Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
708 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Chinese
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Description
This recipe replicates Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp by first candying walnuts in a sugar, water mixture heated until the sugar browns. The walnuts are spread on parchment to cool and separate. Shrimp, peeled and deveined, are coated in prepared tempura batter and deep-fried until golden and crisp.
A sauce is made blending honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and mayonnaise, providing a creamy yet sweet and slightly tangy balance to the fried shrimp and candied walnuts. The combination results in a texture contrast between crunchy walnuts, crispy shrimp, and a smooth sauce.
The dish is intended to be eaten immediately after cooking due to the delicate textures; reheating or freezing is not advised as it can alter the crispiness and sauce quality. It serves as a flavorful main or appetizer with a distinct sweet-savory profile.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- vegetable oil for frying
- 10 ounces tempura mix
- 1 pound Shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed, medium or large size
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Place the walnuts, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat and cook until the sugar begins to brown.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Pour the walnuts onto the paper or foil and spread them out with a fork so they don’t touch one another. Let dry for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Pour the vegetable oil into heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F.
- Prepare the tempura mix according to the package directions. Dip the shrimp into the batter so that they are completely coated.
- Carefully drop the shrimp into the hot oil a few at a time and gently toss to make sure they cook evenly on all sides and don’t stick together. Scoop out any batter that floats away from the shrimp to keep the oil from breaking down. Remove the shrimp after about 2 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and mayonnaise to make a sauce. Mix well.
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the shrimp, being careful not to break off the tempura crust. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the shrimp and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish is best eaten fresh and does not reheat or freeze well due to texture changes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 708 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 708kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 69g | 23% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 342mg | 114% |
| Sodium | 1316mg | 55% |
| Potassium | 379mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 45g | 90% |
| Vitamin A | 190IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 6.4mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 360mg | 36% |
| Iron | 4.2mg | 23% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.