Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos

This Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos dish is made with shrimp, olive oil, garlic, jalapeños, limes, butter, and served on a warm tortilla.

If you're looking for a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for warm weather, look no further than honey lime shrimp tacos. This Mexican-inspired dish is bursting with flavor, featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a sweet and tangy blend of honey and lime, and seasoned with fragrant spices garlic powder. Served on soft tortillas with a variety of fresh toppings and a creamy sauce, honey lime shrimp tacos are a crowd-pleasing favorite that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're grilling up a batch for a summer barbecue or cooking them up on the stovetop for a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos are a must-try for anyone who loves bold and zesty flavors.

This is a super delicious summer dish for anyone who enjoys a sweet and spicy combination. The shrimp absorbs its flavor through marinating with delicious lime juice and zest, jalapeños, and honey. This dish is cooked on the stovetop but I have tried threading them into skewers and grilling and it was absolutely delicious.

If you love this recipe, try my Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza or my Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas.

Jump to:

• What are Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos?
• Why you will love this recipe
• Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Shrimp Tacos
• Best way to warm a tortilla
• What to serve with Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos
• Substitutions
• Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos
• Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe Top tips
• Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe
• Food safety

What are Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos?

Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos are a popular Mexican-inspired dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, and are often served as a light and refreshing meal during the warmer months. They can be made with various types of shrimp, and can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as on a grill or in a pan on the stovetop. Additionally, the toppings and sauces can be customized to suit individual preferences, making them a versatile and customizable dish.

Why you will love this recipe

Full of flavor: The combination of the honey, lime and jalapeños gives the tacos a tangy, sweet and spicy combination that the shrimp deserve.

Great for warm weather: I love eating these tacos in the summer months.

Serves a crowd: It is very easy to double the recipe, and shrimp cooks fast too.

Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Shrimp
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Jalapeno
• Garlic powder
• Limes
• Butter
• Honey
• Cilantro
• Corn Tortilla

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Shrimp Tacos

Watch video below for step by step instructions.

Hint: Leave the jalapeño cooking for longer for a milder heat.

Best way to warm a tortilla

• Over a Gas Stove Flame – I love to use this method because it gives the tortilla a light char and it warms up quickly. Toast the tortilla directly over a low flame on a gas stove. Use tongs to rotate the tortilla, about every 20 seconds. Keep close watch as you toast the tortilla.
• On a Cast Iron- Heat a large cast iron over medium-high heat. Add tortillas in a single layer and toast 20 seconds on each side until warm on each side.

What to serve with Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that is both flavorful and filling, Mexican rice is made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Check out my Moro Rice.
• Black Beans: Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber, and they pair well with the flavors of honey lime shrimp tacos. Serve them as a side dish or mix them in with the rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. Check out my Chipotle Black Beans Recipe.
• Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob is a summertime staple that makes a great side dish for honey lime shrimp tacos. Brush the corn with butter or olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder and lime juice for added flavor. Check out my Mexican Corn Recipe.
• Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole and crispy tortilla chips are a classic pairing that would be a perfect addition to your taco feast. You could also serve a fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo alongside the guacamole.

Substitutions

Shrimp: I love going to my local fish market to buy the freshest fish possible. I would rather use fresh fish over previously frozen shrimp. 

Honey: I love using raw, organic honey for best results. You could use maple syrup instead.

Garlic: For best quality, use fresh garlic. You can opt to using garlic from the jar. 

Jalapeños: Ripe jalapeños are usually fat, firm, and develop a bright sheen. When they are ripe, they are bright green, then begin to darken and eventually turn black. You could use serrano peppers instead.

Corn Tortillas: I used corn tortillas in this recipe, but feel free to use flour tortillas instead.

Butter: I love using butter because it complements the honey well. You can use olive oil instead for searing the shrimp.

Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe Variations

• Grilled Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos: Instead of sautéing the shrimp, grill them for a smoky flavor. Simply marinate the shrimp in the honey lime mixture for at least 30 minutes before skewering and grilling them over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Spicy Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos: If you like things spicy, add some heat to the honey lime marinade with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño. You could also top the tacos with sliced fresh chili peppers or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Mango Salsa Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos: Add some sweetness to the tacos by topping them with a fresh mango salsa. Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Avocado Lime Crema Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos: A creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the zesty flavors of the shrimp. Make an avocado lime crema by blending together ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and salt in a food processor or blender until smooth.
• Low-Carb Honey Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, skip the tortillas and serve the honey lime shrimp in lettuce wraps instead. Choose sturdy lettuce leaves, such as romaine or butter lettuce, and top with your favorite taco toppings.

Check out my Cuban Arroz con Pollo.

Equipment

• Cutting Board and Knife: You'll need a cutting board and a sharp knife to chop the vegetables and prepare the shrimp.
• Mixing Bowl and Whisk: You'll need a mixing bowl and a whisk or fork to combine the ingredients for the honey lime marinade.
• Skillet or Grill: You'll need a skillet or a grill to cook the shrimp. A nonstick skillet or a cast iron skillet work well for sautéing the shrimp, while a gas or charcoal grill is great for grilling them.
• Tongs or Spatula: You'll need tongs or a spatula to flip the shrimp as they cook.
• Tortilla Warmer (Optional): If you're serving the tacos with warm tortillas, you may want to use a tortilla warmer to keep them soft and pliable.
• Serving Platter: Once the shrimp and toppings are cooked, you'll need a platter or large plate to serve the tacos.

How to store Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos

If you have leftover honey lime shrimp tacos, it's important to store them properly to ensure that they stay fresh and safe to eat. Here are some tips for storing honey lime shrimp tacos:

1. Refrigerate: To keep the tacos fresh, refrigerate them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The shrimp and toppings should be stored separately from the tortillas to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. Consume within 3-4 days: Cooked shrimp tacos should be consumed within 3-4 days of preparation. If you're not planning on eating them within this timeframe, it's best to freeze them instead.
3. Freeze: If you want to store the tacos for longer than 3-4 days, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Reheat carefully: To reheat the tacos, place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos Recipe Top tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will yield the best results when making honey lime shrimp tacos. Use fresh shrimp, lime juice, herbs, and spices for the most flavorful dish.
• Don't overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly and can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which should take only a few minutes.
• Marinate the shrimp: Marinating the shrimp in the honey lime mixture for at least 30 minutes will infuse the flavors and tenderize the shrimp.
• Warm the tortillas: Soft, warm tortillas are essential for the perfect taco experience. Warm them up in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and place them in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Customize the toppings: Customize the toppings to your liking. Offer a variety of toppings such as avocado, salsa, chopped lettuce, cilantro, and lime wedges for a fresh and flavorful taco.
• Use a non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet will help prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
• Don't overcrowd the skillet: Cook the shrimp in batches to prevent overcrowding the skillet, which can result in uneven cooking.
• Serve immediately: Serve the tacos immediately after assembling to ensure that they stay warm and the tortillas stay soft.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.