Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe – 30 Minutes Meal
Try this creamy, crunchy, delicious taste of Panda Express’s Honey Walnut Shrimp, which is truly extraordinary. This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe features golden, crunchy shrimp coated in a rich, sweet honey-mayo sauce and topped with crunchy candied walnuts, bringing the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to your dinner table.
This Chinese-American shrimp recipe is sure to impress, especially those who want an Asian-inspired weeknight meal. Not only is it easy to make in less than 30 minutes, but it’s also healthier and more affordable than the restaurant or takeout version.
With a few simple ingredients like large shrimp, honey, mayonnaise, and walnuts, you can recreate this creamy, crunchy, sweet shrimp dish at home – no special skills required. This is a flavor-packed recipe that rivals your favorite takeout and is perfect for seafood lovers looking for something fun but quick.
So skip the delivery and make these irresistible crunchy honey walnut shrimp in your own kitchen today. It’s the perfect blend of flavor and texture—and once you try it, you’ll never go back to takeout again!
🍤 Why You’ll Love This Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Quick & Easy Dinner: This easy shrimp dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving Chinese takeout at home.
Delicious Crunch: The candied walnuts add a sweet and crunchy contrast to the tender, crispy shrimp – it’s a restaurant-style shrimp recipe made easy!
Creamy Honey Mayo Sauce: Tossed in a luscious honey mayo blend, this creamy shrimp dish has just the right balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Better Than Takeout: Skip the wait and the extra calories – this homemade version is healthier and more customizable. Learn why shrimp is a high-protein, low-fat food that fits into most healthy diets.
Perfect with Rice or Veggies: Serve it over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed broccoli for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
It’s the kind of Asian-inspired shrimp recipe that makes dinner feel special — yet it’s surprisingly easy to make!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need for Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
This delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe comes together with simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store. Each one plays a key role in creating the sweet, creamy, and crispy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
🍤 For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed)
- 1 egg white (for a light and airy batter)
- ½ cup cornstarch – helps get that perfect golden crisp
- ½ tsp sea salt and ¼ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil works best)
🍯 For the Honey Mayo Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – use Japanese mayo for extra umami flavor
- 1½ tbsp honey – adds that luscious sweetness
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk – for creamy richness
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for balance)
🥜 For the Candied Walnuts:
- ½ cup raw walnut halves
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe(Step-by-Step Instructions)
Follow these easy, crispy shrimp recipe steps to recreate the famous Honey Walnut Shrimp dish at home. This Chinese-American favorite features juicy shrimp coated in a light batter, fried to perfection, and tossed in a luscious honey mayo sauce — topped with crunchy candied walnuts for the ultimate sweet and savory flavor.
Step 1: Make the Candied Walnuts
To create the perfect candied walnuts, combine ¼ cup water and ¼ cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add ½ cup walnuts and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the syrup thickens and coats the nuts. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the walnuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Let them cool completely to harden. These candied walnuts add a sweet crunch that complements the creamy shrimp perfectly.
Step 2: Coat and Fry the Shrimp
Start by whisking one egg white in a medium bowl until frothy. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat evenly. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup cornstarch, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring a light, even coating for extra crispiness.
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This frying method guarantees that signature crispy texture essential for authentic honey walnut shrimp.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Mayo Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1½ tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional). The combination of mayonnaise and honey creates the creamy, sweet sauce that coats each shrimp bite with irresistible flavor. Adjust honey to taste for sweetness.
Step 4: Toss the Shrimp and Serve
Gently toss the crispy shrimp in the prepared honey mayo sauce until every piece is evenly coated. Avoid tossing too early to keep shrimp crunchy. Finally, sprinkle the candied walnuts on top for that signature sweet crunch. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite Asian side dishes for a delicious homemade meal.
🔥 Tips for the Best Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Want to make your Honey Walnut Shrimp taste just like (or better than) your favorite Chinese takeout? Follow these tried-and-true expert cooking tips to make this crispy, creamy shrimp recipe truly unforgettable.
- Use Jumbo Shrimp for Best Texture: Bigger shrimp hold up better to frying and remain juicy. Look for 16/20 count.
- Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness: First fry at 325°F, let rest, then fry again at 375°F. This technique makes the batter ultra crispy—just like authentic Chinese honey walnut shrimp dishes.
- Toss in Sauce Right Before Serving: To avoid soggy shrimp, coat them in the honey mayo sauce just before plating.
- Air Fryer Option: For a lighter alternative, air fry battered shrimp at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Spray lightly with oil for that golden crunch.
- Use Cold Shrimp: Cold shrimp helps the cornstarch coating stick better and fry more evenly.
- Upgrade Your Walnuts: Use fresh or organic walnuts and candy them fresh for richer, deeper flavor.
By following these honey walnut shrimp tips and tricks, you’ll ensure your shrimp stays crunchy, the sauce is smooth and glossy, and every bite bursts with sweet-savory flavor.
Related: Delicious Lobster Recipes
🍤 Variations & Substitutions
This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is flexible and easy to customize. Try these delicious twists and dietary-friendly alternatives to enjoy this Chinese-American shrimp favorite your way!
✨ Vegan Honey Walnut Shrimp
Replace shrimp with vegan shrimp or crispy tofu, and use a plant-based mayo and agave nectar instead of honey. Perfect for those on a vegan or plant-based diet.
🌿 Dairy-Free Option
Skip the sweetened condensed milk and use a mix of coconut cream and maple syrup for a naturally sweet, dairy-free version that’s still creamy and indulgent.
🥜 Nut-Free Alternative
Have a nut allergy? Omit the candied walnuts and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crispy shallots for texture without the allergens.
🧂 No Sweetened Condensed Milk?
No problem! You can use a combo of Greek yogurt + honey for a lighter, protein-rich sauce that pairs wonderfully with the crispy shrimp. It’s great for a low-calorie shrimp dinner alternative.
🍤 Tempura-Style Batter
For extra crunch, swap the cornstarch with a simple tempura batter mix. It creates that signature Japanese-style crispiness that stays crunchy even after saucing.
Pro Tip: You can read more about what makes tempura so uniquely light and crispy at Bon Appétit, a trusted authority in food technique and culinary science.
Related: Easy Lemon Pepper Breasts
🍚 What to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Make your Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe even more delicious by pairing it with Asian-inspired sides! These delicious, easy pairings complement the sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors of this iconic Chinese-American shrimp dish.
🥢 Steamed Jasmine Rice
Classic and fragrant, jasmine rice soaks up the rich honey mayo sauce beautifully.
🥦 Stir-Fried Broccoli
Add a crunchy and healthy contrast to your creamy shrimp dish with stir-fried greens.
🍜 Garlic Noodles
Buttery garlic noodles are a delicious dish that blends perfectly with the sweet flavor of shrimp.
🥬 Asian Cucumber Salad
Light, tangy, and refreshing—this side balances the richness of the shrimp beautifully.
Want more delicious Asian-inspired pairings? Check out this comprehensive list of Asian Dishes on Serious Eats — a high-authority source for culinary inspiration.
Related: Easy Tilapia Recipes
🍱 Storage & Reheating Tips for Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Made a big batch of Honey Walnut Shrimp and have leftovers? Don’t worry! Here’s how to store and reheat your crispy shrimp while keeping its signature crunch and flavor intact. These tips will help your shrimp dinner stay fresh and delicious.
🥡 How to Store Leftover Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Refrigerator: Store shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Avoid sogginess: Keep candied walnuts in a dry container to retain their crunch.
- No Freezing: This recipe is not freezer-friendly due to the creamy mayo-based sauce.
🔥 Best Ways to Reheat Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Air Fryer (Best Method): Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and heat shrimp for 4–6 minutes until crisp. This retains the texture better than any other method.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes on a parchment-lined tray. Flip halfway for even heating.
- Avoid Microwaving: It turns the shrimp rubbery and the sauce oily.
- Reheat Sauce Separately: Warm the honey mayo sauce gently over low heat or let it come to room temp before tossing.
For more detailed guidance on food safety and best reheating practices, check out this helpful article from USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Quick Tip: Always reheat only the portion you need. Repeated heating affects both taste and texture.
Suggested: Easy Chickpea Salad Recipe
Easy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe For Dinner
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a beloved Chinese-American dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a silky honey-mayo sauce and topped with sweet candied walnuts. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it an irresistible takeout-style recipe that’s easy to recreate at home.
Ingredients
For the Candied Walnuts:
- ½ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail off)
- 1 egg white
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (about 2 cups or enough to deep fry)
For the Honey Mayo Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional for tang)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Candied Walnuts
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add walnuts and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove walnuts with a slotted spoon and spread them on a parchment-lined tray or wire rack to dry. Let cool and harden.
Step 2: Prepare and Fry the Shrimp
- In a medium bowl, whisk egg white until frothy. Add shrimp and toss to coat.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture until well coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice (if using).
Step 4: Assemble
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the honey mayo sauce until evenly coated.
- Top with candied walnuts and serve immediately.
Notes
- Crispier Shrimp: Double fry for extra crispiness—first fry lightly, rest for 5 mins, then fry again until golden.
- Air Fry Option: Lightly spray battered shrimp with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 mins, flipping halfway.
- Nut Allergy Alternative: Skip walnuts or replace with toasted sesame seeds for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a balanced meal.
- Great for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
Related: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
🍤 Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe
Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp ahead of time?
Is this similar to Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Can I bake or air-fry instead of deep frying?
- Air Fryer: Lightly spray coated shrimp with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven: Bake on a parchment-lined tray at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 3–5 minutes
- Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes
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