Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Whenever I think of takeout comfort food, the Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp immediately comes to mind. This dish has a special place in my heart, as it brings back memories of cozy dinners shared with friends and family. The luscious combination of crispy, golden-battered shrimp coated in a creamy sauce, accompanied by sweet candied walnuts, is simply irresistible. Imagine the first bite, where the crunch of the walnuts meets the tender shrimp, all enveloped in a smooth glaze. That’s the magic of this dish! I love recreating it at home because it allows me to control the flavors and enjoy a healthier version of my favorite indulgence. Plus, it’s a fun adventure in the kitchen, perfect for a casual weeknight feast or a special occasion. So join me as we dive into this delightful culinary experience that will make your taste buds dance!
Recipe Snapshot
40 mins
15 mins
25 mins
Medium
400 kcal
15 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
20 g
Wooden Spoon, Peeler, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Skillet
The Charm of This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
A Flavor Explosion
What makes the Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp so special? Well, it’s all about the flavor explosion that happens with each bite. The shrimp are perfectly cooked and coated in a light tempura batter, ensuring a delightful crunch. Then, when you add the creamy sauce, you get that sweet and savory balance that’s simply divine.
A Sweet Crunch
The candied walnuts are a key player in this recipe. Their sweetness and crunch elevate the dish, adding a layer of texture that perfectly complements the shrimp. It’s this contrast that keeps you reaching for more!
Quick and Easy
This recipe is also incredibly easy to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can recreate a restaurant-style meal in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected guests.
Customizable
If you’re like me, you love to customize your meals. This dish allows for creativity; you can adjust the sweetness, add some spice, or even toss in your favorite veggies. It’s versatile and can cater to different palates!
Impressive Presentation
Not only does it taste good, but the Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp also looks stunning on the plate. The vibrant colors and textures make it a showstopper at any table. It’s a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Comforting Meal
Finally, there’s just something comforting about enjoying a homemade version of a takeout classic. It brings back the feeling of being in your favorite restaurant but with the warmth of home-cooked love. This is why I absolutely adore making this dish—it’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience!
Key Ingredients for Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
The ingredients for this dish play a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component brings its unique qualities to the table, ensuring that every bite is a heavenly experience. From the crunch of the walnuts to the tender shrimp, these ingredients harmonize beautifully. Let’s take a closer look at the key players.
- Walnut pieces: 1 cup – These are candied to create a sweet and crunchy topping for the shrimp.
- Water: 1 cup – Used to cook the walnuts to achieve the perfect candied texture.
- Sugar: 3/4 cup – This sweetener is crucial for creating the candy coating around the walnuts.
- Vegetable oil: for frying – Essential for achieving that crispy texture on the shrimp.
- Tempura mix: 10 ounces – The batter that gives the shrimp that perfect crunchy coating.
- Shrimp: 1 pound – Medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are the star of the dish.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon – Adds sweetness to the sauce, creating a rich glaze.
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 tablespoon – This ingredient adds creaminess and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: 2 teaspoons – A splash of acidity to brighten the flavors.
- Mayonnaise: 3 tablespoons – Gives a creamy texture to the sauce, balancing the sweetness.
Making Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Let’s get cooking! This Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is straightforward and fun. You’ll love the crunchy shrimp and the sweet sauce that ties everything together. Follow these steps to create your own delicious version!
- Start by placing the walnut pieces, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Stir the mixture occasionally as it heats up. You want to cook it until the sugar begins to brown, which will give the walnuts that delicious candy coating.
- While the mixture is cooking, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Once the sugar has turned a beautiful golden brown, pour the candied walnuts onto the prepared sheet. Spread them out with a fork so they don’t touch one another, and let them dry for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Next, pour enough vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F. You’ll know it’s ready when you drop a small piece of the tempura batter in and it sizzles.
- Prepare the tempura mix according to the package directions. Make sure it’s mixed well to achieve a smooth batter. Dip the peeled and deveined shrimp into the batter, ensuring they’re completely coated.
- Carefully drop the batter-coated shrimp into the hot oil a few at a time. Be gentle as you toss them to make sure they cook evenly on all sides and don’t stick together. It’s important to scoop out any floating batter, keeping the oil clean.
- After about 2 minutes, or until they’re golden brown, remove the shrimp and transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess oil. This will keep them crispy.
- While the shrimp are draining, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Mix well until smooth.
- Once the shrimp have drained, place them in a large bowl and drizzle the prepared sauce over them. Gently stir to coat the shrimp without breaking the crispy tempura crust.
- Finally, sprinkle the candied walnuts over the top of the sauced shrimp. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Things Worth Knowing
- Perfect Oil Temperature: Heating the oil to 350°F is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. If the oil is too cold, the batter will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Watch the Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while frying. They cook quickly, so don’t walk away. You want them to be golden brown without being overcooked.
- Let the Walnuts Cool: Allow the candied walnuts to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is essential as they become crunchier as they cool.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding prevents the shrimp from cooking evenly and affects their crispiness.
How to Switch It Up
Feeling adventurous? The Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tips to switch it up and make it uniquely yours!
- Add Spices: Incorporate some chili powder or cayenne pepper into the tempura mix for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Variations: Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the dish for added color and nutrition.
- Different Nuts: If walnuts aren’t your thing, try substituting with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free tempura mix to cater to dietary restrictions.
- More Saucy: If you love a saucier dish, double the sauce ingredients for a more decadent coating.
What to Pair With Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Serving the Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is all about balance and presentation. Here are some delightful pairing ideas to enhance your meal:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of veggies adds texture and nutrition to your plate.
- Chow Mein: For a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve with chow mein noodles for a delightful crunch.
- Spring Rolls: These make a fantastic appetizer before diving into the main dish.
- Occasions: This dish is great for casual dinners, family gatherings, or even special occasions like birthdays.
- Seasonal Pairings: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad during warmer months to balance the meal.
- Storage Tips: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen. With its crispy shrimp, sweet sauce, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a meal that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it!
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Peeler
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnut pieces
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- vegetable oil vegetable oil for frying
- 10 ounces tempura mix
- 1 pound medium or large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Place the walnuts, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat and cook until the sugar begins to brown.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Pour the walnuts onto the paper or foil and spread them out with a fork so they don’t touch one another. Let dry for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F.
- Prepare the tempura mix according to the package directions. Dip the shrimp into the batter so that they are completely coated.
- Carefully drop the shrimp into the hot oil a few at a time and gently toss to make sure they cook evenly on all sides and don’t stick together. Scoop out any batter that floats away from the shrimp to keep the oil from breaking down. Remove the shrimp after about 2 minutes and transfer to a wire rack to drain.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and mayonnaise to make a sauce. Mix well.
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the shrimp, being careful not to break off the tempura crust. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the shrimp and serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish should be eaten in one sitting: It does not reheat or freeze well.
