If you’ve ever ordered honey walnut shrimp at Panda Express or spotted it on a banquet table, you already know the magic: crisp golden shrimp, a creamy honey–mayonnaise sauce, and those sweet candied walnuts that make it feel just a little over the top. The surprise? You can actually make it at home in about half an hour, and the results taste fresher, lighter, and more customizable than takeout.
Here’s what this recipe is (and isn’t): it’s a copycat Panda Express honey walnut shrimp recipe in spirit, but with the flexibility to suit your kitchen. Want it extra crunchy? I’ll show you both cornstarch and tempura-style batters. Trying to keep it on the healthier side? We’ll cover air fryer and lighter sauce options too. And if you’ve ever wondered whether honey walnut shrimp is healthy or how many calories it actually carries compared to the restaurant version, I’ll break that down inside the FAQs.
The goal isn’t just to recreate a dish you love, it’s to give you choices. Fry it, air-fry it, swap in gluten-free ingredients, or even make it ahead for a party. By the end, you’ll have a versatile honey walnut shrimp recipe that you can tailor to taste, occasion, and comfort level in the kitchen.
This version is inspired by the takeout favorite and fits right into my other Panda Express recreations like Panda Express Orange Chicken and Panda Express Beijing Beef
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp
One of the reasons honey walnut shrimp became a Panda Express bestseller is its short, surprisingly simple ingredient list. You don’t need an entire pantry of specialty items, just a few core components, plus some smart swaps if you want to keep it lighter or gluten-free.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large shrimp (about 1 lb, peeled and deveined, tail on if you like presentation) – Look for 16/20 or 21/25 count for that plump bite.
- Cornstarch (½ cup) – Creates a light, crisp shell. Some cooks use mochiko flour or egg-white tempura batter; we’ll compare those later.
- Egg whites (optional, 2) – Boost crunch if you prefer a fluffier coating.
- Neutral frying oil (2–3 cups) – Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil works well.
- Walnuts (½ cup) – Raw halves, for candying.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup) – For the candied walnut coating.
- Water (2–3 Tbsp) – To dissolve the sugar.
- Mayonnaise (⅓ cup) – Classic Panda Express uses a sweet mayo base; Kewpie adds more depth, Greek yogurt is a lighter option.
- Honey (2 Tbsp) – The key sweetness.
- Sweetened condensed milk (2 Tbsp) – Adds richness; you can sub with half-and-half + extra honey if you want it less heavy.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp) – A little acid balances the sauce.
- Salt (to taste) – Season the shrimp before coating.
- Optional garnish: Steamed broccoli florets for the classic “banquet ring” plating.
Pantry note
If you’ve got Trader Joe’s or Costco frozen honey walnut shrimp in the freezer, this homemade recipe will give you a baseline for comparison, but fresher shrimp + homemade sauce always wins on flavor.
FAQ: Can I make honey walnut shrimp gluten-free?
Yes. The dish is naturally gluten-free if you stick with cornstarch as the coating and use tamari instead of soy sauce (if you sneak some into the sauce). Just double-check your mayo and condensed milk labels for hidden wheat starch, which is rare but possible.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp (Step by Step)
Cooking honey walnut shrimp is less intimidating than it looks. The trick is breaking it down into three quick parts: candied walnuts, crispy shrimp, and the creamy sauce. Put them together at the very last minute and you’ll get that sweet-crunchy balance Panda Express fans swear by.
Step 1: Candy the walnuts
- In a small pan, combine sugar (⅓ cup) and water (2–3 Tbsp).
- Bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves into a clear syrup.
- Add the walnuts (½ cup), stir to coat, then spread onto parchment paper to cool and harden.
Pro tip: Don’t walk away, the line between glossy candied and burnt bitter is about 30 seconds.)
Step 2: Prep the shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt.
- Toss in cornstarch (or egg-white batter if you prefer a puffier coating).
- Shake off excess to avoid clumps.
Step 3: Fry the shrimp
- Heat neutral oil to ~325°F (medium-high).
- Fry shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Drain on a rack or paper towel; keep warm in a low oven if needed.
Air fryer note: We’ll cover that fully later, but at 375°F for 8–10 minutes with a light spray of oil, you can get a surprisingly crisp version.
Step 4: Make the sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Adjust sweetness with a touch more honey if desired.
Step 5: Combine and serve
- Just before serving, toss the shrimp in the sauce, lightly, so the coating doesn’t get soggy.
- Add candied walnuts.
- Plate over a ring of steamed broccoli for the full restaurant-style presentation.
FAQ: How do I keep honey walnut shrimp crispy?
The key is timing. Fry the shrimp and make the sauce separately. Only toss them together right before serving. If you’re cooking ahead, store the shrimp and sauce apart, then re-crisp the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer for 2–3 minutes before tossing.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Sauce (Creamy Copycat)
The real secret to honey walnut shrimp isn’t just the frying, it’s the sauce. That glossy, sweet, slightly tangy coating turns a plate of shrimp into the Panda Express classic everyone remembers. And here’s the good news: it takes less than two minutes to whisk together.
Core recipe (classic Panda-style)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise – Regular works, but Kewpie brings a deeper, eggier flavor.
- 2 Tbsp honey – Adjust to taste; this is the sweetness backbone.
- 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk – Adds that creamy, almost caramel-like richness.
- 1 tsp lemon juice – A little acidity keeps the sauce from being cloying.
Whisk until smooth and glossy. That’s it.
Variations & swaps
- Lighter sauce: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt, or replace condensed milk with half-and-half for a thinner but still creamy version.
- Nut-free option: The sauce itself is nut-free, just skip the candied walnuts or sub pecans/almonds.
- Spicy kick: Stir in a dash of sriracha or hot honey for a “hot honey walnut shrimp” twist.
Taste test as you go. Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lemon. Too tangy? A drizzle more honey rounds it out.
FAQ: What is honey walnut shrimp sauce made of?
The sauce is a mix of mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Together, they create a creamy, sweet-tangy glaze that clings to fried shrimp without making the coating soggy.
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp (Copycat Notes)
If you’ve ever ordered Panda Express honey walnut shrimp, you know it leans decadent, plump battered shrimp drenched in a thick, sweet sauce with just enough walnuts to crunch between bites. Our homemade version is built on the same blueprint, but you can dial in the details to suit your taste.
If you’re building a full at-home takeout night, pair this with Panda Express Chow Mein or Panda Express Fried Rice.
How the restaurant version compares
- Shrimp size: Panda usually uses large, uniform shrimp, similar to a 21/25 count. At home, you can go slightly bigger or smaller depending on price.
- Sauce profile: Sweeter and heavier on condensed milk. For a closer match, don’t skimp on the honey, and use full-fat mayo.
- Calories & nutrition: A Panda Express serving clocks in at ~360 calories (for just under 3 ounces). Homemade comes in lighter, especially if you shallow-fry or air-fry.
- Texture: Their shrimp stays crisp for a few minutes but softens quickly because of the heavy sauce. That’s why tossing just before serving at home makes such a difference.
Pro tips for the truest copycat
- Use Kewpie mayo for that rich depth, it’s the closest to their flavor profile.
- Add a drizzle more condensed milk if you want the sauce extra thick.
- Plate over steamed white rice with a broccoli garnish to mimic the Panda Express tray presentation.
FAQ: Does Panda Express honey walnut shrimp taste like this homemade version?
Pretty close, but fresher. The homemade recipe is lighter on grease, less cloying, and crispier if you toss the sauce right before serving. That said, if you max out the mayo, condensed milk, and honey, you’ll land almost identical to the takeout box.
Air Fryer Honey Walnut Shrimp (Option)
Not in the mood for a pot of hot oil? Air fryer honey walnut shrimp is a solid alternative. You won’t get quite the same shatteringly crisp coating as deep-frying, but the lighter feel and easy cleanup make it worth trying, especially on a weeknight.
Step-by-step air fryer method
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the shrimp dry, season lightly with salt, then coat in cornstarch (or a cornstarch + egg white mix for more crunch).
- Lightly spray the shrimp with oil—this step is crucial for browning.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Larger shrimp may take up to 12 minutes.
- Toss immediately with the honey–mayo sauce and candied walnuts before serving.
What to expect
- Texture: Crisp edges, but not quite as crunchy as oil-fried.
- Calories: Significantly lower, since you’re skipping the oil bath.
- Flavor: Clean and slightly lighter, lets the sauce shine more.
Pro note on store-bought
Frozen versions like Trader Joe’s honey walnut shrimp or Costco’s Royal Asia line also do well in the air fryer (usually 10–12 minutes at 400°F). But starting from raw shrimp always tastes fresher and gives you more control over the sauce balance.
FAQ: How long do you air fry honey walnut shrimp?
Fresh, coated shrimp usually take 8–10 minutes at 375°F, flipped once. Frozen pre-made packs (like Trader Joe’s) often need closer to 10–12 minutes at 400°F. Always check for opaque flesh and golden coating before serving.
Make It Healthier (Calories, Lighter Swaps, Gluten-Free)
Here’s the honest truth: honey walnut shrimp is a treat dish. At Panda Express, a serving is around 360 calories for less than a cup, most of that coming from mayo, honey, and deep-frying oil. But at home, you’ve got options to make it friendlier without losing what makes it craveable.
Lighter sauce swaps
- Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for creaminess + protein.
- Swap condensed milk with a splash of half-and-half, coconut milk, or just a little extra honey for sweetness without heaviness.
- Use a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime to brighten the flavor, which tricks your palate into needing less sauce.
Frying alternatives
- Air fryer method: Cuts down oil dramatically, with shrimp around 200–220 calories per serving (sauce included).
- Shallow pan-fry: Uses less oil than a deep pot and still gives crisp results.
- Oven re-crisp: For leftovers, bake at 400°F for 5 minutes to avoid soggy shrimp.
Gluten-free path
- Good news, honey walnut shrimp is naturally gluten-free if you coat with cornstarch. Just double-check labels on mayo, condensed milk, or any soy-based add-ins.
FAQ: Is honey walnut shrimp healthy?
Not exactly, it’s rich, creamy, and calorie-dense. But you can make it healthier at home by air frying instead of deep frying, swapping part of the mayo for Greek yogurt, and using less condensed milk. Done that way, it becomes more of a balanced meal than a guilty pleasure.
Tips & Troubleshooting (Keep It Crispy, No Soggy Shrimp)
Cooking honey walnut shrimp at home can feel like a juggling act, shrimp, sauce, candied nuts, all happening fast. If you’ve ever ended up with soggy shrimp or sticky walnuts, you’re not alone. Here’s how to dodge the most common mistakes.
Keep the shrimp crisp
- Oil temperature matters: Aim for ~325–350°F. Too low and the coating absorbs oil; too high and it burns before the shrimp cooks.
- Work in batches: Fry 6–8 shrimp at a time. Overcrowding drops the oil temp instantly.
- Drain properly: Use a wire rack, not paper towels, which steam the coating.
Sauce smartly
- Toss last minute: The creamy honey–mayo sauce softens shrimp within minutes. Always sauce just before serving.
- Use a light coat: You don’t need to drown the shrimp; a gentle toss makes every piece flavorful without sog.
Walnut watch
- Don’t walk away: Candied walnuts go from glossy to burnt in under a minute. Stir constantly, and spread them on parchment to cool.
- Optional shortcut: Toast walnuts and drizzle lightly with honey if candying feels fussy. Different texture, but still delicious.
FAQ: Why did my honey walnut shrimp turn soggy?
Most likely, the shrimp sat in the sauce too long before serving. To keep it crispy, toss the shrimp in the sauce right at the table, or serve the sauce on the side so people can dip. Using a rack instead of paper towels after frying also helps keep the coating dry.
FAQs – Honey Walnut Shrimp
The classic sauce is made from mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice. Some cooks swap in Kewpie mayo for extra depth or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
At Panda Express, a serving is about 360 calories for ~3 ounces. Homemade versions can range from 220–300 calories depending on whether you deep-fry, air fry, or lighten the sauce.
It’s a Cantonese-American creation. The dish started in Hong Kong banquet halls in the 1980s, then spread to Chinese restaurants in the U.S. and became a takeout staple.
Yes. If you use cornstarch as the coating (instead of flour) and double-check your condiments, the dish is naturally gluten-free.
Fresh shrimp coated in cornstarch usually take 8–10 minutes at 375°F, flipped halfway. Frozen versions (like Trader Joe’s) need 10–12 minutes at 400°F.
Yes, restaurant shrimp tends to be sweeter, heavier on mayo, and less crisp once sauced. Homemade versions can taste fresher, lighter, and stay crunchy longer if you toss just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Homemade honey walnut shrimp is naturally a bit lighter than the Panda Express version, since you can control the oil, sauce, and portion size. Here’s a rough estimate per serving (about 1 cup / 4–5 shrimp with sauce and walnuts):
- Calories: ~260
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: ~450 mg
(Numbers vary depending on frying method and sauce swaps. Air fryer + yogurt-based sauce drops the calories closer to 200 per serving.)
Restaurant comparison
Panda Express lists its Honey Walnut Shrimp at ~360 calories for under 3 ounces, denser in calories because of heavier sauce and deep-frying oil.
FAQ: How many carbs are in honey walnut shrimp?
A homemade serving averages 15–18 g of carbs, mostly from the candied walnuts and honey in the sauce. Skipping or reducing the sugar syrup for walnuts can bring this number down significantly.
Honey Walnut Shrimp (Crispy, Creamy, Panda Express Copycat)
Equipment
- Deep skillet, wok, or air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wire rack (for draining shrimp)
- Parchment paper (for walnuts)
Ingredients
For the Candied Walnuts
- ½ cup walnut halves
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 –3 tbsp water
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp 16/20 or 21/25 count, peeled & deveined, tails on optional
- ½ cup cornstarch gluten-free option
- 2 egg whites optional, for a puffier coating
- 2 –3 cups neutral oil vegetable, canola, or peanut for frying
- ½ tsp salt to season shrimp
For the Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise Kewpie for richer flavor, Greek yogurt for lighter option
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk swap with half-and-half for lighter version
- 1 tsp lemon juice or lime juice for brightness
Garnish (Optional)
- Steamed broccoli florets for plating “banquet style”
- Sesame seeds for texture
Instructions
Candy the walnuts
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Simmer until the sugar dissolves into a syrup.
- Add walnuts, stir until coated, then spread on parchment paper to cool.
Prep the shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt.
- Dredge in cornstarch (or cornstarch + egg white mixture). Shake off excess.
Fry the shrimp
- Heat oil to 325–350°F in a deep skillet or wok.
- Fry shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels, to prevent sogginess).
Make the sauce
- Whisk mayonnaise, honey, condensed milk, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness/acid balance.
Combine & serve
- Toss shrimp in sauce just before serving to keep it crispy.
- Add candied walnuts and optional steamed broccoli.
- Serve immediately over rice or with sides.
Pro Tip:
- For the air fryer, preheat to 375°F. Coat shrimp, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once. Toss with sauce afterward.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving, ~4 shrimp + sauce + walnuts)
SERVING: 160 g | CALORIES: 260 kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 15 g | PROTEIN: 18 g | FAT: 15 g | SATURATED FAT: 2.5 g | CHOLESTEROL: 140 mg | SODIUM: 450 mg | POTASSIUM: 280 mg | FIBER: 1 g | SUGAR: 10 g | VITAMIN A: 120 IU | VITAMIN C: 4 mg | CALCIUM: 55 mg | IRON: 1 mg (Values are estimates. Air fryer + yogurt sauce drops calories closer to 200 per serving.)Price of Recipe (Estimated, US Market)
- Shrimp (1 lb): $8.00
- Walnuts (½ cup): $2.50
- Condensed milk, mayo, honey, pantry staples: $3.00
- Oil & garnish: $2.00
Recipe Notes
- Substitutions: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds; replace condensed milk with half-and-half for lighter creaminess.
- Storage: Keep shrimp and sauce separate. Reheat shrimp in oven/air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes before tossing.
- Variations: Add sriracha for spicy honey walnut shrimp; use yogurt for a healthier take; air fry for lower calories.
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with cornstarch), Customizable
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Did you try this honey walnut shrimp recipe? Share it with friends, rate it below, and let us know your favorite twist in the comments!Conclusion
There’s a reason honey walnut shrimp has held its spot on banquet tables and Panda Express menus, it’s that irresistible mix of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory. But making it at home gives you an edge: fresher shrimp, crispier coating, and the freedom to adjust the sauce until it’s exactly right for you.
Whether you deep-fry for full restaurant nostalgia, air fry for a lighter weeknight spin, or experiment with Greek yogurt and lemon for a healthier balance, the core experience stays the same: shrimp that feels a little indulgent but absolutely worth it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out my full collection of Panda Express copycat recipes for more restaurant-style dishes at home.
And If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Leave a comment, rate it, or share your own twist. Your version of honey walnut shrimp might just become the one friends and family ask for again and again.
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