Every Tuesday night, our family gathers around the table for Taco Night—it’s a ritual that’s become sacred in our house. A few months back, I whipped up these Spicy Honey Butter Shrimp Tacos on a whim, and they were an instant hit. Now, my kids beg for them weekly, and my spouse has dubbed them “the best tacos ever.” It’s chaos in the best way: the kitchen fills with the sizzle of shrimp, the kids argue over who gets the last tortilla, and we all laugh over sticky fingers and spicy-sweet bites.
The slaw adds a fresh crunch that balances the rich sauce, and we’ve even started a little tradition of topping them with whatever’s in the fridge—avocado one week, pickled onions the next. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels special, like a mini celebration to break up the routine. Taco Tuesday wouldn’t be the same without these shrimp tacos now—they’re our family’s flavor-packed love letter to togetherness.
Print
Spicy Honey Butter Shrimp Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 (2-3 tacos per person) 1x
Description
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
-
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off for easy eating)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1-2 teaspoon sriracha or gochujang (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Slaw: In a medium bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, and cilantro with lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you cook the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, sriracha, and soy sauce until combined.
- Sear the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, letting the sauce thicken and coat the shrimp. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas (on a skillet or in the microwave). Spoon a small amount of slaw onto each tortilla, top with 3-4 shrimp, and drizzle any extra sauce from the pan. Add optional toppings like cotija cheese or jalapeños if desired.
- Serve: Plate with lime wedges on the side and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the tortillas on a dry skillet or over an open flame.
- Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if you want variety—adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make it a meal with a side of Mexican street corn or cilantro-lime rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 (2-3 tacos per person)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 25g
More Taco Recipes to Spice Up Your Taco Tuesday
If you’re loving these Spicy Honey Butter Shrimp Tacos, you’ll find plenty more taco inspiration on Shared Appetite to keep your Taco Tuesday rotation fresh and exciting. For a smoky twist, check out my Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos, where tender chicken meets a zesty marinade and cool avocado crema. Craving something hearty? My Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos deliver melt-in-your-mouth pork with crispy edges, perfect with a tangy pineapple salsa. For a veggie-packed option, try the Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos—earthy, spiced, and topped with a zippy cilantro-lime dressing. Each recipe brings bold flavors and easy prep, so you’ll never run out of taco night ideas!
Home made Tortilla's
Want to perfect your tortilla game for these tacos? I’ve learned a ton from the experts at Serious Eats, where they share genius tips on warming tortillas to get that soft, pliable texture every time.
Taco night at our house wouldn’t be complete without these Spicy Honey Butter Shrimp Tacos, and they’ve quickly become the star of our Tuesday lineup. The magic happens when plump shrimp soak up that irresistible honey-butter sauce, spiked with just enough sriracha to keep things exciting. Paired with a crisp slaw, these Spicy Honey Butter Shrimp Tacos are a breeze to whip up, even on busy weeknights. Want to mix it up? Try swapping the shrimp for scallops or adding a dollop of guacamole. Trust me, once you taste these Spicy Honey Butter Shrimp Tacos, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner!
Leave a Reply