Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
Grilled shrimp marinated in honey and lime, served on warm tortillas with a crisp cilantro slaw for bright contrast. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tequila, honey 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp tequila
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tequila, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: While shrimp marinates, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side. Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp on tortillas and topping with cilantro slaw. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Honey-Lime Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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.