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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos are just what you need! They combine sweet and savory flavors, plus they’re super easy to make. In this post, I’ll walk you through each step, from marinating the shrimp to assembling your tasty tacos. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, these tacos will steal the show. Let’s dive in and make dinner fun!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory flavor profile that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes of prep time, these tacos can be made quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: Topped with ripe avocado and crunchy cabbage, each bite is refreshing and packed with nutrients.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and spices to suit your taste, making these tacos versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
The star of this dish is the shrimp. I love using large shrimp because they cook quickly and have great texture. Use fresh shrimp when you can. The honey adds a sweet touch that balances the garlic. I use three cloves for a strong flavor. Soy sauce brings in that umami taste. Fresh lime juice brightens everything up. Ground cumin adds warmth.
Next, the tortillas are a key part. You can choose corn or flour based on your taste. Corn tortillas have a nice flavor, while flour tortillas are soft and chewy.
Don’t forget the toppings! Sliced avocado adds creaminess. Red cabbage gives a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of flavor. Lime wedges are perfect for squeezing over the tacos.
This combination makes Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos a delight. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a tasty meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To start, grab a medium-sized bowl. In it, whisk together the following:
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Mix well until the marinade looks smooth. This blend of sweet and salty will make the shrimp shine.
Marinating the Shrimp
Next, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Make sure each shrimp gets a good coat of the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all those great flavors.
Cooking the Shrimp
Now it’s time to cook! Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. To check if they are done, look for that bright pink color and firm texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Warming the Tortillas
While the shrimp cooks, warm up your tortillas. You can do this in two ways:
– Heat a dry skillet over low heat. Place each tortilla in for about one to two minutes on each side.
– Alternatively, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
Assembling the Tacos
Once your tortillas are warm, it’s time to build your tacos! On each tortilla, layer a handful of finely shredded red cabbage. Top it with a generous portion of cooked shrimp. Finally, add a few slices of ripe avocado for creaminess.
Garnishing and Serving
To finish, sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top of each taco. Serve them with lime wedges on the side. This adds a burst of freshness. For presentation, arrange the tacos on a colorful plate or wooden board. Add extra lime wedges around to make it pop!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Shrimp
To make great shrimp, check for a firm texture and a pink color. Fresh shrimp should feel slightly springy. Avoid overcooking; this makes shrimp rubbery. Cook only until they turn pink and opaque. A common mistake is cooking shrimp too long. Always watch the time closely for the best results.
Tortilla Choices
Corn tortillas have a nice earthy flavor. They are also gluten-free. Flour tortillas are softer and can hold more filling. If you want a crunch, go with corn. For a chewy bite, choose flour. Your choice can change the taco’s taste, so pick what you enjoy most.
Enhancing Flavor
Try adding spices like chili powder or paprika for extra kick. Fresh jalapeños can add heat, too. For a twist, mix in diced mango for a sweet touch. Adjust spice levels based on your taste. If you like mild, stick to cumin and garlic. If you love heat, add more spices to your shrimp or toppings.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them properly before marinating.
- Perfectly Warm Tortillas: To keep tortillas pliable, cover them with a kitchen towel while warming. This will prevent them from drying out and help maintain their softness.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of crema for an extra kick and flavor.
- Marinate Longer for Intense Flavor: If time permits, marinate the shrimp for up to an hour to enhance the flavors even further. Just be cautious not to over-marinate, as the acid can change the shrimp’s texture.

Variations
Taco Fillings Alternatives
You can switch up the filling for your tacos. If you want to try other seafood options, consider using fish like tilapia or mahi-mahi. These have a mild flavor and cook quickly. You might also enjoy scallops or crab meat for a twist. For a meat-free version, think about using grilled vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms add great texture. You can also use black beans or chickpeas for a hearty bite. These options keep the dish light yet satisfying.
Salsa and Sauce Ideas
Homemade salsa can really elevate your tacos. A simple tomato salsa with diced tomatoes, onion, and cilantro works great. Add some lime juice for zest. You can also try a mango salsa for a sweet touch. For sauces, consider a creamy avocado sauce. Just blend avocado, yogurt, lime, and salt until smooth. A chipotle mayo can add a nice kick too. Mix mayonnaise with chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky flavor. These sauces and salsas enhance the overall taste of your tacos.
Regional Influences
Incorporating local ingredients can make your tacos unique. For instance, if you live near the coast, use fresh catch seafood. You can also consider tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya. These add sweetness and freshness. In some regions, tacos are served with pickled onions or jalapeños. These toppings can add a spicy crunch that many enjoy. Explore how different cultures make tacos. In Korean cuisine, you might find a spicy kimchi taco. This fusion can create exciting new flavors that expand your palate.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Shrimp
To keep your cooked shrimp fresh, follow these steps:
– Allow shrimp to cool to room temperature.
– Place shrimp in an airtight container.
– Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This method helps maintain flavor and texture. If you want to keep shrimp longer, consider freezing. In that case, use a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. Frozen shrimp can last up to 3 months.
Storing Tortillas
To preserve your tortillas’ freshness:
– Keep them in their original packaging.
– Store in a cool, dry place.
If you want to freeze tortillas, stack them with parchment paper in between. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They can last up to 6 months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating shrimp and tortillas is easy. For shrimp:
– Heat a skillet over medium heat.
– Add shrimp and cook until warmed through.
For tortillas:
– Place them in a skillet for 30 seconds on each side.
– Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
This keeps the tortillas soft and tasty. Enjoy your tacos like they are fresh again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. To thaw, place the shrimp in the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Change the water every few minutes for even thawing. Once thawed, pat them dry before adding to the marinade.
What are the best toppings for Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos?
I love adding fresh toppings to my tacos. Popular choices include:
– Sliced jalapeños for heat
– Diced tomatoes for freshness
– Crumbled feta or cheese for creaminess
– Pickled red onions for a tangy crunch
– Fresh lime juice for zest
Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combo!
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp turns pink and opaque. It should be firm to the touch but not rubbery. If they curl into a C shape, that’s a good sign. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough and chewy.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the marinade a day in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready, just toss in the shrimp and let them soak. This saves time and deepens the flavor!
Are Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos healthy?
Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos can be healthy! Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. The avocado adds healthy fats, and cabbage provides fiber and vitamins. Just watch the honey and soy sauce for sugar and sodium levels. Adjust these to suit your diet!
Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos are simple to make and full of flavor. You learned how to combine honey, garlic, and spices to create a tasty marinade. We covered marinating, cooking shrimp, and warming tortillas for the best results. You can customize your tacos with different fillings and toppings. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy delicious tacos any time, making your meals more exciting and enjoyabl
Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos
Delicious shrimp tacos with a sweet and savory honey garlic marinade, topped with fresh avocado and red cabbage.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- lime wedges for serving
Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, and ground cumin until well combined.
Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes to develop flavor.
Cook the Shrimp: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp become pink, opaque, and cooked through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Warm the Tortillas: As the shrimp cooks, warm the tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over low heat for a minute or two on each side or by wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Assemble the Tacos: On each warmed tortilla, layer a handful of finely shredded red cabbage. Top with a generous portion of the cooked shrimp and add a few slices of creamy avocado.
Garnish and Serve: Finish off each taco with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness and flavor.
Serve on a colorful plate for a visually appealing presentation.
Keyword honey garlic, shrimp, tacos
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