Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated in tequila and lime, grilled to perfection, then served in corn tortillas with a crisp cilantro and cabbage slaw. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp (peeled and deveined), tequila blanco, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup tequila blanco, 3 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. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp lime zest in a bowl. Stir until well combined and refrigerate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by dividing the grilled shrimp evenly and topping with the cilantro slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 blanco from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro 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 Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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