Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce
Juicy shrimp marinated in tequila and lime, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant cilantro dipping sauce. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tequila, fresh lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small, seeded and chopped jalapeño
- 8, soaked in water 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tequila, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 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, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro sauce by blending 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, and 1 small seeded chopped jalapeño until smooth.
- Step 6: Serve grilled shrimp skewers hot with a side of cilantro sauce for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce?
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-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce 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-Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Sauce?
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.
