Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos (Printable)

Honey-garlic glazed shrimp in tortillas with cabbage slaw and lime crema — a 30-minute pescatarian weeknight meal.

# What You Need:

→ Shrimp & Marinade

01 - 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 3 tbsp honey
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Cabbage Slaw

09 - 2 cups (150 g) shredded red cabbage
10 - 1/2 cup (30 g) shredded carrots
11 - 1/4 cup (5 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
13 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
14 - 1 tsp honey
15 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Tacos

16 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
17 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
18 - Lime wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add shrimp, toss to coat, and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
02 - Meanwhile, prepare the slaw: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, and salt. Pour dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. Set aside.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp (discard excess marinade) and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
04 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
05 - Assemble tacos by layering cabbage slaw and honey garlic shrimp in each tortilla. Top with avocado slices, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The honey garlic glaze hugs the shrimp so perfectly you might be tempted to eat them straight from the pan.
  • Colorful crunch from the slaw and cool, tangy crema make each bite bright and insanely satisfying.
02 -
  • If shrimp overcook, they get rubbery before you know it—set a timer and don’t wander off.
  • Tossing the dressing with the slaw just before serving keeps everything crisp and bright.
03 -
  • Letting the shrimp marinade come to room temp gets them juicier and more flavorful.
  • A hot skillet is your friend—don’t crowd the pan or you’ll steam instead of sear.
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