If you love good food, the first time you try Honey Walnut Shrimps from Panda Express, you’ll become completely obsessed. But, even though you can’t get enough of this staple, waiting in line or driving to the restaurant isn’t an option.
That’s where the idea of making Panda Express Honey comes in. With a few ingredients and some cooking techniques, this recipe is straightforward, and you can bring this Chinese-American favorite to your dinner table.
This guide will help you make copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp like a pro. So, if you’re ready, let’s cook this sweet and crunchy delight.
Why Everyone Loves Panda Express Honey Walnut
Here is why everyone loves Panda Express Honey Walnut.
Versatility
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a go-to option for an evening treat. It adds perfection to a cozy weeknight dinner with a special guest and leaves everyone licking their fingers. This shrimp dish is also adaptable to any occasion, whether a birthday or a small party, serving as a showstopper that fits the mood.
Budget-Friendly
If your pocket is not heavy enough for a hearty meal at Panda Express, then you don’t have to rub a bank when you can easily enjoy a fancy shrimp dinner for a small amount. It only requires a few ingredients, such as honey, a mix of shrimp, and some pantry staples. People love the fact that the meal is indulgent without being too expensive.
Quick and Easy to Eat
People who don’t fancy hearty meals or wait too long to get their meals usually jump in on Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. It’s a simple grab-and-go dish and quite shareable. And, if you’re a beginner in making restaurant-inspired recipes, this meal is a walk through.
Customizable
The Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp dish is customizable. What’s more? The shrimp are more delicious with extra heat and toppings. You can experiment with chili flakes, cayenne, or new flavors. But, if you’re allergic to some food, inform the kitchen, and they’ll prepare your meal specially.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey Walnut Shrimp
You’ll need the following ingredients if you’re looking to make copycat Panda Express honey walnut shrimp:
- Large Shrimps
- Walnuts
- Cornstarch
- Egg white
- Vegetable oil
- Honey
- Sugar (Optional)
- Mayonnaise
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Scallions, for toppings (Optional)
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Cayenne pepper or chili flakes for added heat (Optional)
How to Prepare the Shrimp the Right Way
Here is the right way to prepare the shrimp when making a Panda Express honey walnut recipe.
- Start by peeling off the shrimp to remove their shell. When doing this, start from the head, then work your way down.
- Remove the dark vein at the back of the shrimp.
- Rinse the shrimp with water to get rid of impurities
- Use a paper towel to pat the shrimp and reduce excess moisture.
- Then, season the shrimps with pepper, salt, or your desired spices before cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide for Making the Honey Walnut Shrimp
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the Honey Walnut Shrimp from Panda Express.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix honey, mayonnaise, white vinegar, and condensed milk to make a Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp sauce.
- Make Walnuts Candy: The next step when preparing honey walnut shrimp is to turn your walnuts into candy. You can do this by making a syrup with sugar and water, then adding the walnuts to the syrup and boiling for a few minutes before taking them out.
- Prepare Your Tempura Batter: Add egg whites to a bowl and whip them until bubbly and fluffy to prepare a batter for your Honey walnut shrimp. Then, add baking powder, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and baking soda, and mix them. If you need more flavor, sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder.
- Prepare the Shrimps: You can get the shrimps ready by removing the tail and shell, deveining, washing thoroughly, and patting dry. Then season with pepper and salt.
- Batter and Fry the Shrimp. Throw the shrimp into the tempura batter, take them out, and fry them in cooking oil for about 5 minutes or until they appear golden brown.
- Serve your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe with the walnut sauce and garnish it with green onions or to your taste.
Other Panda Express Items You Can Pair With Your Honey Walnut Shrimp
You can pair your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe with various items, including the following:
White Rice
You can pair your crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp with a side of white rice for a comforting and delicious experience.
Chow Mein
Chow mein pairs perfectly with Honey Walnut Shrimp. The stir-fried noodles’ texture and flavor make the meal satisfying.
Super Greens
Pair your Honey Walnut Shrimp from Panda Express with Super Greens for a well-rounded meal. They are crunchy and slightly bitter, providing a refreshing and delightful harmony to the sweet and crispy shrimp.
FAQs on How to Make Panda Express
What Type of Shrimp works for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
A large or jumbo shrimp works well. You must peel and devein it for the best result.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
It can be made dairy-free by ensuring dairy-free ingredients when preparing the sauce.
Can you bake or air fry the shrimps instead of deep frying?
Yes, you can bake or air fry the shrimps as a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
How do you prevent the sauce from making the shrimp soggy?
You can prevent your Honey Walnut Shrimp from getting soggy by adding sauce towards the end, tossing gently when cooking, and serving immediately.
Conclusion
Now you’ve seen how easy it is to bring the Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe to Panda Express. With this Simple cooking technique, you can make your recipe in the comfort of your home. If you want to impress your family and friends, you might want to give this sweet and tasty dish a try. The Honey Walnut treats will leave everyone asking for more.
