Citrus-Soaked Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and zesty shrimp marinated in tequila and citrus juices, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh cilantro lime dipping sauce. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, tequila, fresh lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup tequila, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to mix well.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon lime zest until smooth; refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled shrimp skewers hot with the chilled cilantro lime sauce on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Soaked Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Soaked Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Soaked Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

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-Soaked Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce 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-Soaked Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

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.

Related recipes