Citrus-Infused Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
Bright and zesty shrimp tacos featuring tequila-marinated shrimp topped with a crunchy cilantro-lime slaw. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 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 290 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/3 cup tequila blanco
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup tequila blanco, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and stir until combined.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade, shaking off excess, and cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked shrimp among the tortillas and topping each with a generous scoop of cilantro slaw. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 with Cilantro Slaw?
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 with Cilantro Slaw?
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 with Cilantro Slaw 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 with Cilantro Slaw?
Mexican seafood 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.
