Recreate Panda Express’s Famous Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe at Home
If you’ve ever ordered Panda Express’s Honey Walnut Shrimp, you know it’s more than just a takeout staple—it’s a crave-worthy combination of crispy shrimp, creamy honey glaze, and caramelized walnuts that hits every note: sweet, savory, and satisfyingly crunchy. And now, you can make this iconic dish at home with my step-by-step recipe video that walks you through every delicious detail.
A Fan Favorite on the Panda Express Menu
Introduced in 2010, Honey Walnut Shrimp quickly became one of Panda Express’s most beloved entrées. It’s a premium item for a reason—the lightly battered shrimp are fried until golden, then coated in a sweet, tangy honey sauce and topped with candied walnuts for an irresistible finish. This dish brings bold flavor and rich texture together in every bite, and while it usually comes at an upcharge on the menu, my homemade version gives you the same experience at a fraction of the cost.
The Secret to the Signature Flavor
The magic of this dish lies in the balance of contrasts: crunchy shrimp paired with a silky, sweet sauce, and the nuttiness of glazed walnuts cutting through the richness. While Panda Express may not share their recipe publicly, I’ve reverse-engineered this one to deliver the same flavor profile using everyday ingredients and simple techniques. No deep fryer required—just a hot pan and a few pantry staples.
In my YouTube tutorial, I show you exactly how to get that crisp, golden coating on the shrimp, how to whip up the perfect honey mayo glaze, and how to candy walnuts to glossy perfection. It’s surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding.
A Restaurant-Quality Recipe You Can Make Anytime
Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeout meal or looking to impress with something new, this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is your go-to. It comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with steamed rice, chow mein, or even on its own as a standout appetizer.
Plus, making it at home means you can customize it—add a little heat with sriracha, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter touch, or even try it with plant-based shrimp alternatives.
For more Asian inspired recipes, try P.F. Chang’s Sweet & Sour Chicken and Panda Express’s Chow Mein
Watch the Recipe Video
For full instructions, tips, and visuals, be sure to check out my step-by-step Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe video on YouTube. I walk you through every step, so you can feel confident recreating this Panda Express classic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Extra large Gulf shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups of walnut halves
- 3/4 cup honey-divided
- 3 TBSP mayonnaise
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
- 3 tsp. Premium soy sauce
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- oil for frying
- Kosher salt & cracked black pepper
Instructions
Candy the Walnuts
In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Once the butter begins to sizzle, add the walnuts and toss in the butter until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add 1/3 cup cold water and 1/2 cup honey to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to med-low and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring often. Transfer the walnuts to parchment paper and spread them apart so that they don't stick together. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Finishing Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, 3 pinches of kosher salt, and 4-5 cranks of cracked black pepper. Slowly whisk in cold water until the batter is the consistency of cake or pancake batter. If you've added too much water, add more flour and work the reatios until you reach the desired consistency. Toss the shrimp in the batter until well coated.
Fry the Shrimp
In a very large saucepan or wok, add 2 inches of canola, avocado, or peanut oil. Heat the oil until it reaches 350-360 degrees F. Once the oil is hot enough, carefully add the battered shrimp in small batches, so as not to overcrowd the oil. Using a kitchen spider, carefully move the battered shrimp around in the oil, to prevent them from clumping together, but gently enough not to knock off the crispy batter. Fry the shrimp until they turn golden-brown and crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove the fried shrimp from the oil and set aside on a drainage rack. Continue the process until all the shrimp have been fried.
In a large mixing bowl, carefully toss the shrimp, walnuts, and finishing sauce together until well combined. Serve immediately.