Spicy Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled shrimp marinated in tequila and lime juice served in warm tortillas with a crunchy, tangy cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 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 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 3 tbsp tequila, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice in a separate bowl. Refrigerate slaw until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and brush with 2 tbsp olive oil. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing 4-5 grilled shrimp on each tortilla and topping with 2-3 tbsp of the cabbage slaw. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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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