Honey Walnut Shrimp (Panda Express Copycat)

There’s something magical about recreating a restaurant favorite at home—and Honey Walnut Shrimp (Panda Express Copycat) is one of those dishes that delivers every bit of satisfaction you’d expect from the original, with an extra dash of pride because you made it yourself. This Honey Walnut Shrimp (Panda Express Copycat) recipe brings together crispy, golden shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet honey-mayo sauce and topped with candied walnuts for that irresistible crunch.

I first made this recipe on a rainy Saturday, craving something a little indulgent but not wanting to leave the house. With just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes, I was digging into a bowl of warm, crispy shrimp that tasted better than takeout. Seriously. The sauce was rich and velvety, the shrimp were crunchy and juicy, and those glossy, sweet walnuts? Pure bliss.

You’ll love how quick, easy, and restaurant-worthy this dish is—whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a casual get-together, or just to treat yourself. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is more than just a copycat—it’s a celebration of contrasts: crispy and creamy, sweet and savory, indulgent yet easy. If you’re a fan of the Panda Express version, you’re going to love making this at home. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:

Sweet & Savory Flavor Explosion

The combination of honey and sweetened condensed milk creates a luscious, silky sauce that perfectly complements the rich mayo base. It’s sweet but not cloying, and when paired with the salty, crispy shrimp, the balance is absolutely addictive. Every bite delivers a little crunch, a little creaminess, and a lot of flavor.

Simple Pantry Ingredients

No special trips to the grocery store needed here—everything in this dish is easy to find and budget-friendly. Shrimp, cornstarch, mayo, honey, and walnuts? You probably already have most of these on hand, making it a convenient go-to dinner.

Quick Weeknight Dinner

This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, start to finish. Whether you’re coming home from work or need something fast on a weekend, this dish is the perfect way to whip up something restaurant-worthy without the wait—or the delivery fee.

Tastes Better Than Takeout

Homemade always wins. It’s fresher, healthier, and fully customizable. Plus, you get that amazing feeling of knowing you made it. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses without stress.

Ingredients

You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this dish shine. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why it matters:

Full List of Ingredients (with roles)

• 1 lb large shrimp – The star of the show. Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time.

• ½ cup cornstarch – Creates that signature light, crispy coating without weighing the shrimp down.

• 1 egg white – Helps the cornstarch adhere better for extra crunch.

• Salt & pepper – Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.

• Vegetable oil – Used for frying. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower.

• ½ cup walnut halves – Adds crunch and nuttiness to contrast the creamy sauce.

• 2 tablespoon sugar + 1 tablespoon water – Transforms the walnuts into a sweet, glossy topping.

• ¼ cup mayonnaise – The base of the creamy sauce that coats each shrimp.

• 2 tablespoon honey – Brings sweetness and that classic golden glaze.

• 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk – Adds richness and that irresistible smooth texture.

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Cuts through the sweetness with a touch of brightness.

Every ingredient plays a role—nothing is extra, and everything contributes to that iconic flavor.

How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp

Don’t be intimidated by the restaurant-quality results—this recipe is surprisingly simple and totally doable, even if it’s your first time trying it. Let’s break it down step-by-step:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Candy the walnuts
   In a small skillet over medium heat, stir together 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of water, and the walnut halves. Keep stirring until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts in a glossy glaze. Spread them out on parchment paper and let them cool.

2. Prep the shrimp
   Pat your shrimp dry and season them with salt and pepper. Toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated. Dip each shrimp into the lightly beaten egg white, then dredge once more in cornstarch for that extra crispy finish.

3. Fry until golden
   Heat oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in small batches, fry the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

4. Make the sauce
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine
   Toss the fried shrimp gently in the sauce until each piece is well coated. Add in the candied walnuts and give it one last stir.

What to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp

This dish is bold, creamy, and rich in flavor—so naturally, you’ll want to pair it with sides that balance and complement its sweet-savory profile. Whether you're serving it up for a casual family dinner or impressing guests, here are some delicious options to round out your meal:

Suggested Pairings

• Steamed white or jasmine rice
  A fluffy, neutral base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.

• Stir-fried greens (like bok choy or broccoli)
  Adds a crunchy, slightly bitter contrast to the creamy shrimp.

• Chinese egg drop soup
  Light and comforting—perfect as a starter.

• Drinks:
  A glass of green tea or a chilled plum juice works wonderfully to cleanse the palate.

• Dessert:
  Keep it classic with mango pudding or almond jelly—light, sweet, and refreshing finishes to a satisfying meal.

Pairing this dish with simple, fresh sides helps balance the richness and makes the whole meal feel thoughtfully put together, without being fussy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you're working with dietary restrictions or just want to switch things up, here are a few easy ways to tweak the dish while keeping all the flavor and comfort.

Nut-Free Version

If you or someone you're cooking for has a nut allergy, you can simply omit the walnuts. For a bit of crunch and visual appeal, try toasted sesame seeds or crunchy chow mein noodles instead.

Air Fryer Option

Craving that crispy texture without deep frying? No problem!

• Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).

• Spray the coated shrimp lightly with oil.

• Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Gluten-Free Option

To make this dish gluten-free:

• Replace cornstarch with potato starch or a certified gluten-free flour blend.

• Always double-check that your condiments (like mayo and condensed milk) are gluten-free too.

Low-Sugar Sauce

Want to tone down the sweetness a bit?

• Cut the honey amount in half.

• Skip the condensed milk altogether.

• Use Greek yogurt to keep the sauce creamy, with a light tang to balance it all out.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect version of Honey Walnut Shrimp. It’s flexible, forgiving, and still totally delicious.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to keep your Honey Walnut Shrimp tasting as fresh and crispy as possible.

Room Temperature

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the shrimp are hot and crispy. If you’re serving at a party or dinner gathering, try to keep it out for no more than 2 hours.

Refrigeration

To store leftovers:

• Separate the shrimp and sauce if possible. This helps preserve the crisp texture.

• Use airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• Reheat shrimp in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy bite.

Freezing Instructions

Yes, you can freeze it—but here’s the trick:

• Freeze the cooked, un-sauced shrimp in a zip-top freezer bag.

• It will keep for up to 1 month.

• Reheat directly in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.

• Always make the sauce fresh before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Want to make sure your Honey Walnut Shrimp turns out just as crispy, creamy, and delicious as it should? These practical tips will help you nail it every time. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re already hooked on this dish, these little tricks make a big difference:

• Use raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp
  Avoid pre-cooked shrimp—they won't crisp up the same or soak in the flavor. Fresh or thawed raw shrimp gives the best texture and taste.

• Pat the shrimp dry before coating
  Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use paper towels to blot your shrimp dry before dredging in cornstarch.

• Only toss shrimp in sauce right before serving
  This keeps the coating crunchy and prevents sogginess.

• Let your oil heat fully before frying
  You’re aiming for 350–375°F (175–190°C). If the oil is too cool, the coating will absorb it and turn greasy.

• Use parchment paper for candied walnuts
  Once they’re coated in sugar, they can stick to plates or pans. Spread them out on parchment to cool without clumping or sticking.

Related Recipe

• Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken Recipe
  Another sweet-and-savory Panda Express copycat recipe

• Classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
  If you love shrimp dishes, this buttery, garlicky scampi makes a delicious alternative.
• French Onion Dip Chicken Thighs
  Great for those who love creamy, rich dinners with bold flavors.
• Garlic Steak Bites Recipe (Crock Pot)
  A savory and simple protein option to pair with rice dishes like Honey Walnut Shrimp.

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to making Honey Walnut Shrimp (Panda Express Copycat)—especially if it’s your first time whipping it up. Let’s tackle them together:

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp first, and then pat them dry with a paper towel before coating. Dry shrimp = crispy shrimp.

Is this the exact Panda Express recipe?

Not officially—but it’s one of the closest copycat versions you’ll find. In fact, many folks think this homemade take tastes even better: it’s fresher, cleaner, and totally customizable.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the individual parts ahead of time—like candying the walnuts or mixing the sauce—but for best results, fry the shrimp right before serving. That way, you keep the texture perfect.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

You can still make a delicious version of the sauce. Try using heavy cream or full-fat milk, and just add a little extra honey to keep the balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Got more questions? Don’t be shy—leave a comment and I’ll help you out!

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Shrimp (Panda Express Copycat) isn’t just a recipe—it’s a little bit of restaurant magic you can recreate right in your own kitchen. From the crispy golden shrimp to the velvety sweet sauce and those candied walnuts on top, this dish is every bit as comforting and indulgent as you remember—but even better because you made it.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to wow. Whether it’s dinner for two or a Friday night treat, this recipe turns an ordinary evening into something deliciously special.

Try this copycat Honey Walnut Shrimp tonight and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to pin this for later—you’re going to want to make it again.

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