Tequila-Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos

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

Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in tequila and lime, served in warm tortillas with fresh slaw and avocado. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, blanco tequila, 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup blanco tequila, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat well, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While shrimp marinates, mix 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl to create a fresh slaw; set aside.
  4. Step 4: 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.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp on tortillas, topping with the cabbage slaw and slices from 1 ripe avocado, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos 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 Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos?

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 Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos 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 Marinated Grilled Shrimp Tacos?

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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