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Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Close-up of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp, glazed and topped with walnuts, served over shredded lettuce.
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A recipe to replicate the popular restaurant dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy honey sauce, served with candied walnuts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup walnut halves
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until slightly frothy. Add the shrimp, cornstarch, flour, and salt. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
  2. Make the candied walnuts: Heat a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts, sugar, and water. Stir constantly until the water evaporates and the sugar crystallizes around the nuts, about 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately spread the coated walnuts onto parchment paper to cool completely.
  3. Fry the shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.
  4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, rice vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth.
  5. Combine: In a large bowl, gently toss the warm, crispy shrimp with the honey sauce until lightly coated. Do not overmix.
  6. Serve: Arrange the shredded lettuce on a serving platter. Place the sauced shrimp over the lettuce. Sprinkle the cooled candied walnuts over the shrimp just before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy shrimp, double coat them by dipping them briefly in cold water after the first coating, then coating them again in the flour mixture before frying.
  • Ensure the oil temperature is correct; too low and the coating will be greasy, too high and it will burn before the shrimp cooks.
  • Make the candied walnuts ahead of time, but store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/copycat-panda-express-honey-walnut-shrimp/