Are you a fan of the Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp? Well so are we, and here’s our take on it. Sweet and savory is perhaps one of the best combinations of food flavor profiles that you can experience. Our honey walnut shrimp recipe comes with a creamy and sweet honey sauce that will tantalize your taste buds in the best way possible. Besides that, we have also added a crunchy element to take this dish to the next level.
Honey walnut shrimp, though popularized globally by Panda Express, finds its origins in traditional Chinese cooking. The sweet and creamy sauce paired with the crunchy walnuts and tender shrimp has been a favorite for centuries, highlighting the intricate balance of textures and tastes in Chinese gastronomy.
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp
We have divided the ingredients list into various sections that include different components of the dish. Here are all the ingredients you will need for this dish:
Glazed Walnuts
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of walnut halves
For Frying Shrimp
- 1 lb small raw shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ¼ cup of cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Making Sauce
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions
How To Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Here are all the steps and guidelines you need to follow to create delicious honey walnut shrimp:
1. Heat a medium pan and add the following ingredients to it; water, brown sugar, and walnuts.
2. The next step is to boil this mixture and let the sugar become thick.
3. Take out the walnuts using a spoon and let them cool and dry on parchment paper.
4. Then you have to season the shrimp. Use garlic powder, pepper, salt, and onion powder for the seasoning, and then add cornstarch for the outer layer.
5. Fry the seasoned shrimp in a pan until they are golden and curled.
6. Take a medium bowl and combine condensed milk, lemon juice, honey, and mayonnaise.
7. Add the walnuts and shrimp and pour your sauce on top.
8. Mix everything until it is all combined.
9. Serve the dish on a plate with rice or garnish.
Nutritional Benefits: Beyond Taste
This Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is not just a treat to the taste buds but also packs in numerous health benefits:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Both shrimp and walnuts are rich sources, which are essential for heart health and brain functions.
- Protein Powerhouse: Shrimp provides a lean source of protein, aiding in muscle building and repair.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This dish is rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin B6, phosphorus, zinc, and niacin.
Pairing Suggestions
To transform the Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp into a full meal, consider the following pairing suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: The neutrality of rice complements the richness of the dish.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Adds a burst of colors, textures, and added nutrition.
- Noodles: Whether it’s chow mein or a delicate rice noodle, it creates a fulfilling experience.
Sweet And Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Sweet and savory is perhaps one of the best combinations of food flavor profiles that you can experience. Our honey walnut shrimp recipe comes with a creamy and sweet honey sauce that will tantalize your taste buds in the best way possible. Besides that, we have also added a crunchy element to take this dish to the next level.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Glazed Walnuts
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of walnut halves
For Frying Shrimp
- 1 lb small raw shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ¼ cup of cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For Making Sauce
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions
Instructions
- Heat a medium pan and add the following ingredients to it; water, brown sugar, and walnuts.
- The next step is to boil this mixture and let the sugar become thick.
- Take out the walnuts using a spoon and let them cool and dry on parchment paper.
- Then you have to season the shrimp. Use garlic powder, pepper, salt, and onion powder for the seasoning, and then add cornstarch for the outer layer.
- Fry the seasoned shrimp in a pan until they are golden and curled.
- Take a medium bowl and combine condensed milk, lemon juice, honey, and mayonnaise.
- Add the walnuts and shrimp and pour your sauce on top.
- Mix everything until it is all combined.
- Serve the dish on a plate with rice or garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 605 kcal
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Protein: 26 g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You might still have some additional questions about our take on the Panda Express honey walnut shrimp recipe. We have answered those below (and for any we haven’t, please leave a comment!) :
It is crucial to follow the order of the recipe and make the nuts first. There is a reason why we prepared the walnuts in the beginning. Doing this will allow the walnuts to cool down while you do other things and become even crunchier.
So, it will complement the shrimp nicely by adding the crunchy texture you need. That is why soft or sticky rice will pair well with this dish.
Some of the good side dishes that you can make with honey walnut shrimp include fried rice or steamed rice. However, if you want to keep a low carb content, then you can also use other side dishes. These include steamed vegetables or even cauliflower rice.
For example, things such as green beans also make a good side dish, along with the honey walnut shrimp. So, be sure to select any side dish out of these to create a delicious and complete meal.
Before you make any dish, it is important to know where it comes from. The honey walnut shrimp is a Cantonese dish inspired by the west. You will find this dish present in many banquet meals.
The origin of the dish is not confirmed, but it might have come from Hong Kong. After that, it was introduced to the US during the 80s and 90s. You can get this dish at many popular Chinese food chains.
Can I Freeze The Honey Walnut Shrimp?
While you can freeze this dish, we would recommend against it. That is because the shrimp will lose its crispiness, and the sauce will also separate when you reheat the dish. After making it and preparing the right serving size, it is best to consume the dish.
You can also keep it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge. However, we recommend that you consume it within three days so that the quality of the food remains intact.
Is Precooked Shrimp Ideal For The Recipe?
You have to coat the shrimp in cornstarch and then fry it in oil. That is why we recommend that you don’t opt for precooked shrimp. The best option for you is to select thawed and frozen or fresh shrimp.
This will allow you to cook and prepare the shrimp in the best way. Once you do, the dish will taste incredible, and everything will taste as fresh as possible.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare And Cook This Dish?
It will take you ten minutes to prepare the ingredients for this dish. Besides that, it will take you thirty minutes to cook everything. So, the total time it will take for you to make this dish will be forty minutes.
Our dish will also serve at least four people. You can create it for your family or if you have friends over.
How Do I Make Sure That The Shrimps Turn Out To Be Crispy And Nice?
There are certain practices you need to follow to ensure that the shrimp cooks well and is crispy. One of the top things you can do is thaw the shrimp before you start cooking. Besides that, before you coat and fry the shrimp, you must dry it with lots of paper towels.
Finally, you need to fry the shrimp in batches so the oil can stay hot. Doing this will guarantee that the shrimp are crispy and great to eat. Keep in mind that the cornstarch coating will not turn too golden, but the shrimp will still remain crunchy.
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