Citrus-Spiced Tequila Shrimp Tacos

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and zesty shrimp marinated in tequila and citrus, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tequila blanco, 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 1/4 cup tequila blanco, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 lb large peeled shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade and cook in batches for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, about 4 minutes total.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by dividing cooked shrimp evenly among tortillas, topping with 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup sour cream, and slices of 1 jalapeño for heat.

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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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-Spiced Tequila Shrimp Tacos?

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