Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce
Bright and zesty shrimp tacos marinated in tequila and lime, topped with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce that balances smoky and fresh flavors. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, 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 300 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup, loosely packed fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small, seeded and chopped jalapeño
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, shredded red cabbage
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the avocado cilantro sauce by blending 1 large ripe avocado, 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 small seeded and chopped jalapeño, and 1/2 tsp salt in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Assemble the tacos by spreading 1 tbsp avocado cilantro sauce on each tortilla, adding 3-4 cooked shrimp, and topping with 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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.
