Creating delicious Gochujang Honey Glazed Shrimp Tacos is one of my newfound joys in the kitchen. Who wouldn’t rush to the stove for sweet, spicy, and perfectly glazed shrimp nestled in warm tortillas? Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this recipe is the perfect way to bring the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine into your home. The combination of gochujang, honey, and fresh veggies makes each bite a delightful explosion of taste.
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the standout features of this recipe is its ability to fuse unique flavors without requiring hours of preparation. You can whip up these tacos in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends. The balance of sweet and spicy from the gochujang and honey creates an irresistible glaze that makes these shrimp absolutely delectable.
"These tacos blew my mind! The gochujang glaze is lip-smacking good, and the slaw adds such a refreshing crunch. Perfect for a quick dinner!" – Sarah J.
Step-by-step overview
Making Gochujang Honey Glazed Shrimp Tacos is a straightforward process. You’ll prepare a tangy slaw, whip up the glaze, cook the shrimp to a perfect caramelized finish, and assemble everything into mouth-watering tacos. It’s a delightful dance of flavors and textures that anyone can master!
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What you’ll need
Gather these ingredients to make your flavorful tacos:
- 450 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
The vibrant colors and freshness of these ingredients will surely entice your taste buds. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter option or add avocado for an extra creamy texture.
Directions to follow
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Prepare the Slaw: In a bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Add the mayonnaise (or yogurt), sesame oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and refrigerate while you cook the shrimp.
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Make the Glaze: Whisk together the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This glaze is what transforms your shrimp into something truly special.
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Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn just pink. Pour in the glaze and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring until the shrimp are well-coated and caramelized.
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Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or over a flame until they’re soft and pliable. Spoon a generous scoop of slaw onto each tortilla, top it with glazed shrimp, and drizzle extra sauce from the pan over the shrimp for more flavor.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy your tacos immediately for the best flavor and texture!
Best ways to enjoy it
These Gochujang Honey Glazed Shrimp Tacos can be enjoyed on their own or paired with some delightful sides. Consider serving them with:
- A refreshing cucumber salad for a crunchy contrast.
- Cilantro lime rice that complements the shrimp’s bold flavors.
- A side of grilled corn with chili lime butter for an extra kick.
Storage and reheating tips
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! You can store the shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When reheating, make sure to warm the shrimp gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying them out. The slaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be used in other meals like salads or sandwiches if you have extras.
Helpful cooking tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate in the glaze for 15 minutes before cooking.
- If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your taste.
- Don’t skip the sesame seeds; they add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients! You can:
- Replace the shrimp with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add some diced mango or pineapple to the slaw for a fruity twist.
- Try different tortillas like whole wheat or spinach for a fun color and flavor variation.
Common questions
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time is about 10-15 minutes, and the cooking time is under 10 minutes. You can easily make these tacos in 30 minutes or less!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture.
What can I substitute for gochujang if I can’t find it?
If gochujang is unavailable, you can mix miso paste with a bit of sriracha for a similar spicy-sweet flavor.
Ready to bring some excitement to taco night? These Gochujang Honey Glazed Shrimp Tacos are not only delicious but also a surefire crowd-pleaser. Enjoy cooking and even more, enjoy eating!
