Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful dish that has become popular in many households and restaurants. This recipe features crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy sauce, topped with crunchy walnuts. It’s similar to the version at Panda Express, making it a favorite for many fans of Chinese cuisine. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
The blend of flavors and textures in Honey Walnut Shrimp makes it an exciting dish. The crispy shrimp contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch. It’s like a party in your mouth! Plus, this copycat recipe allows you to make the dish at home, so you can enjoy it any time you want.
Another reason to make this recipe is its simplicity. It doesn’t take a lot of time or complicated steps. With just a few ingredients, you can turn regular shrimp into something special. When you serve this dish, it impresses everyone at the table. Honey Walnut Shrimp brings a little bit of restaurant magic right into your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Honey Walnut Shrimp at home brings many advantages. First, it allows you to customize the dish according to your taste. You can decide how sweet you want the sauce to be or how crispy you want the shrimp. This flexibility means everyone can enjoy it just the way they like it.
Additionally, cooking at home can be much healthier than eating out. You can choose fresh ingredients and control the amount of sugar and oil used in the recipe. This way, you can enjoy a lighter version of your favorite restaurant dish.
Moreover, preparing this recipe can be a fun activity. Whether cooking solo or with family, it creates a great opportunity to bond over food. Kids enjoy helping in the kitchen, and they can learn about cooking in a fun way.
Finally, having a homemade version of Honey Walnut Shrimp lets you save money. Eating out frequently can be expensive, but making this dish at home means you can enjoy a fancy meal without breaking the bank. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious recipe!
How to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
To make Honey Walnut Shrimp, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need shrimp, walnuts, flour, cornstarch, eggs, and a few seasonings for the shrimp. For the creamy sauce, you’ll need honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk.
First, begin by preparing your walnuts. Cook them in a pan with sugar and water until caramelized. This will create a sweet coating that adds flavor. Set them aside when done. Then, prepare the shrimp. Rinse and pat them dry. In one bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch with a bit of salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat it with the flour mixture. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the shrimp until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them and let them drain on a paper towel.
Next, make the creamy sauce. In a bowl, combine honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk. Mix well until creamy. Finally, toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce gently and garnish with the caramelized walnuts. Your delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp is ready to serve!
How to Serve Honey Walnut Shrimp
Serving Honey Walnut Shrimp is as important as making it. This dish looks beautiful, and you want to present it well. Start by placing a generous portion of the shrimp on a serving dish, ensuring it’s evenly spread out. It’s often accompanied with steamed rice, which balances the sweetness of the sauce. You can serve the rice on the side or even underneath the shrimp for a nice presentation.
For added color, consider garnishing the dish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The contrast of greens against the golden shrimp makes it visually appealing.
This dish can be part of a larger meal. You might pair it with other Asian dishes like fried rice or spring rolls. Honey Walnut Shrimp is perfect for gatherings, as it can impress guests while being easy to serve.
Finally, don’t forget to provide extra sauce on the side for those who might want more. With its delightful flavors, everyone will want to enjoy this dish as much as possible!
How to Store Honey Walnut Shrimp
Storing Honey Walnut Shrimp properly ensures you can enjoy leftovers later. If you have any shrimp left after your meal, it’s best to store them right away. Allow the shrimp to cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from becoming soggy.
When stored in the fridge, the shrimp can last for about 2 to 3 days. It’s essential to note that the leftover shrimp may lose some of their crispiness. When ready to eat, you can gently reheat them in a pan or in the oven for a few minutes.
Avoid freezing the shrimp, as it can change the texture and quality. However, you can freeze the undecorated shrimp and sauce separately before serving. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, then fry the shrimp fresh.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious Honey Walnut Shrimp even after the initial meal!
Tips to Make Honey Walnut Shrimp
Making the best Honey Walnut Shrimp involves a few handy tips. First, using fresh shrimp is crucial. Fresh shrimp taste better and have a firmer texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them correctly in the fridge before cooking.
Second, the batter is essential for achieving a crispy texture. Mixing flour and cornstarch gives a better crunch than using flour alone. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp. If the oil is too cold, they will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Also, don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
When making the sauce, feel free to adjust the sweetness. Adding a bit more honey gives a richer flavor, so taste as you mix. Finally, serve the dish immediately for the best experience. Cold shrimp don’t taste as good as fresh, hot ones!
Variation
If you want to mix things up, consider adding vegetables to your Honey Walnut Shrimp. Bell peppers or snap peas can be tossed in with the shrimp for added flavor and nutrition. You could also use different nuts if you want; cashews or almonds work well too. For a spicy kick, adding a bit of chili sauce to the creamy dressing can elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before cooking for the best results.
2. What can I use instead of walnuts?
You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like cashews or almonds if you prefer.
3. How can I make this dish less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of honey in the sauce or add a bit of lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Yes! You can replace the shrimp with tofu. Follow the same steps for crispy tofu, and use the same sauce for flavor.
5. How long does Honey Walnut Shrimp last in the fridge?
It can last for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a sweet creamy sauce and topped with crunchy walnuts, inspired by the popular version at Panda Express.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup sugar (for caramelizing walnuts)
- 1/4 cup water (for caramelizing walnuts)
Instructions
- In a pan, cook walnuts with sugar and water until caramelized; set aside.
- Rinse and pat the shrimp dry.
- In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip shrimp into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry shrimp until golden brown and crispy; drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix honey, mayonnaise, and condensed milk until creamy.
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce and garnish with caramelized walnuts.
Notes
Serve immediately for the best texture; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Honey Walnut Shrimp, Panda Express Copycat, Chinese cuisine, shrimp recipe
