Panda Express honey walnut shrimp is one of the most popular dishes on the menu—and for good reason. Sweet, crispy, and coated in a creamy honey-mayo glaze, it’s everything comfort food should be. In this post, we’ll show you how to make a homemade version of Panda Express honey walnut shrimp that tastes even better than takeout. It’s fast, fresh, and surprisingly easy. Whether you’ve tried it at the restaurant or not, this shrimp recipe is worth adding to your weekly rotation. Let’s break down what makes this dish so delicious—and how you can recreate it at home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?
A sweet and crispy icon of American-Chinese cuisine
If you’ve ever tasted Panda Express honey walnut shrimp, you know it’s not your average shrimp dish. It’s a mix of light crunch, velvety sauce, and sweet candied walnuts—something that feels indulgent without being heavy. This recipe was first introduced by Panda Express in 2010 and quickly became one of their most requested entrees. Unlike deep-fried shrimp with spicy sauces, this one leans into creamy comfort and a subtle, sweet-savory balance.
The shrimp are coated in a thin, cornstarch-based batter and fried until golden. Then comes the rich, glossy sauce made with mayonnaise, honey, and a splash of condensed milk. Finally, everything is tossed together with caramelized walnuts. That creamy sweetness paired with crunch? It’s what keeps people coming back. At my food truck, I’ve seen customers light up just hearing the words “honey walnut shrimp,” even when I’m serving couscous or tagines.
Panda Express honey walnut shrimp is a perfect example of what makes Chinese-American cuisine so loved: it’s bold, craveable, and comforting all at once.
Why it’s so popular—and still underrated
There’s something nostalgic about this dish. Maybe it’s the creamy sauce, or maybe it’s the memory of grabbing a Panda Express box at the mall. Whatever the reason, Panda Express honey walnut shrimp taps into something more than flavor. It feels special. You get the richness of a restaurant-style meal without the fuss.
What makes it even more appealing is how accessible it is. You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy ingredients—just a few pantry staples, fresh shrimp, and walnuts. I’ve even served a simplified version at the Saturday market with jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried green beans, and people always ask, “Is this like the Panda Express one?” That’s when I know I nailed it.
Want more restaurant-style comfort at home? Try this Panda Express chow mein recipe or my firecracker shrimp and steak skillet for more bold flavor combos.
Ingredients for Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home
What is Panda Express honey walnut shrimp made of?
To make Panda Express honey walnut shrimp at home, you don’t need a long list of ingredients. Just a few essentials deliver that crispy, sweet, and creamy bite. The shrimp are lightly battered, fried, then tossed in a signature sauce with candied walnuts. It’s a simple recipe that feels special.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp – Large or jumbo, peeled and deveined
- Cornstarch – For that light, crunchy coating
- Egg whites – Helps the starch stick to the shrimp
- Mayonnaise – The base of the creamy sauce
- Honey – Adds that sweet, golden glaze
- Condensed milk – A touch of richness, just like the original
- Sugar + water – To candy the walnuts
- Walnuts – Toasted and sweetened for extra crunch
- Oil – For frying (use a neutral oil like canola)
The magic is in the balance: crispy shrimp meets smooth, sweet sauce with crunchy nuts. If you’ve ever wondered “what is Panda Express honey walnut shrimp made of?”—now you know it’s a simple combination that creates a crowd favorite.
You can find the original version of Panda Express honey walnut shrimp on the official Panda Express menu, but once you try this homemade copycat, you might not go back.
Ingredient swaps for real-life kitchens
Don’t have condensed milk? A dash of cream with honey works in a pinch. Allergic to walnuts? Toasted cashews give a similar crunch. And if frying feels like too much, air-frying or even pan-searing the shrimp still works.
When I first tested this in my home kitchen, I didn’t have sweetened condensed milk, so I whisked together a little cream, mayo, and honey. The result? Still delicious. That’s the beauty of recreating Panda Express honey walnut shrimp at home—it’s flexible, forgiving, and full of flavor.
For another sweet-meets-savory dinner idea, check out my firecracker steak and shrimp recipe or this spicy veggie stir-fry to pair on the side.
How to Make Panda Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home
Step-by-step: From crispy shrimp to creamy glaze
Making Panda Express honey walnut shrimp at home is easier than you think. The key is to work in stages: candy the walnuts, fry the shrimp, mix the sauce, and toss everything together. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes like takeout—but fresher and lighter.
- Candy the walnuts
Boil water and sugar in a small pan. Toss in the walnuts and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove and let them dry on parchment paper. They’ll get crunchy as they cool. - Prepare the shrimp
Coat cleaned shrimp in a mix of egg white and cornstarch. This gives them that signature crispy texture without feeling too heavy. - Fry until golden
Heat oil in a pan and fry the shrimp until light golden and crisp (about 2 minutes per side). Drain on a rack or paper towel. - Make the sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk. This is the creamy glaze that makes Panda Express honey walnut shrimp unforgettable. - Toss and serve
Gently toss the warm shrimp in the sauce, then top with candied walnuts. Serve over steamed rice or noodles—whatever you like.
What is the sauce for honey walnut shrimp?
The sauce is what defines Panda Express honey walnut shrimp. It’s a simple mix: mayo, honey, and condensed milk. That’s it. No vinegar, no soy sauce—just creamy and sweet. Some versions add lemon juice or a pinch of salt, but honestly, it doesn’t need much tweaking.
When I made this for the first time in my trailer, people were shocked I didn’t use any special “restaurant sauce.” It really is that easy. Once you whisk it up, you’ll see why it works—just rich enough to coat the shrimp without hiding their crisp.
Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Healthy?
Let’s talk calories and smart swaps
If you’re watching your calories, Panda Express honey walnut shrimp isn’t the lightest option. At the restaurant, one serving clocks in around 360 calories for just 3.5 ounces. That’s mostly due to the frying, sweetened sauce, and candied walnuts. But when you make it at home, you can control every element—especially the sugar, mayo, and oil.
Making Panda Express honey walnut shrimp at home lets you reduce oil (by air-frying or pan-searing), lighten the sauce (by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo), and skip the extra sugar in the walnuts. It’s a win-win for flavor and balance.
Is Panda honey walnut shrimp healthy? It depends on your version
The restaurant version is definitely more of a treat than an everyday meal. But when you make it at home, you can easily adapt it. Want to keep it lighter? Use less sauce, serve with a fresh side like steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice, and go easy on the walnuts.
In my food trailer, I often serve a “market bowl” with grilled shrimp, a drizzle of the honey sauce, and crunchy cabbage slaw. People love it, and they never feel like they’re missing out. That’s the beauty of a flexible recipe like Panda Express honey walnut shrimp—you get all the flavor, without the guilt.
Want to pair it with something fresh? Try my firecracker veggie stir-fry for a healthy, spicy side.
Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Healthy?
Let’s talk calories and smart swaps
If you’re watching your calories, Panda Express honey walnut shrimp isn’t the lightest option. At the restaurant, one serving clocks in around 360 calories for just 3.5 ounces. That’s mostly due to the frying, sweetened sauce, and candied walnuts. But when you make it at home, you can control every element—especially the sugar, mayo, and oil.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Version | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|
| Panda Express (Restaurant) | ~360 (3.5 oz) |
| Homemade (Light Version) | ~250 (adjusted portions) |
Making Panda Express honey walnut shrimp at home lets you reduce oil (by air-frying or pan-searing), lighten the sauce (by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo), and skip the extra sugar in the walnuts. It’s a win-win for flavor and balance.
Is Panda honey walnut shrimp healthy? It depends on your version
The restaurant version is definitely more of a treat than an everyday meal. But when you make it at home, you can easily adapt it. Want to keep it lighter? Use less sauce, serve with a fresh side like steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice, and go easy on the walnuts.
In my food trailer, I often serve a “market bowl” with grilled shrimp, a drizzle of the honey sauce, and crunchy cabbage slaw. People love it, and they never feel like they’re missing out. That’s the beauty of a flexible recipe like Panda Express honey walnut shrimp—you get all the flavor, without the guilt.
Want to pair it with something fresh? Try my firecracker veggie stir-fry for a healthy, spicy side.
Why Do People Love This Shrimp Recipe?
Sweet, crunchy, nostalgic comfort
There’s a reason Panda Express honey walnut shrimp has a fan base of its own. It’s that combination of textures and flavors: crispy shrimp, sweet honey glaze, and caramelized walnuts. It hits the same note as orange chicken—but with more elegance. And unlike spicy shrimp dishes, this one leans sweet and creamy, making it perfect for all ages.
It also sparks a little nostalgia. Maybe it’s the food court memories, or maybe it’s that special “once in a while” takeout treat. Either way, Panda Express honey walnut shrimp feels both indulgent and familiar. It’s comforting, but never boring.
I’ve served this shrimp on everything from rice bowls to flatbreads at local markets. And no matter how I plate it, people always ask, “Is that like the Panda Express one?” That tells you everything.
It’s restaurant flavor, made simple at home
Beyond nostalgia, the real reason people love it is this: it tastes like restaurant food, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. No hard-to-find ingredients, no tricky sauces. Just honest flavor, a bit of crunch, and a creamy drizzle. Once you make it once, you’ll want it again next week.
If you love fusion flavors like this, you’ll also enjoy my:
- Firecracker steak and shrimp recipe
- Firecracker shrimp rice skillet
- Spicy veggie stir-fry with firecracker sauce
- Panda Express chow mein recipe
- Firecracker shrimp and steak
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving Panda Express honey walnut shrimp, this homemade version is everything you need: quick, crispy, creamy, and just sweet enough. It’s a recipe you can serve on busy weeknights or dress up for weekend dinners.
The best part? You’re in control. Less sugar, more crunch, better shrimp—and no takeout line. So the next time someone in your house says, “Let’s order Panda,” surprise them with your own skillet version instead.
Try it once, and it might just become a regular in your rotation.