Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Crema

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

Spiced shrimp marinated in tequila and lime juice, grilled and served in tortillas with a cooling cilantro crema. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 28 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tequila, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While shrimp marinates, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20 seconds until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing cooked shrimp evenly among tortillas and drizzling with cilantro crema. Optionally garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Crema take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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 Cilantro Crema?

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 from drying out.

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

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 Cilantro Crema 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 Cilantro Crema?

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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