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Get ready to spice up your dinner with my Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos! This fresh and flavorful recipe brings together juicy shrimp marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for taco night, these shrimp tacos are easy to make and packed with taste. Whether you’re a cooking pro or just starting out, I’ll walk you through the simple steps. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The honey, garlic, and ginger create a deliciously sweet and savory marinade that enhances the shrimp beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients: With fresh avocado, crunchy cabbage, and bright cilantro, each bite is packed with vibrant flavors and textures.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
To make honey garlic shrimp tacos, you will need:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, freshly grated
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 8 small soft corn tortillas
– 1 cup red cabbage, finely sliced
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
– Lime wedges for serving
– Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Fresh and Pantry Ingredients
This recipe includes both fresh and pantry staples. The fresh ingredients are shrimp, ginger, lime, avocado, and cilantro. These ingredients add bright flavors and textures. For the pantry items, you will use honey, soy sauce, and olive oil. They provide a sweet and salty base for the shrimp. Garlic brings depth and aroma, while red cabbage adds crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few options:
– Instead of large shrimp, use medium shrimp or even diced chicken.
– If you don’t have honey, maple syrup works well as a sweetener.
– You can use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
– If fresh ginger is unavailable, ground ginger is a good substitute.
– Feel free to replace corn tortillas with flour or lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice.
These substitutions keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinade Preparation
To start, gather your ingredients. You need honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lime juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and olive oil. Add a pinch of sea salt and black pepper for taste. Mix it well until smooth. This marinade brings a sweet and savory flavor to the shrimp.
Cooking the Shrimp
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to your bowl. Gently toss the shrimp in the marinade. Make sure each shrimp is coated well. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the shrimp soak up all those tasty flavors. Once the time is up, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You know they are done when they turn bright pink and opaque. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Assembling the Tacos
Now it’s time to build your tacos. First, warm the corn tortillas in another skillet over low to medium heat. Heat them for about 30 seconds on each side. Alternatively, you can warm them over an open flame for a few seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Lay two or three cooked shrimp on each tortilla. Top with slices of avocado and a handful of shredded red cabbage. Finally, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve your tacos right away with lime wedges for that zesty squeeze. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp
To make sure your shrimp come out just right, follow these simple tips:
– Choose fresh shrimp: Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy.
– Don’t overcook: Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque.
– Use a hot skillet: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. This helps them cook evenly.
Marinating your shrimp for 15-20 minutes allows them to soak up all that honey and garlic goodness. This step is key for flavor!
How to Warm Tortillas Properly
Warming tortillas is easy and makes a big difference in taste. Here’s how to do it:
– Skillet method: Place a skillet on low to medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side.
– Stovetop flame: Hold the tortilla with tongs and pass it over an open flame. This gives them a nice char and makes them soft.
Warm tortillas fold better and taste great with the shrimp!
Presentation Techniques for Tacos
Making your tacos look good is part of the fun. Here are some tricks:
– Stack neatly: Place tacos on a colorful plate. This makes them pop!
– Add garnishes: Sprinkle extra cilantro on top for a fresh look.
– Serve lime wedges: Put lime wedges in a small dish on the side. This adds a nice touch for squeezing over the tacos.
A well-presented taco not only tastes good but also looks inviting!
Pro Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 20 minutes to fully absorb the honey garlic flavors. For an even bolder taste, marinate for up to an hour in the refrigerator.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking. They cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet or over an open flame just until pliable. This enhances their flavor and texture, making them the perfect vessel for your tacos.
- Garnish Wisely: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro and lime wedges! They add a bright, zesty finish that balances the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce and enhances the overall flavor of the tacos.

Variations
Alternative Proteins for Tacos
You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works great in this recipe. Use boneless pieces and cut them into small chunks. You can also try fish, like salmon or tilapia. These fish cook quickly and soak up flavors well. For a plant-based option, use tofu or tempeh. Simply marinate them like the shrimp.
Flavor Twist Ideas (spicy, herb-infused)
To add a kick, try adding chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinade. This gives the shrimp a nice heat. If you prefer herbs, add fresh basil or dill. These herbs will lighten the dish and add freshness. You can also try citrus zest, like lemon or grapefruit, for a bright twist. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor!
Accompaniments and Toppings
Toppings make tacos fun and tasty. Besides avocado and cabbage, you can add diced tomatoes or corn. Pickled onions bring a tangy crunch. For a creamy touch, drizzle sour cream or yogurt over the top. Fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish. You can also add hot sauce for extra flavor. Each topping brings its own flair, so get creative!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Shrimp
To store leftover shrimp, let them cool first. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. Ensure you keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the shrimp. Just seal them well in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Best Practices for Storing Tacos
Tacos are best when fresh, but you can store them too. Keep the shrimp and toppings separate from the tortillas. Place tortillas in a sealed bag. Store the shrimp and toppings in their own containers. This way, the tortillas won’t get soggy. They can last up to two days in the fridge. For best taste, eat them as soon as possible.
Reheating Instructions for Shrimp and Tortillas
To reheat shrimp, place them in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about three minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place shrimp in a bowl and heat for 30 seconds. For tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet. Heat for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them soft and pliable. Avoid overheating to keep them tasty.
FAQs
What is the best type of shrimp for this recipe?
The best shrimp for these tacos is large shrimp. They are easy to handle and cook well. Look for shrimp that are fresh, firm, and have a mild scent. Wild-caught shrimp often taste better than farmed. If you can, buy shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
You can prepare some parts of this dish ahead of time. Marinate the shrimp a few hours before cooking. This helps the flavors mix well. You can also slice the avocado and cabbage in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to serve. I don’t recommend assembling the tacos too early. They taste best fresh.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free options that taste great. Make sure to check the labels. The rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free. Use corn tortillas as they are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy your tacos without worry!
This blog post covered how to make tasty shrimp tacos from start to finish. We looked at ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. Remember, using fresh shrimp and warming tortillas right makes a big difference. You can also try different proteins or flavors to mix things up. Storing leftovers properly keeps your tacos fresh for later. With these steps, you can make shrimp tacos that everyone will enjoy. Get cooking and have fun with these delicious option
Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos
Delicious tacos filled with marinated shrimp, avocado, and fresh cabbage, served with lime.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 8 small soft corn tortillas
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- to taste sea salt
- to taste freshly cracked black pepper
- for serving lime wedges
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper to form a smooth marinade.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Gently toss until all shrimp are fully coated in the mixture. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they have turned a vibrant pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Remove the skillet from heat.
While the shrimp is cooking, place another skillet over low to medium heat and warm the corn tortillas for 30 seconds on each side, or alternatively, pass them briefly over an open stovetop flame until they are pliable and warm.
To assemble the tacos, lay two or three cooked shrimp on each tortilla. Add a few slices of avocado, a generous handful of shredded red cabbage, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze over the top.
Stack the tacos neatly on a colorful plate and garnish with additional cilantro for a pop of color. Present the lime wedges in a small dish for guests to squeeze over their tacos.
Keyword honey garlic, shrimp, tacos
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