Tequila-Infused Citrus Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Soft corn tortillas loaded with tequila-marinated shrimp, fresh citrus slaw, and a silky avocado crema for a vibrant taco night. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tequila, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 3 tbsp tequila
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3 tbsp tequila, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: While shrimp marinates, prepare the avocado crema by blending 1 medium avocado, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque with slight caramelization.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: In a bowl, toss together 1 cup shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos by spreading 1 tbsp avocado crema on each tortilla, topping with 3-4 shrimp, then a handful of citrus slaw. Serve immediately for a bright and flavorful taco experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila-Infused Citrus Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 31 minutes (25 min prep + 6 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 Tequila-Infused Citrus Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 Tequila-Infused Citrus Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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 Tequila-Infused Citrus Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema 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 Tequila-Infused Citrus Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema?
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.
