These Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos combine the rich, bold flavor of tequila with the tangy, fresh flavor of lime juice for a summer-inspired recipe that’s perfect for taco night.
I've had the same bottle of tequila in my freezer for more than two years now. My fiancé and I got it back in 2021 to make margaritas in celebration of buying our first house. Although I don't drink tequila often, I do love using it in cooking. It gives summer-inspired marinades, like the one in this tequila lime shrimp taco recipe, such a wonderful richness and depth of flavor.
When I first shared this recipe in 2022, I originally wrote it for grilling the shrimp. But today, I'm updating it to give you the option to grill or sauté the shrimp on the stove. I tend to prefer sautéing because of how quick and easy it is, especially when it's too cold to cook outside. However, if you're craving that charred, smoky flavor, go for grilling instead.
I often make these tequila lime shrimp tacos on weeknights throughout the summer because they're ready in just 30 minutes but still packed with tons of flavor. They’re also great for Cinco de Mayo or summer dinner parties with friends.
This is one of my all-time favorite taco recipes. I hope you and your family love it as much as I do!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.
- Shrimp- Use two pounds of extra jumbo shrimp, which typically come in packages containing 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. You can use either fresh or thawed frozen shrimp - both work great!
- Tequila- Choose your favorite tequila to add a unique depth of flavor to the shrimp marinade. To make this recipe without alcohol, substitute the tequila for more lime juice.
- Lime Juice & Zest- Using both lime zest and freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, tangy citrus flavor to these shrimp tacos.
- Cilantro- Fresh cilantro adds an herby flavor that pairs well with the other marinade ingredients.
- Garlic- Grating or finely mincing the garlic allows its flavor to blend more easily into the marinade.
- Honey- A touch of honey balances the acidity of the lime and tequila.
- Olive Oil- Coats the shrimp to prevent them from sticking to the skillet or the grill.
- Seasonings- A mix of chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and kosher salt adds a mild heat and a touch of smokiness to the marinade.
🌱 Sustainability Tip: Don't toss those shrimp shells! Instead, save them to make shrimp stock, perfect for using in dishes like risotto, scampi, soup, and more.
How to Make Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos
Here is how to make shrimp tacos with tequila lime marinade.
Step 1: Prepare the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, tequila, olive oil, honey, garlic, cilantro, and seasonings.
Step 2: Marinate the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Add the shrimp to the marinade mixture in the bowl. Toss the shrimp to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and any excess marinade to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. If you're using a grill, thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them over high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, while occasionally basting them with the marinade. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate.
Step 4: Assemble the tacos. Warm the tortillas in a skillet, on the grill, or in the microwave. Place a 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla. Add your favorite toppings, such as red cabbage slaw, cilantro garlic sauce, salsa, and guacamole. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients. For the best flavor, grate your own lime zest, squeeze your own lime juice, and chop fresh cilantro - it makes a big difference!
- Don't let the shrimp marinate for too long. Shrimp is delicate and only needs about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors. If you marinate it for over 2 hours, it can start to break down and turn mushy.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook fast! Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Warm tortillas before serving. This makes them soft and easy to fold, so they won't tear when you make your tacos.
What to Serve with Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos
Taco night is all about the toppings! For shrimp tacos, I love keeping it simple with red cabbage slaw, fresh tomato salsa, and homemade guacamole.
For side dishes, try cilantro lime rice, tortilla chips, cornbread, or sautéed sweet potatoes. And if you really want to make taco night extra special, try making your own homemade tortillas (these sourdough discard tortillas are my personal favorite).
How to Store
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store leftover shrimp and other taco fillings separately from the tortillas. The cooked shrimp can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Let's Connect!
Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].
📖 Recipe
Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos
Equipment
- Bamboo skewers (optional for grilling)
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Zest from 1 lime
- ¼ cup (about 2 limes) lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic grated or finely minced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro roughly chopped
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Tacos
- 2 pounds raw extra jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 10 small tortillas warmed
- Toppings of choice see instructions for suggestions
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, tequila, olive oil, honey, garlic, cilantro, and seasonings.Zest from 1 lime, ¼ cup (about 2 limes) lime juice, 2 tablespoons tequila, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ tablespoon honey, 1 clove garlic, 2 tablespoons cilantro, ½ tablespoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Add the shrimp to the marinade mixture in the bowl. Toss the shrimp to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.2 pounds raw extra jumbo shrimp
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and any excess marinade to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. If you're using a grill, thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them over high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, while occasionally basting them with the marinade. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet, on the grill, or in the microwave. Place a 3-4 shrimp on each tortilla. Add your favorite toppings, such as red cabbage slaw, salsa, and guacamole. Serve immediately and enjoy!10 small tortillas, Toppings of choice
Notes
- Quick Tip: Don't marinate the shrimp for longer than 2 hours or it may begin to break down and turn mushy.
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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