This copycat recipe for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is quick and easy to make! Featuring a creamy, silky honey sauce and a secret batter that keeps the shrimp perfectly crispy—even after being coated in sauce—this dish is a must-try. The shrimp is fresh and crunchy, just like your favorite tempura, paired with sweet, caramelized walnuts in every bite.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my keto Kung Pao Shrimp, Black Pepper Chicken, and General Tso’s Shrimp—homemade takeout classics loved by all!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large egg whites, whisked
- 8 tbsp potato starch, tapioca starch, or 4 tbsp whey protein isolate
- ⅓ to ½ cup avocado oil
- ½ cup walnuts, unsalted (whole or chopped)
- 1 bulb scallion, chopped
Honey Walnut Shrimp Sauce:
- 4 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp honey or keto honey
- 2–2.5 tbsp evaporated milk or sugar-free coconut condensed milk
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Butterfly the shrimp by making a shallow slit along the back (spine).
- Set up your workspace with separate bowls for egg whites and potato starch, plus a large plate to hold the prepared shrimp. Dip each shrimp into the egg white, then coat evenly in potato starch. Place on the plate until all shrimp are coated.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat avocado oil in a stainless steel or cast iron pan with high walls over medium-high heat.
- After about 3 minutes, test the oil by inserting a wooden chopstick; if bubbles form around it, the oil is ready (350°F/177°C). Alternatively, use a thermometer.
- Fry the Shrimp:
- Work in batches, shallow-frying shrimp for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer cooked shrimp to a wire rack to keep them crispy and let excess oil drain.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayo, honey, and evaporated milk (or coconut condensed milk) until smooth.
- Sweeten the Walnuts:
- Toss walnuts with 2 tbsp of the prepared sauce until coated.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Arrange fried shrimp on a large serving plate, top with the sweetened walnuts, and drizzle with additional honey walnut sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
NOTES
- Remove any brown bits in the oil with a fine mesh sieve to prevent shrimp from turning dark.
- For air frying, follow the instructions from an air fryer bang bang shrimp recipe.
- Use evaporated milk for an unsweetened option. Substitute with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free or keto version.
- Skip mayo by combining honey and evaporated milk directly for the sauce.
- To make candied walnuts, boil equal parts sugar and water to create a syrup, add walnuts, stir for 3 minutes, then transfer to a sheet pan to cool.
