Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

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

Zesty tequila-lime marinated shrimp grilled and served in warm tortillas topped with creamy avocado salsa. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs large shrimp, 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 medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 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, prepare avocado salsa by mixing 2 diced ripe avocados, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 small seeded minced jalapeño in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread 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 until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing grilled shrimp on each tortilla and topping with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa 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 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

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 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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 Shrimp Tacos with Avocado 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.

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