your homemade honey walnut shrimp—better than takeout and made with love! ❤️✨