The sweet aroma of honey wafting through the kitchen has a way of inviting everyone to the table, and this Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is no exception. Inspired by a beloved favorite from Panda Express, I was determined to recreate this restaurant-quality dish right at home. Imagine perfectly fried shrimp, tender and golden, tossed in a luscious sauce that arms each bite with a delightful crunch from toasted walnuts.
When my friends come over for game night or a relaxing dinner, this dish always steals the spotlight. It transforms an ordinary evening into something extraordinary, while being remarkably simple to whip up in under an hour. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you can serve up a plate that rivals your favorite takeout experience. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring that fast-casual flavor into our own kitchens!
Why is Honey Walnut Shrimp a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite of this dish is packed with a sweet and savory flavor that keeps you craving more.
Crispy Texture: The shrimp come out light and crispy, thanks to the cornstarch coating, providing a delightful crunch in contrast to the gooey sauce.
Quick and Easy: With just under an hour of prep and cooking time, you can enjoy this restaurant classic on a busy weeknight!
Crowd Pleaser: It’s perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or casual get-togethers, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Versatile Accompaniments: Pair it with fried rice or spring rolls for a complete meal that’s sure to please all tastes.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Ingredients
For the Sauce
• Water – Serves as the base for the sauce.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
• Honey – The star ingredient that provides signature sweetness; essential for a great Honey Walnut Shrimp!
• Heavy Cream – Contributes richness to the sauce; can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
For the Coating
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Choose large shrimp for tenderness and flavor.
• Large Eggs (beaten) – Acts as a binder for the crispy coating.
• Cornstarch – Creates a light and airy coating; unlike flour, it ensures perfect crispiness.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick to the dish.
For Frying
• Vegetable Oil for frying – Crucial for achieving that crispy texture; make sure it’s hot enough before frying.
For Garnish
• Walnuts – To provide a delightful crunch and contrast; toasting enhances their flavor.
• Thinly Sliced Green Onions – Adds freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
For Serving
• Cooked White Rice – A complementary base for the dish; fragrant jasmine or basmati rice works beautifully.
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle boil until the sugar dissolves, then stir in 1/4 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Keep warm on low heat.
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Coat the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Dip the shrimp into 2 beaten large eggs, then coat generously with the cornstarch mixture to ensure they’re well-covered.
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Fry the Shrimp: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown and are crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Glaze and Serve: Toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce to coat thoroughly. Serve them over cooked white rice, and top with toasted walnuts and thinly sliced green onions for a beautiful finish.
Optional: Drizzle with additional honey before serving for extra sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Walnut Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sauce and coat the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance to save time on busy weeknights. Simply make the sauce by combining the ingredients and refrigerate. For the shrimp, coat them in the cornstarch mixture and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator—this ensures they stay crisp when fried. Just before serving, heat the oil and fry the shrimp until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Toss them in the prepared honey sauce, and you’ll enjoy that same delicious, restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort!
Honey Walnut Shrimp Variations
Make your meal even more delightful by personalizing this scrumptious dish with these fun twists!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that elevates the flavor profile. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Nut Swap: Swap walnuts for crispy fried cashews, bringing a unique flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish beautifully. It’s a nutty surprise!
- Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, adding a tropical twist to this classic.
- Add Pineapple: Toss in some fresh pineapple chunks for a burst of tropical sweetness and an extra layer of taste. The sweet-tart balance will brighten your palate!
- Honey-Lime Glaze: Mix in a splash of lime juice to the honey sauce for a tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. It’s an invigorating twist!
- Garlic Flavor: Incorporate minced garlic into the sauce for a depth of flavor that adds a savory note to the sweetness. Go ahead; make it irresistible!
- Green Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a pop of color and nutrition that compliments the shrimp beautifully. It’s a simple way to boost the health factor!
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Drizzle with sweet chili sauce before serving for a flavorful kick that’ll make each bite unforgettable. Enjoy the sweet and spicy marriage!
Expert Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Oil Temperature: Ensure the vegetable oil is at 350°F before frying; this prevents soggy shrimp and yields a perfectly crispy coating.
• Batch Frying: Fry shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which leads to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
• Cornstarch Coating: Use cornstarch exclusively for the coating, as it creates a light and airy crunch that flour simply can’t match in this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe.
• Sauce Consistency: Keep the sauce warm but not boiling when mixing it with shrimp; this maintains the sauce’s silky texture without making it overly thick.
• Storage Warning: For best results, serve immediately after preparation. If you must store leftovers, they may lose their crispiness in the fridge.
How to Store and Freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for optimal taste and crunch, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezer: If you want to freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp, place the cooled, fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the frozen shrimp at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
Serving Leftovers: When serving refrigerated leftovers, consider adding a drizzle of fresh honey right before serving to revive that original sweetness and flavor.
What to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?
The perfect meal deserves the perfect accompaniments, bringing even more joy to your dining table.
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Fried Rice: A classic pairing, fragrant fried rice complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully while adding heartiness to the meal.
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Spring Rolls: Crisp and fresh, these little bites offer a refreshing texture. Their lightness contrasts well with the creamy sauce of the shrimp, balancing indulgence with freshness.
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Steamed Broccoli: Colorful and nutritious, steamed broccoli adds a vibrant touch to your plate, providing fiber and a slight crunch that balances the dish.
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Garlic Bok Choy: Tender and garlicky, this stir-fried greens dish elevates the meal with its slightly bitter notes, enhancing the rich flavors of the honey walnut shrimp.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: With its crunchy texture and tangy dressing, this salad brightens up the plate and provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the shrimp.
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Jasmine Rice: Lightly scented with floral notes, jasmine rice serves as the perfect bed for the shrimp, adding subtle fragrance without overpowering the main dish.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat completes your meal! The creaminess of coconut milk and the sweetness of mango pair delightfully with the shrimp’s flavors.
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Chilled Sake: A glass of chilled sake or a light white wine enhances the dining experience, bringing an extra layer of flavor and sophistication to your meal.
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Green Tea: Low in caffeine and refreshing, a cup of green tea makes an excellent beverage choice, adding a soothing end to your delicious experience.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Honey Walnut Shrimp?
I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a slight sea scent. Avoid shrimp that smell overly fishy or have dark spots, as these may be past their prime.
How should I store leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While you can reheat them, keep in mind that the shrimp may lose some of their crunchy texture. To maintain the best flavor and crispiness, it’s ideal to enjoy this dish fresh.
Can I freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the fried shrimp to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, usually about 1-2 hours, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
What should I do if my shrimp aren’t crispy?
For crispy shrimp, ensure your oil is hot enough—around 350°F—before adding the shrimp. If the shrimp crowd the pan while frying, they may steam instead of fry, resulting in a soggy texture. Fry in small batches, and don’t forget to drain them on paper towels after cooking to absorb excess oil!
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe contains common allergens such as shellfish (shrimp), eggs, and walnuts. If you’re serving someone with allergies, consider using chicken or tofu as a substitute for shrimp and ensure they can enjoy the dish by omitting nuts or eggs as needed.
Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp healthier?
Very much! You can lighten this dish by reducing the sugar in the sauce or using a lighter mayonnaise. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, which adds a nice flavor twist without compromising texture.
Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp: Your Go-To Takeout Fix at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle boil until sugar dissolves, then stir in honey and heavy cream. Keep warm on low heat.
- Coat the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper. Dip shrimp into beaten eggs, then coat generously with cornstarch mixture.
- Fry the Shrimp: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry shrimp in small batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Glaze and Serve: Toss fried shrimp in honey sauce to coat. Serve over cooked white rice, topped with toasted walnuts and thinly sliced green onions.