Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp (Price, Recipe & Calories)
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of the most popular premium dishes on the Panda Express menu. Known for its crispy fried shrimp, creamy honey sauce, and sweet candied walnuts, this dish offers a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors. Many Panda Express fans order Honey Walnut Shrimp because of its unique taste and rich texture.
However, people also want to know important details like the price, calories, ingredients, and whether it is worth ordering. This guide will cover everything about Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp including nutrition facts, taste review, ingredients, and a simple copycat recipe you can make at home.
What Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a Chinese-American style seafood dish made with crispy battered shrimp tossed in a sweet and creamy honey sauce. The dish is topped with candied walnuts that add a crunchy texture.
The combination of sweet honey glaze, creamy sauce, and crispy shrimp makes this dish stand out from other Panda Express menu items. Honey Walnut Shrimp is considered a premium entrée, which means it usually costs slightly more than regular chicken dishes like Orange Chicken or Kung Pao Chicken. The flavor profile of this dish is:
- Sweet
- Creamy
- Crispy
- Slightly savory
Because of this balance of flavors, it remains one of the most ordered seafood dishes at Panda Express.
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Price
Honey Walnut Shrimp is classified as a premium entrée, which means Panda Express charges a small additional fee when you choose it in a bowl or plate. Here is an estimated price range in the United States.
| Meal Type | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| Bowl | $8 – $9 |
| Plate | $9 – $11 |
| Bigger Plate | $11 – $13 |
Prices may vary depending on the location and state, but Honey Walnut Shrimp usually costs about $1.25 extra compared to regular menu items.
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Calories & Nutrition
If you are watching your diet, it is important to check the nutrition facts before ordering Honey Walnut Shrimp. Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 – 370 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | ~440 mg |
Because the shrimp are fried and coated with sweet sauce, this dish contains higher calories compared to some other Panda Express options. However, it still provides a good amount of protein from shrimp.
Ingredients in Honey Walnut Shrimp
The unique taste of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp comes from a combination of simple ingredients. Common ingredients include:
- Shrimp
- Honey
- Mayonnaise
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Candied walnuts
- Egg whites
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
The shrimp are coated in batter and fried until crispy, then tossed in a sweet honey cream sauce and topped with crunchy walnuts.
What Does Honey Walnut Shrimp Taste Like?
Many people describe Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp as sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy. The shrimp are crispy on the outside and tender inside, while the sauce adds a rich sweetness. Candied walnuts bring a crunchy texture that balances the softness of the shrimp. Flavor highlights:
- Sweet honey flavor
- Creamy sauce texture
- Crispy shrimp coating
- Crunchy candied walnuts
If you enjoy sweet and savory combinations, this dish is definitely worth trying.
Pros and Cons of Honey Walnut Shrimp
Pros
- Unique sweet and creamy flavor
- High-quality seafood option
- One of Panda Express’s most popular dishes
Cons
- Higher calories compared to some menu items
- Premium price with extra charge
- Fried shrimp may not suit all diets
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe (Copycat)
If you love Honey Walnut Shrimp but want to save money, you can make a copycat version at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup walnuts
- 1 egg white
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil walnuts in sugar water for a few minutes and let them dry.
- Mix mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk to prepare the sauce.
- Coat shrimp with egg white and cornstarch.
- Fry the shrimp in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- Toss the shrimp in the honey sauce.
- Top with candied walnuts and serve immediately.
This homemade version tastes very similar to the Panda Express dish.
Honey Walnut Shrimp vs Orange Chicken
Many customers compare Honey Walnut Shrimp with another Panda Express favorite, Orange Chicken.
| Feature | Honey Walnut Shrimp | Orange Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Shrimp | Chicken |
| Flavor | Sweet and creamy | Sweet and tangy |
| Calories | Higher | Slightly lower |
| Price | Premium entrée | Regular entrée |
If you prefer seafood and creamy flavors, Honey Walnut Shrimp is a great choice. If you enjoy tangy citrus flavor, Orange Chicken may be better.
Best Side Dishes With Honey Walnut Shrimp
To complete your meal, you can pair Honey Walnut Shrimp with popular Panda Express sides such as:
- Chow Mein
- Fried Rice
- Steamed White Rice
- Super Greens
These sides balance the sweetness of the shrimp and make the meal more satisfying. If you prefer a lighter beef option, you can also check Panda Express Broccoli Beef: Taste, Calories & Nutrition to see its nutrition facts and flavor profile.
Conclusion
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a delicious combination of crispy shrimp, creamy honey sauce, and crunchy candied walnuts. Its sweet flavor and unique texture make it one of the most popular premium dishes on the Panda Express menu.
Although it contains slightly higher calories and costs a bit more than regular menu items, many customers still consider it one of the best seafood options at Panda Express. If you enjoy sweet and savory dishes, Honey Walnut Shrimp is definitely worth trying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp healthy?
Honey Walnut Shrimp contains protein from shrimp but also has higher calories because the shrimp are fried and coated in sweet sauce. It is best enjoyed in moderation.
How many calories are in Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?
One serving contains approximately 360 to 370 calories.
Why is Honey Walnut Shrimp more expensive?
It is considered a premium entrée because shrimp is more expensive than chicken.
Can you freeze Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly after reheating because fried shrimp can lose crispiness.
What sauce is used in Honey Walnut Shrimp?
The sauce is usually made from mayonnaise, honey, and sweetened condensed milk, creating a sweet and creamy flavor.
