Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty shrimp marinated in tequila and lime, grilled to perfection and topped with crunchy cabbage slaw in warm tortillas. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tequila, fresh 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by dividing the grilled shrimp among the tortillas and topping with the cabbage slaw. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage 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 Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage 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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage 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 Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage 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 Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage 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.

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