Spiced Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Zesty shrimp tossed in a smoky chili and tequila marinade, served inside warm tortillas with crisp cilantro lime slaw. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, tequila, chili powder 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
- 2 tbsp tequila
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tequila, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and toss to coat; marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, mix 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1 tsp honey in a separate bowl to make the slaw. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Divide shrimp evenly among tortillas and top with cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately for vibrant, fresh tacos.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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.
