Smoked Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Smoky tequila-marinated shrimp served in warm tortillas topped with a fresh cilantro lime slaw for a bright contrast. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, tequila, smoked paprika 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups, shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup tequila, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: While shrimp marinates, mix 2 cups shredded red cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 3 tbsp sour cream in a separate bowl. Stir until slaw is creamy and well combined. Refrigerate.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing 4-5 shrimp on each tortilla and topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Smoked Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Smoked Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Smoked Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Smoked Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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.
