If you enjoy the sweet, creamy, and crispy flavors of Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express, you’ll be happy to know that you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. With fresh shrimp, a rich honey sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts, this homemade version delivers the same satisfying taste while allowing you to control the ingredients.
This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or whenever you’re craving Panda Express without ordering takeout. It comes together with simple pantry staples and fresh seafood, making it both convenient and incredibly delicious.
About Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express
Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of Panda Express’s signature seafood dishes. It combines crispy battered shrimp with a creamy honey-based sauce and sweet candied walnuts. The balance of crunchy texture, rich sauce, and juicy shrimp has made it one of the restaurant’s most popular menu items.
Although inspired by Chinese-American cuisine, this dish has become a favorite for people who enjoy sweet and savory flavors in one meal. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, fried rice, chow mein, or stir-fried vegetables.
What Is Honey Walnut Shrimp Sauce Made Of?
The signature sauce is surprisingly simple yet packed with flavor. It combines creamy mayonnaise with sweet honey, balanced by a small amount of rice vinegar and sesame oil.
Main Sauce Ingredients
- Mayonnaise
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
Together, these ingredients create a smooth, sweet, and slightly tangy coating that perfectly complements the crispy shrimp.
What Does Honey Walnut Shrimp Taste Like?
Honey Walnut Shrimp offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. The shrimp are lightly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. The creamy honey sauce adds sweetness, while the candied walnuts provide a crunchy finish.
The result is a dish that’s rich, slightly sweet, mildly tangy, and incredibly satisfying.
Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Spicy?
No. Traditional Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express is not spicy. Its flavour focuses on sweetness and creaminess rather than heat.
If you prefer a little spice, you can easily customise the recipe by adding crushed red pepper flakes, chilli oil, or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Ingredients For Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express
For The Shrimp
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cooking oil for frying
For The Honey Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
Additional Ingredient
- Candied walnuts
How To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express
Step 1: Prepare The Shrimp
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and coat each piece evenly with the batter.
Step 2: Fry Until Crispy
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in small batches until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make The Honey Sauce
In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the fried shrimp to the prepared sauce and gently toss until fully coated. Stir in the candied walnuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately with steamed rice, fried rice, chow mein, or your favourite vegetables.
Tips For Making The Best Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavour and texture.
- Fry the shrimp in small batches to keep them crispy.
- Add the walnuts at the end so they stay crunchy.
- Do not overcook the shrimp, as they become rubbery quickly.
- Adjust the amount of honey depending on your preferred sweetness.
- Add chilli flakes or hot sauce if you enjoy a spicy twist.
- Serve immediately after mixing with the sauce for maximum crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs well with many side dishes.
Best Side Dishes
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Chow mein noodles
- Garlic green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Mixed vegetable stir-fry
- Vegetable spring rolls
How To Store Honey Walnut Shrimp
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze the shrimp for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to help restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the coating may become soft.
Nutrition Information
Honey Walnut Shrimp provides protein from shrimp while walnuts contribute healthy fats, fibre, and essential nutrients. Because the dish also contains mayonnaise and honey, it is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: High
- Healthy fats: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
- Sugar: Approximately 1–2 teaspoons
Health Benefits Of Honey Walnut Shrimp
Excellent Source Of Protein
Shrimp supplies high-quality protein that supports muscle growth and repair.
Contains Healthy Fats
Walnuts provide heart-friendly fats, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Provides Important Minerals
This meal also contains vitamins and minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.
Satisfying Meal Option
When enjoyed in moderation alongside vegetables and whole grains, Honey Walnut Shrimp can be part of a well-balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp made of?
It consists of battered shrimp, mayonnaise, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and candied walnuts.
Is Honey Walnut Shrimp spicy?
No. The traditional recipe is sweet and creamy without any noticeable heat.
Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp at home?
Yes. The recipe uses simple ingredients that are widely available and can be prepared in less than an hour.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving typically contains around 450 calories, depending on portion size and cooking method.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Simply thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating and frying.
When was Honey Walnut Shrimp introduced at Panda Express?
Panda Express first added Honey Walnut Shrimp to its menu in 2003, and it has remained one of its most popular seafood dishes.
Is Honey Walnut Shrimp an authentic Chinese dish?
The dish is inspired by Chinese cuisine but has evolved into a Chinese-American restaurant favourite.
What side dishes go best with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Steamed rice, fried rice, chow mein, stir-fried vegetables, and spring rolls all make excellent pairings.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months in an airtight container.
Can I make the recipe healthier?
Yes. You can air fry the shrimp, reduce the honey, or use a lighter mayonnaise to lower the overall calories.
