Tequila-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Crema
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20 seconds until pliable.
- 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.
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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