Mediterranean Gochujang Honey Glazed Shrimp Tacos
These Mediterranean Gochujang Honey Glazed Shrimp Tacos are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Succulent shrimp are coated in a sticky gochujang-honey glaze, paired with a crisp, tangy slaw, and served in warm tortillas. Bright lime and fresh cilantro add freshness, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds brings a subtle nutty finish. Quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, these tacos are ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Total Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
450 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1½ tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon grated ginger
For the Slaw:
1½ cups shredded cabbage
½ 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
For Serving:
8 small corn or flour tortillas
Fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Slaw:
In a medium bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Mix in mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sesame oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Chill while preparing shrimp.
Make the Shrimp Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté for 1–2 minutes per side until they start turning pink. Pour the glaze over shrimp and cook for another 1–2 minutes, tossing to coat evenly. Remove from heat.
Warm the Tortillas:
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet, oven, or microwave until warm and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos:
Place a few shrimp in each tortilla, top with slaw, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips
Shrimp Size:
Use large shrimp for easy handling in tacos and a meaty bite.
Gochujang Level:
Adjust the amount of gochujang based on desired spice level. A little goes a long way.
Slaw Variations:
Add thinly sliced bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Make Ahead:
Slaw can be prepared a few hours in advance. Keep shrimp separate to prevent sogginess.
Tortilla Options:
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work well for a softer bite.
Variations
Protein Swap:
Replace shrimp with scallops, fish fillets, or even grilled chicken strips.
Vegan Version:
Use firm tofu or tempeh in place of shrimp and swap mayonnaise for vegan yogurt or avocado in the slaw.
Extra Flavor:
Drizzle with a little sriracha mayo or a sesame-lime vinaigrette for a zesty finish.
Crunch Factor:
Top with crushed peanuts or fried shallots for added texture.
Rice Bowl Option:
Serve shrimp and slaw over cooked rice or quinoa instead of tortillas for a bowl-style meal.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the glaze.
Q2: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix it a day ahead and store in the fridge. Add fresh just before cooking.
Q3: How spicy are these tacos?
Moderately spicy due to gochujang. Adjust to taste by reducing or increasing the amount.
Q4: Can I make the tacos gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free soy sauce and corn tortillas.
Q5: Can the slaw be made dairy-free?
Yes. Use mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt alternative instead of Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Breakdown
(Approximate per 2 tacos, serves 4)
Calories: 320
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 550mg
Values may vary depending on tortilla type and specific ingredients.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Gochujang Honey Glazed Shrimp Tacos are a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and freshness. The tender shrimp coated in a sticky glaze paired with crunchy, tangy slaw delivers bold flavor in every bite. Quick, healthy, and highly customizable, these tacos bring vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flair to your weeknight table or entertaining menu.