Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in tequila and lime juice, topped with a fresh mango salsa to create vibrant, flavorful tacos perfect for a summer meal. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 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 250 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
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 8 corn tortillas
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Step 3: While shrimp marinates, combine 1 diced small mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl to prepare the mango salsa. Set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos by distributing grilled shrimp evenly among tortillas and topping with mango salsa. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Tacos with Mango Salsa?
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 Tacos with Mango Salsa?
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 Mango Salsa 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 Mango Salsa?
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.