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Crispy Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe Better Than Panda Express at Home

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A homemade version of the popular honey walnut shrimp that is crispy, sweet, and tangy with candied walnuts, perfect for a quick and delicious meal better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off based on preference
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
  • 1 large egg, beaten, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in pan)
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves, lightly toasted
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnut halves on a baking sheet and toast for about 8 minutes until fragrant.
  2. While walnuts are warm, combine honey, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles gently.
  3. Toss walnuts in the syrup until evenly coated. Spread back on baking sheet in a single layer and let cool to harden.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Add beaten egg and cold sparkling water. Stir just until combined; lumps are okay.
  5. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Pour vegetable oil into frying pan to about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a small drop of batter sizzles immediately.
  7. Dip each shrimp into batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully lower into hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  8. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
  10. Place fried shrimp in a large bowl. Pour sauce over and gently toss to coat evenly.
  11. Sprinkle candied walnuts on top and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt shrimp. Dry shrimp thoroughly before battering to ensure crispiness. Sauce can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. For gluten-free, use almond or rice flour. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut milk. To keep shrimp warm and crispy, place on a baking rack in a low oven (200°F) but serve within 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey walnut shrimp, crispy shrimp, homemade Panda Express, sweet and tangy shrimp, candied walnuts, easy shrimp recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/crispy-honey-walnut-shrimp-recipe-better-than-panda-express-at-home/