Better Than Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Craving that crispy, creamy, sweet goodness from Panda Express? What if you could make a version right at home that’s even better?
Let’s talk about Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp—crunchier, creamier, and more flavorful than the takeout version. This Copycat Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe brings restaurant-level flavor straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Whether you’re a fan of the original Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp, or just looking for a standout shrimp dish, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why Make Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home?
Ask yourself:
- Tired of overpaying for small portions?
- Want control over ingredients (no additives or mystery oils)?
- Ready to impress family or guests?
If you said yes to any of the above, keep reading. You’re about to discover a recipe that could replace your favorite takeout.
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
What You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of everything required for this Better Than Panda Express Shrimp dish:
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup flour + cornstarch mix (50/50 ratio)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp dried sage (optional)
- Cold water (to make batter)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Candied Walnuts:
- ½ cup walnut halves
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp is broken into three simple parts: the shrimp, the walnuts, and the sauce.
1. Prepare the Flour Mixture
- Combine ½ cup flour and ½ cup cornstarch in a large bowl.
- Add salt, white pepper, and sage.
- Divide this mix into two separate bowls.
Why two bowls?
One will be for the dry coating. The other will be turned into a batter by adding cold water.
2. Coat and Fry the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry.
- Dip each shrimp into the dry flour bowl.
- Then dip into the wet batter bowl (flour + cold water paste).
- Heat oil on medium-high heat (about 350°F).
- Fry shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps the shrimp ultra-crispy.
3. Candy the Walnuts
- In a small saucepan, mix ⅔ cup sugar with 1 cup water.
- Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Add walnuts and boil for 2–3 minutes.
- Drain and spread them on parchment paper.
- Let cool until crisp.
You now have sweet, crunchy walnuts to top your shrimp.
4. Make the Creamy Honey Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- ¼ cup Kewpie mayo
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste it. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking.
5. Bring It All Together
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the honey sauce.
- Add in the candied walnuts.
- Mix gently to coat evenly.
Serve hot.
Why This Recipe Is Better Than Panda Express Shrimp
Let’s break it down:
- Texture: Extra crispy thanks to the double-flour method.
- Flavor: Balanced sweet, savory, and creamy tones.
- Freshness: You control the ingredients—no soggy takeout shrimp here.
Plus, you get way more shrimp for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular mayo instead of Kewpie?
Yes, but Kewpie has a richer, umami-packed taste. If you sub regular mayo, add a dash of rice vinegar or sugar to balance it out.
What oil is best for frying shrimp?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable work best. Avoid olive oil—it burns at high heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Fry the shrimp fresh for the best crunch. But you can prep the sauce and candy the walnuts a day in advance.
Tips for Perfect Copycat Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Keep the batter cold. It creates a crispier texture.
- Fry in small batches to avoid sogginess.
- Let the shrimp rest briefly before tossing with the sauce.
Nutritional Note
While this dish is indulgent, you can make it lighter:
- Use less mayo or a lighter mayo alternative.
- Air-fry the shrimp (though it may alter the texture).
- Use less sugar in the walnuts.
Variations You Can Try
Want to mix it up?
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes to the sauce.
- Extra Crunch: Toss shrimp in panko before frying.
- Healthier Take: Serve with steamed broccoli or over cauliflower rice.
This Copycat Honey Walnut Shrimp doesn’t just match Panda Express—it beats it.
Once you try this Homemade Honey Walnut Shrimp, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for takeout. The flavor is deeper. The shrimp are crispier. And the sauce? Rich and creamy with just the right sweetness.
Plus, you’ll get the satisfaction of making it from scratch.
So next time you’re craving something special, skip the drive-thru.
Make it better. Make it at home.
Ready to Cook?
Save this recipe. Share it with a friend. Or better yet—make a double batch and thank yourself later.
Let’s make dinner something worth talking about.
