Honey Pecan Shrimp (Panda Express)

Pecan Honey Shrimp

Dr. Wendy Dearborne
Pecan Honey Shrimp is my variation of Panda Express’s version of honey walnut shrimp. Sweet, succulent, sticky, tangy with the subtle crunch of pecans that gives texture to the dish, rates this as deliciousness on a plate.  Although, this recipe has a few moving parts, is easy to make and can come together in less than 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Entree, Main Course
Cuisine Asian fusion
Servings 4 people
Calories 1464 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 16-20 size shrimp peeled washed and deveined
  • 1/3-1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg whites lightly beaten room temperature
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp oil
  • 1/2 cup of pecans
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1-2 tbsp condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon
  • 1 tsp lime
  • 2 cups cooking oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Caramelized Nuts
  • In a pan add sugar and water. Over high heat dissolve sugar. Add pecans and bring to a boil, continue boiling until sugar and water turn to a thick syrup that coats the pecans. Remove to a plate lined with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
  • Creating The Sauce
  • Mix the mayonnaise, condensed milk, honey, lime, lemon, salt and white pepper together in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Cooking The Shrimp
  • Heat oil to 350°F
  • Sprinkle shrimp with salt and mix well. Set aside.

Making the batter

  • Beat room temperature egg whites until foamy.
  • To make batter, mix cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, white pepper, salt, oil and egg whites. Mix until you have a smooth lump free batter.
  • Add shrimp to batter making sure all shrimp are thoroughly coated. If the batter seems too thick, keep mixing with your hand. The longer you mix the thinner it will become. If that doesn't work, wet your finger tips (only) and continue mixing.

1st Fry

  • Allow excess batter to drain off and place shrimp into hot oil. Cook for 2 minutes and drain and cool slightly.
  • Double tap (second fry)
  • Increase oils heat 375°F and double fry the shrimp for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. This makes the shrimp extra, extra crispy and less oily.
  • Add hot shrimp to the caramelized pecans and prepared honey sauce. Mix gently to coat thoroughly. Serve immediately.

Notes

Why Double Fry

Double frying the shrimp for another 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. This makes the shrimp extra, extra crispy and less oily.  It helps to prevent the batter from become instantly soggy when put into the sauce.
Add hot shrimp to the caramelized pecans and prepared honey sauce. Mix gently to coat thoroughly. Serve immediately.

Nuts

You can use any nut of your choice.  This recipe is typically prepared with walnuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ServingsCalories: 1464kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 26gFat: 134gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 293mgSodium: 1600mgPotassium: 172mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 13IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 202mgIron: 3mg
Keyword panda express, shrimp, walnut, walnut shrimp
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