Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro
Grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty honey, lime, and tequila mixture, spiced with chili powder and fresh cilantro for a vibrant taste. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 33 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 180 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 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers soaked in water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with grill marks.
- Step 5: Remove from grill, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp, and serve immediately with lime wedges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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 Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro?
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 Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro?
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 Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro 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 Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Skewers with Chili and Cilantro?
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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