Citrus-Spiced Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Tender shrimp marinated in zesty citrus and chili spices, pan-seared and served in warm corn tortillas with a smooth avocado crema. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs raw shrimp, tequila, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp with 2 tbsp tequila, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare avocado crema by blending 1 medium avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp water, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 small minced jalapeño until smooth and creamy; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a slight char.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing sautéed shrimp evenly among tortillas and drizzling with the prepared avocado crema. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Spiced Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema 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-Spiced Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 raw shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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 with Avocado Crema 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 with Avocado Crema?

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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