Did Panda Express Discontinue Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Honey Walnut Shrimp has long been a beloved menu item at Panda Express The crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet and savory glaze of honey sauce and topped with crunchy walnuts is a favorite among fans of American Chinese cuisine However, there have been some concerning rumors circulating recently that this iconic dish may have been discontinued at Panda Express locations.

As one of their most popular premium entrées, the potential discontinuation of Honey Walnut Shrimp has many Panda Express regulars worried This blog post will take a deeper look at the status of this menu item – has Panda Express really stopped serving it, or are the rumors unfounded? We’ll examine the evidence available to try and get to the bottom of this shrimpy mystery

The History of Honey Walnut Shrimp at Panda Express

To understand why fans are so concerned about the potential discontinuation of Honey Walnut Shrimp, it helps to know a bit about the history of this menu item. Honey Walnut Shrimp was first introduced at Panda Express in 2010. It was an immediate hit, winning the MenuMasters Award for Best New Menu Item that same year.

The dish is believed to have originated decades earlier in Hong Kong before becoming popularized on American Chinese restaurant menus in the 1980s and 1990s. Panda Express took the basic concept of fried shrimp in a sweet honey glaze with walnuts and tweaked the recipe to make it their own signature take on the classic dish.

In the decade-plus since its debut, Honey Walnut Shrimp has become one of the most beloved non-chicken dishes at Panda Express. Its fans are devoted with many claiming they’d never order anything else.

Signs Pointing to Discontinuation

Over the past several months, some concerning signs have emerged indicating that Panda Express may have discontinued serving Honey Walnut Shrimp:

• Reports on Social Media: Multiple Panda Express customers have taken to Twitter, Reddit, and foodie blogs complaining that their local locations no longer offer the dish. Some say they’ve been told upon asking that the item has been discontinued.

• Absence on Menus: More recently, some eagle-eyed customers have reported that Honey Walnut Shrimp is no longer listed on in-store menus or online menus for many Panda Express locations. The item simply appears to have vanished.

• Lack of Promotion: Whereas Honey Walnut Shrimp used to be highlighted in Panda Express promotions and advertising, it has been notably absent from marketing materials in the past 6 months or so.

While not conclusive evidence, these reports have many loyal fans distraught at the idea of no longer being able to order their favorite Panda Express meal. However, the chain itself has not yet provided any official confirmation on the matter.

Reasons for Discontinuation?

Assuming Honey Walnut Shrimp has indeed been pulled from the permanent menu at Panda Express, what could be behind this decision? A few plausible reasons include:

• Supply Chain Issues: Like many businesses, Panda Express has been dealing with disruptions and shortages thanks to COVID-19 and other macroeconomic factors affecting supply chains globally. It’s possible they’re struggling to source a key ingredient for Honey Walnut Shrimp.

• Rising Shrimp Prices: As a seafood menu item, Honey Walnut Shrimp costs more than most other Panda Express dishes. With inflation driving shrimp prices higher and higher, the chain may have deemed the profit margins on this item unsustainably low.

• Lack of Popularity: While it has a devoted following, Honey Walnut Shrimp likely makes up a relatively small percentage of total sales at Panda Express. The chain could have decided to eliminate a slower-selling menu item to focus on more popular dishes.

Of course, without an official announcement from Panda Express, these possible reasons are merely speculation for now. Many fans cling to a hope that this is only a temporary shortage.

Is This the End of Honey Walnut Shrimp?

Panda Express has yet to provide any public statement on the status of Honey Walnut Shrimp. The company’s social media accounts and press contacts have been silent when customers inquire about the missing menu item. Their website still lists Honey Walnut Shrimp as a menu offering.

It’s always possible this is a temporary situation – supply chain disruptions combined with soaring shrimp costs may have caused a short-term gap in availability of Honey Walnut Shrimp until Panda Express can get costs back in line. Perhaps it will return to the menu once conditions improve.

However, the longer Panda Express goes without addressing the rumors and disappearance of this beloved dish, the more likely it seems to be gone for good. Unfortunately, devotees of the honey walnut goodness may need to start seeking out alternatives at other Chinese restaurants.

The potential discontinued status of Honey Walnut Shrimp remains unconfirmed and uncertain for now. But Panda Express would be wise to provide some clarity soon, before they further disappoint loyal customers who have come to rely on this iconic menu item.

In the meantime, foodies who want their honey walnut shrimp fix can try making their own at home! Here is a recipe replicating the flavors of Panda Express’s version:

Panda Express Copycat Honey Walnut Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup cornstarch
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil, canola oil, etc.)
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour. Place the beaten egg in a separate bowl.
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dip each shrimp first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. In a large pot or skillet, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 375°F.
4. Working in batches, fry the battered shrimp for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, water, and sesame oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through and combined.
6. Toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top and serve immediately. Enjoy this crispy, saucy shrimp while hoping for the return of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp!

So while the fate of the authentic version remains up in the air, fried shrimp fans can get their fix by making their own batch at home. Here’s hoping Panda Express brings back this beloved menu item soon!