Masters of kitchen
Crispy, creamy, and just a little sweet—Honey Walnut Shrimp is the flavor bomb you didn’t know your dinner table needed. This delicious dish is a perfect mix of lightly battered shrimp, a sweet and tangy mayo-based sauce, and caramelized walnuts that add crunch and elegance to every bite.
Most people first fall in love with this dish thanks to Panda Express, where it’s one of the most popular menu items. But once you try it at home, you’ll realize how much better it can be when made fresh—with ingredients you control, perfectly golden shrimp, and a sauce that’s balanced just how you like it.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything: from the backstory of this iconic dish to ingredient insights, how to candy walnuts, and finally, how to get that restaurant-style crisp at home. You’ll also find plenty of helpful tips, variations, and answers to common questions along the way.
Ready to skip the takeout line and make your own Honey Walnut Shrimp at home? Let’s dive in.
The Origins & History of Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp is a Chinese-American creation that beautifully illustrates the fusion of East and West flavors. While it draws inspiration from Cantonese-style shrimp dishes, the creamy, mayo-based sauce and candied walnuts are distinctly Western adaptations designed to appeal to American palates.
This dish rose to fame in the U.S. thanks to Chinese restaurants and later fast casual chains like Panda Express, where it became an instant favorite. The combo of fried shrimp and sweet sauce stood out from the usual soy- or garlic-heavy options.
Its takeout appeal is simple: it tastes indulgent, yet feels light, and it has a unique balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re familiar with Chinese-American cuisine or new to it, this dish tends to win everyone over.
What Is Honey Walnut Shrimp?
At its core, Honey Walnut Shrimp is a dish of crispy battered shrimp, tossed in a sweet and creamy sauce, and topped with glazed candied walnuts. The dish has become a favorite on both takeout menus and at home dinner tables for good reason.
Here’s why it works so well:
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The shrimp adds protein and juiciness.
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The batter gives a light crunch.
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The sauce delivers tang and richness with just the right touch of honey sweetness.
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And the candied walnuts? They add nutty depth and a sweet caramelized crunch that brings it all together.
The flavor profile is complex yet comforting—sweet, salty, creamy, and crispy all at once. It’s the kind of dish that tastes gourmet, but is surprisingly easy to master at home.
Key Ingredients in Honey Walnut Shrimp (What You’ll Need)
To make an unforgettable Honey Walnut Shrimp, you’ll want to pay close attention to a few key ingredients. Each plays an important role in balancing texture and flavor.
Shrimp
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Use large raw shrimp (16/20 count) for that perfect meaty bite.
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Devein and peel them properly (tails on or off is up to you).
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Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen works just fine—just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before using.
Walnuts
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You can toast them lightly for added aroma, but the star technique is candying them in sugar syrup.
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This not only adds sweetness but also a shiny, crunchy texture that elevates the dish.
Sauce
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The classic trio: mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk.
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It’s rich and velvety with just enough sweetness.
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Optional: add a pinch of salt, lemon juice, or rice vinegar to balance the flavors.
Optional Add-ins
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Sriracha or chili oil if you love heat
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Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
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Green onions or chopped cilantro for freshness
Bold Tip: Use large raw shrimp (16/20 count) for best crunch and flavor.
How to Make Candied Walnuts for Honey Walnut Shrimp
Candied walnuts are the sweet jewel of this dish, and making them at home is incredibly simple.
How to Do It:
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Boil sugar and water until it thickens into a syrup.
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Toss in raw walnuts and cook until the syrup coats them.
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Drain and cool them on parchment paper—this step crisps them up.
Watch out: it’s easy to overcook and burn the sugar. Keep the heat at medium and stir often.
Pro Storage Tip: Once cooled, store candied walnuts in an airtight container to maintain their crunch until you’re ready to use them.
How to Prep Shrimp for Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp
If you want that irresistible crispy texture, you need to prep the shrimp properly before frying.
Key Steps:
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Clean and devein the shrimp thoroughly.
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Pat them dry using paper towels—this helps the coating stick.
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Coat the shrimp in a light batter—usually made of egg white and cornstarch or flour. Some recipes use a tempura-style batter for extra crunch.
Frying Tips:
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Heat your oil to 350–375°F (175–190°C).
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
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Fry just until golden brown—usually 2–3 minutes per batch.
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Avoiding Sogginess: Always drain on a rack or paper towels and don’t cover them while hot.
How to Cook Honey Walnut Shrimp (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making restaurant-style Honey Walnut Shrimp at home is easier than it looks. Follow these steps closely for crispy, creamy perfection:
1. Fry the Shrimp in Batches
Heat neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) in a deep skillet or wok to 350–375°F (175–190°C). Coat your shrimp in a light batter made from egg white and cornstarch.
Fry in small batches—overcrowding drops the oil temp and makes the shrimp soggy. Cook for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, then transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
2. Make the Sauce Separately
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Mayonnaise (for creaminess)
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Honey (for sweetness)
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Sweetened condensed milk (for richness)
Adjust to taste—a little lemon juice or rice vinegar can help balance the sweetness if needed.
3. Toss Just Before Serving
When ready to serve, gently toss the hot, crispy shrimp with the sauce in a large bowl. You want enough to coat each shrimp without drowning it.
4. Top with Candied Walnuts
Add the cooled, glossy walnuts and give everything a final light toss. Serve immediately.
Bold Tip: Toss the shrimp in the sauce only when ready to serve for maximum crisp.
Best Sides to Serve with Honey Walnut Shrimp
Honey Walnut Shrimp pairs beautifully with:
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Steamed jasmine rice – a classic and simple base
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Fried rice – adds savory depth and texture
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Light stir-fried veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli
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Garnishes: Try chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness
For a lighter touch, serve over a bed of baby greens or in lettuce cups for an appetizer-style twist.
Variations and Customizations
This dish is versatile—make it your own with these creative spins:
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Spicy version: Stir sriracha, gochujang, or chili flakes into the sauce
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Gluten-free: Use rice flour for the batter and tamari instead of soy sauce if adding any
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Keto or paleo: Swap sweetened condensed milk for coconut cream and use monk fruit sweetener instead of honey
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Air fryer version: Coat shrimp lightly and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway
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Oven-baked: Bake shrimp on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) until crispy (~12–15 minutes)
These options let you tailor the dish to dietary needs without losing its iconic flavor.
Expert Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t over-fry: Shrimp cook quickly—2–3 minutes is enough. Any longer and they’ll turn rubbery.
Avoid early saucing: Toss shrimp in sauce only right before serving. Waiting too long turns them soggy.
Cool your candied walnuts completely: If they’re warm when added, they can melt the sauce or go soft.
Pro Tip: Keep sauce and shrimp separate until the very last minute—this maintains that crave-worthy crunch.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat leftovers with care:
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Store shrimp and sauce separately (if possible) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days
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To reheat, use a toaster oven or air fryer to revive the crisp texture—avoid microwaving, which makes shrimp rubbery
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Re-warm the sauce gently and toss just before eating
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make honey walnut shrimp without mayo?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt, coconut cream, or a light sour cream as an alternative. It won’t be identical, but it’ll still be creamy and delicious.
Is honey walnut shrimp healthy?
While it’s indulgent due to frying and the sweet sauce, you can make it healthier with air frying, reducing the sauce amount, or using lighter ingredients.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry, and remove excess moisture before battering to ensure they crisp up nicely.
What goes well with honey walnut shrimp?
It pairs well with steamed or fried rice, Asian slaw, or lightly stir-fried vegetables like snow peas or baby bok choy.
How do I keep shrimp crispy after frying?
Let them rest on a wire rack (not paper towels) and wait to toss them in the sauce until you’re about to serve.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan (for candying walnuts)
- Frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Tongs
- Wire rack or paper towels
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp 16/20, peeled and deveined
- 1 egg white
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying canola or vegetable
For the candied walnuts:
- ½ cup raw walnut halves
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or rice vinegar for balance
- Optional: ½ tsp sriracha for heat
For garnish (optional):
- Green onions sesame seeds, or cilantro
Instructions
Candy the walnuts:
- In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil, then add walnuts. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on parchment to cool and harden.
Prepare the shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry. In a bowl, whisk egg white until foamy. Toss shrimp with egg white, then coat with cornstarch.
Fry the shrimp:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Make the sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk. Add lemon juice or sriracha if using.
Assemble the dish:
- Toss crispy shrimp in the sauce just before serving. Top with candied walnuts and garnishes.
- Serve immediately over rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use rice flour and tamari.
- The candied walnuts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Always toss shrimp in the sauce at the last minute to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Honey Walnut Shrimp brings together crunch, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness in a dish that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. With a few pantry staples and some frying know-how, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to recreate this restaurant-style classic at home.
Ready to ditch takeout for good? Try this recipe and tag your photos—I’d love to see how it turns out!