Panda express honey walnut shrimp
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp combines crispy battered shrimp, creamy honey-mayo sauce, and candied walnuts for a luxurious sweet-savory dish. This Chinese-American favorite is packed with texture, flavor, and indulgence, making it a standout choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 large egg whites whisked
- 8 tablespoons potato starch or tapioca starch or alternatively 4 tablespoons whey protein isolate
- ⅓ to ½ cup avocado oil
- ½ cup unsalted walnuts whole or chopped
- 1 scallion bulb chopped
Honey Walnut Shrimp Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey or keto-friendly honey substitute
- 2 to 2.5 tablespoons evaporated milk or sugar-free coconut condensed milk
Instructions
- Butterfly the shrimp by making a shallow cut along the back “spine” of each shrimp. Set up your workspace with separate bowls for the egg and potato starch, and a large plate to hold the coated shrimp. Start by dipping each shrimp into the whisked egg, then coat it evenly with the tapioca starch. Place the coated shrimp on the large plate as you finish each one.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a stainless steel or cast iron pan with high sides to prevent splattering. After about 3 minutes, test the oil temperature by dipping a wooden chopstick into the oil—if bubbles form around it, the oil is hot enough. Alternatively, use a thermometer to check for 350°F (177°C).
- Fry the shrimp in batches, shallow frying each side for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Once cooked, rest the shrimp on a wire rack to keep them crispy and allow excess oil to drain.
- For the sauce, mix together mayonnaise, honey, and evaporated milk in a bowl until well combined.
- To sweeten the walnuts, toss them with 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce until coated evenly.
- To serve, arrange the shrimp on a large platter, top with the honey-coated walnuts, and drizzle additional honey walnut sauce over everything. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately while hot.