Citrus-Infused Tequila Shrimp Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty shrimp marinated in tequila and fresh citrus, served in warm corn tortillas with crisp cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes pairs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tequila blanco, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb raw shrimp, 1/4 cup tequila blanco, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, about 5-6 minutes total.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp cooks, mix 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and 1 thinly sliced jalapeño in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 1/2 cup sour cream and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl for a quick drizzle sauce.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing a handful of cabbage slaw on each tortilla, topping with 3-4 cooked shrimp, and drizzling with the honey sour cream sauce. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Tequila Shrimp Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Tequila Shrimp Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tequila blanco from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Tequila Shrimp Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Infused Tequila Shrimp Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Infused Tequila Shrimp Tacos?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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