Honey Walnut Shrimp

This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe is a delicious homemade version of the popular Panda Express favorite. It features crispy tempura-battered shrimp coated in a rich, sweet, and savory honey sauce, topped with crunchy candied walnuts. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and accessible ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This copycat Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe delivers everything you love about the original—and more. The crispy fried shrimp is light and airy thanks to a tempura batter, while the sauce brings a complex blend of sweetness from honey and umami from soy sauce and aromatics. Finished with homemade candied walnuts, it’s a balanced dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re recreating your takeout favorite or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For Frying
canola oil for frying

Candied Walnuts
½ cup water
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup walnuts

Sauce
⅓ cup honey
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon ginger paste
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 tablespoons water

Shrimp
1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup tempura flour, divided
⅔ cup water
¼ cup green onions, diced

Directions

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 3 inches of canola oil into a wok and heat to 350°F. Ensure there’s enough oil for shrimp to float while frying, but not be fully submerged.

2. Make the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water and sugar, whisking until dissolved. Add walnuts and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, then remove the walnuts with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack-lined baking sheet to dry.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In another saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, garlic paste, ginger paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and continue simmering for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp in 2 tablespoons of tempura flour to lightly coat. In a bowl, whisk the remaining tempura flour with water to form the batter. Dip each shrimp into the batter and carefully place into hot oil.

5. Fry the Shrimp: Fry shrimp in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once golden and crispy, remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

6. Combine and Serve: Toss the crispy shrimp in the honey sauce until evenly coated. Serve over rice, and top with candied walnuts and chopped green onions.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicier version.

• Healthier Option: Instead of deep-frying, try baking or air frying the shrimp, though the texture will vary.

• Nuts Substitute: Use pecans or cashews instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tempura flour and tamari in place of soy sauce.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute shrimp with battered and fried cauliflower or tofu.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep candied walnuts separate to preserve their crunch.

Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the shrimp soggy. You can also use an air fryer for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp the coating.

FAQs

What is Honey Walnut Shrimp made of?

Honey Walnut Shrimp is made of tempura-fried shrimp tossed in a sweet honey-based sauce, topped with candied walnuts and green onions.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure the shrimp is fully thawed, peeled, and deveined before using.

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp spicy?

No, the classic version is not spicy, but you can easily add heat with chili sauce or pepper flakes.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and candied walnuts ahead of time, but fry the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.

What kind of oil should I use for frying?

Canola oil is preferred for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but vegetable oil works too.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tempura flour and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

What should I serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp?

It’s great over steamed white rice, fried rice, or even noodles. Add a side of stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy?

Let the shrimp rest on a wire rack after frying to drain excess oil, and toss with the sauce just before serving.

What does the sauce taste like?

The sauce is sweet and savory with hints of garlic, ginger, and tanginess from rice vinegar.

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Yes, pecans or cashews can be candied and used in place of walnuts for a different twist.

Conclusion

This Honey Walnut Shrimp Panda Express copycat recipe is a fast, flavorful, and fun dinner that captures the signature taste of the original dish. With crispy shrimp, a luscious honey sauce, and crunchy walnuts, it’s an irresistible combination that’s easy to recreate at home. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe brings the best of takeout right to your table.