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Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Close-up of crispy, glazed Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp drizzled with creamy sauce and topped with walnuts.
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Make crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and creamy honey glaze with crunchy candied walnuts at home using this recipe that mimics the restaurant favorite.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 cup walnut halves
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon sweet rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg and 1/2 cup water. Dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Fry the shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
  3. Candy the walnuts: Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring. Cook until the syrup turns a light amber color. Remove from heat immediately. Toss the walnut halves in the hot syrup until coated. Spread the coated walnuts onto parchment paper to cool and harden completely.
  4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweet rice vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth.
  5. Combine: In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with the honey sauce until lightly coated. Do not overmix to keep the shrimp crisp.
  6. Serve immediately: Transfer the sauced shrimp to a serving platter and scatter the candied walnuts over the top.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can double-fry the shrimp: fry once until pale golden, rest for 5 minutes, then fry again until deep golden brown.
  • Ensure the walnuts are completely cool before adding them to the sauced shrimp to prevent them from becoming sticky.
  • Use good quality mayonnaise for the best creamy flavor in the sauce.

Nutrition

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