Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of the most popular and indulgent dishes on the Panda Express menu. This beloved dish combines crispy fried shrimp, a sweet and savory sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts, creating a flavor profile that satisfies a variety of tastes. Whether you’re curious about the ingredients, want to learn more about its nutritional content, or are looking to recreate the dish at home, this guide will break down everything you need to know.
Introduction to Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Panda Express introduced Honey Walnut Shrimp to its menu in 2010, and it quickly became a customer favorite. The dish is popular for its blend of crispy shrimp, coated in a rich creamy sauce with hints of honey and mayonnaise, topped with candied walnuts that add crunch and sweetness. It’s a perfect fusion of sweet and savory that many crave.
Honey Walnut Shrimp’s popularity also stems from its ability to cater to both seafood lovers and those who prefer a sweeter, less fish-forward flavor profile. The balance of crunchy textures and creamy richness makes it an irresistible choice for many. For more details on the health benefits of shrimp, refer to the nutritional value of shrimp to understand why this seafood is both delicious and nutrient-dense.
Main Ingredients in Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
To fully appreciate what makes Honey Walnut Shrimp so delightful, it’s essential to examine its core ingredients. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the dish’s signature taste and texture.
1. Shrimp
The base of the dish is large shrimp, which are peeled, deveined, and lightly battered before being fried. The shrimp provides a mild seafood flavor and a satisfying bite. Shrimp is a lean source of protein, making it a healthy ingredient, although the batter and frying process add additional calories and fat.
2. Honey Sauce
The unique sweetness of the dish comes from the honey sauce, which combines honey and mayonnaise. This sauce is the key element that distinguishes Honey Walnut Shrimp from other seafood dishes. The honey gives the sauce its sweetness, while the mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness, creating a luxurious coating for the shrimp.
A dash of lemon juice is often added to the sauce for acidity, cutting through the sweetness and balancing the flavors. For those looking for a crunchy addition to complement the shrimp, here’s a great guide on how to make candied walnuts.
Nutritional Value of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
While delicious, Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of the higher-calorie options on the Panda Express menu. The dish’s indulgent ingredients—fried shrimp, honey, mayonnaise, and candied walnuts—make it a calorie-dense meal. Let’s break down its nutritional content.
- Calories: One serving contains approximately 360 calories. Much of the calorie content comes from the deep-frying of the shrimp and the use of mayonnaise in the sauce.
- Fat: Each serving contains about 23 grams of fat, with a significant portion coming from the mayonnaise and deep-fried shrimp.
- Carbohydrates: The candied walnuts and honey sauce contribute to the 33 grams of carbohydrates, with 9 grams of sugar.
- Protein: Thanks to the shrimp, this dish provides about 13 grams of protein per serving.
If you’re looking for lighter shrimp options, you can explore healthy shrimp recipes and alternatives to balance your meal plan.
Cooking Method and Recipe Breakdown
Now that we’ve explored the ingredients and nutritional content, let’s break down how Panda Express prepares Honey Walnut Shrimp to achieve its irresistible texture and flavor.
- Shrimp Preparation: The shrimp are peeled and deveined, then dipped in a light batter made from cornstarch, flour, and water.
- Deep Frying the Shrimp: The battered shrimp are deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in crispy shrimp with a juicy interior.
- Honey Sauce Preparation: The honey sauce is a combination of honey, mayonnaise, and a splash of lemon juice for acidity. This creamy and sweet sauce is then tossed with the shrimp.
- Candied Walnuts: To make the candied walnuts, whole walnuts are tossed in a sugar syrup and either fried or baked until they are crisp and caramelized.
- Combining Everything: Once the shrimp have been fried, they are tossed in the honey sauce. The dish is topped with the candied walnuts for added crunch and sweetness.
For a sweet treat to complement your meal, try this classic banana bread recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at Home
If you’re a fan of Honey Walnut Shrimp and want to try making it at home, here’s a simple copycat recipe that captures the essence of the Panda Express dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 egg (beaten)
- ½ cup walnuts
- ½ cup sugar
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in the beaten egg, then dip them in cornstarch to create a light batter. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set the fried shrimp aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Make the Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth. This will form the creamy coating for the shrimp.
- Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan, heat sugar with a splash of water until it melts into a syrup. Add the walnuts and stir until they are coated in the sugar mixture. Remove from heat and let them cool on parchment paper.
- Combine: Toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the shrimp before serving.
For more restaurant-quality dishes you can make at home, check out this Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe for a similar version to what you’d find in your favorite eateries.
Popular Variations of Honey Walnut Shrimp
While the Panda Express version is a classic, there are several variations of Honey Walnut Shrimp that you can try to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
1. Healthier Version
- Air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying to cut down on fat and calories.
- Replace the mayonnaise in the sauce with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative.
- Use less honey to reduce the sugar content.
2. Vegetarian Version
For those who prefer to avoid seafood, a vegetarian version can be made by substituting shrimp with tofu or cauliflower. Simply batter and fry the tofu or cauliflower in the same way, and follow the same steps for the sauce and candied walnuts.
3. Spicy Honey Walnut Shrimp
If you enjoy spicy food, add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the honey sauce for a sweet-and-spicy kick. The heat will balance nicely with the sweetness of the honey and the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
4. Gluten-Free Honey Walnut Shrimp
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour in the batter with gluten-free flour. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so no need to adjust that part of the recipe.
If you’re a fan of seafood, you might also enjoy this delicious homemade ramen seafood recipe for a different take on classic flavors.
Comparing Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp to Other Shrimp Dishes
How does Honey Walnut Shrimp compare to other shrimp dishes commonly found in Chinese-American restaurants?
1. General Tso’s Shrimp
This dish features shrimp tossed in a spicy-sweet sauce, similar to the sauce used for General Tso’s chicken. The major difference is the addition of chili for heat, which contrasts with the purely sweet flavor of Honey Walnut Shrimp.
2. Coconut Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp is also fried and served with a sweet dipping sauce, but it’s coated in shredded coconut before frying, giving it a distinctive tropical flavor that sets it apart from the honey-based sweetness of Honey Walnut Shrimp.
3. Kung Pao Shrimp
Kung Pao Shrimp is a stir-fried dish with shrimp, peanuts, and a spicy sauce. While it shares some elements with Honey Walnut Shrimp (the nuts and sauce), Kung Pao offers a spicier and more savory flavor compared to the sweet, creamy profile of Honey Walnut Shrimp.
FAQs About Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
What is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp made of?
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp consists of lightly battered shrimp, tossed in a creamy sauce made of honey and mayonnaise, and topped with candied walnuts.
Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp healthy?
While it contains shrimp, which is high in protein, the dish also includes fried batter, candied walnuts, and a creamy sauce, making it higher in calories and fats. It’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp at home?
Yes! You can easily make a copycat version of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp by frying shrimp, preparing a honey-mayo sauce, and topping it with candied walnuts.
What type of shrimp does Panda Express use?
Panda Express uses large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. The shrimp are battered and fried to create a crispy texture.
How many calories are in Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?
A typical serving contains approximately 360 calories, with a significant portion coming from fats and sugars.
Conclusion
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it one of the most popular items on the menu. From the crispy shrimp to the decadent honey sauce and the candied walnuts, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it at the restaurant or recreate it at home, the key is in the balance of flavors.
While it’s a calorie-dense dish, enjoying it in moderation is key. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the healthier or spicier variations to make this dish your own!