Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp: Price, Calories & Review

If you’ve ever stood at the Panda Express counter eyeing that golden, glossy tray of shrimp behind the sneeze guard, you’re not alone. Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of the chain’s most craved entrées but it’s also one of the few that comes with an extra charge.

What Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a premium seafood entrée made of tempura-style battered shrimp tossed in a sweet, creamy honey sauce and finished with candied (glazed) walnuts. It’s one of the chain’s signature dishes and a fan favorite for its mix of crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors.

The dish takes inspiration from a classic Cantonese banquet recipe. Panda Express gives it a fast-casual twist, frying the shrimp until crisp and coating it in a mayonnaise-based honey glaze right before serving.

Why Is Honey Walnut Shrimp a Premium Entrée?

Honey Walnut Shrimp is labeled “premium” because shrimp and walnuts cost significantly more than chicken, the protein in most other Panda Express dishes. Seafood pricing volatility and the extra prep involved in candying walnuts also push it into premium territory, which is why it carries an upcharge.

Here’s what drives the premium label:

• Ingredient cost: Shrimp is far pricier than chicken or pork.
• Added components: Glazed walnuts and a custom honey sauce raise prep time and cost.
• Market volatility: Seafood prices shift more than poultry, so the chain offsets the risk.

Black Pepper Sirloin Steak is the only other entrée that shares this same premium status and upcharge.

How Much Does Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Cost in 2026?

In 2026, Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp carries a $1.50 upcharge when added to a plate or bowl, on top of the base meal price. As a standalone à la carte entrée, it runs roughly $6.90+, though exact prices vary by location and state.

A typical Panda Express meal runs $9–$13 depending on portion size, so factor the upcharge on top of that. Prices listed here reflect averages reported across Panda Express locations and menu trackers; your local store may charge slightly more or less.

How Many Calories Are in Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?

A standard serving of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp contains 430 calories per 4.39 oz portion, with about 28g of fat and 35g of carbs. The smaller Cub Meal version has 240 calories. Most of the calories come from the fried batter and the creamy honey sauce.

Here’s the full nutrition breakdown:

What’s in Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp? (Ingredients)

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is made with shrimp, honey, sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, flour, starch, and walnuts. The shrimp is battered and fried, then coated in a creamy honey-mayo glaze and topped with sugar-glazed walnuts for crunch.

Core ingredients include:

• Shrimp – battered and fried until crisp
• Honey – the signature sweetener in the glaze
• Mayonnaise – gives the sauce its creamy body
• Sweetened condensed milk – adds richness and sweetness
• Flour and starch – form the crispy coating
• Walnuts – glazed in sugar for a candied crunch

Allergen note: This dish contains shellfish, tree nuts (walnuts), eggs, wheat, and milk. It’s not suitable for anyone with these allergies.

What Does Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Taste Like?

Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp tastes sweet, creamy, and mildly savory, with a crisp fried shell and crunchy candied walnuts. Unlike many Chinese-American dishes, it isn’t spicy or soy-heavy. The flavor leans dessert-like, balanced by the buttery walnuts and the slight saltiness of the shrimp.

Fans often describe the texture as the real star: crisp batter on the outside, tender shrimp inside, and the snap of glazed walnuts in every bite. If you enjoy sweet over savory, this dish hits the mark.

Is Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Worth the Upcharge?

For seafood lovers, Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is generally worth the $1.50 upcharge thanks to its unique flavor and premium ingredients. However, value-focused diners may prefer Orange Chicken, which delivers a larger portion at a lower price without the extra cost.

A quick value comparison:

One common complaint among regulars: portion sizes can feel small, especially when ordering two entrées. If filling up on a budget is your priority, you may get more from a standard chicken dish.

Who Should Order Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?

You should order Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp if you love seafood, enjoy sweet-and-creamy flavors, and don’t mind paying a small premium. It’s also a great pick for anyone wanting variety beyond the standard chicken entrées. Skip it if you have shellfish or nut allergies, or want maximum portion value.

Ideal for:

• Seafood lovers craving something different
• Fans of sweet, dessert-like savory dishes
• Diners willing to pay a bit more for premium ingredients

Maybe skip it if:

• You have a shellfish or tree-nut allergy
• You’re prioritizing portion size on a tight budget
• You prefer spicy or soy-based flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Honey Walnut Shrimp at Panda Express in 2026?

It carries a $1.50 upcharge on plates and bowls, and runs about $6.90+ as an à la carte entrée. Prices vary slightly by location and state.

How many calories are in Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?

A standard 4.39 oz serving has 430 calories. The smaller Cub Meal version has 240 calories per 3.30 oz portion.

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp gluten-free?

No. The shrimp is battered in flour and starch, which contain wheat, so the dish is not gluten-free.

How many shrimp come in one serving?

Counts vary by location, but customers commonly report around 9 shrimp per single entrée, with reports ranging higher or lower.

Why does Panda Express charge extra for Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Shrimp and walnuts cost more than chicken, and seafood prices are more volatile. The upcharge offsets these higher ingredient and prep costs.

Is Honey Walnut Shrimp spicy?

No. It’s a sweet and creamy dish with no heat, making it a good option for those who avoid spicy food.

How much protein is in Honey Walnut Shrimp?

A standard serving contains roughly 13g of protein, while the Cub Meal version has about 7g.

What’s the only other premium entrée at Panda Express?

Black Pepper Sirloin Steak is the other premium entrée, and it carries the same $1.50 upcharge.

 Can I make Honey Walnut Shrimp at home?

Yes. Popular copycat recipes use battered shrimp, a honey-mayo sauce, and candied walnuts, and most come together in under 30 minutes.