Tequila Lime Shrimp is a zesty, mouthwatering dish that’s quick to make! Juicy shrimp are marinated in a delightful mix of tequila, lime juice, and spices.
This dish makes my dinner parties a hit! I love how the flavors come together in just minutes. It pairs perfectly with rice or tacos for a bright and tasty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the best choice for this recipe. If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp work well too. Just thaw them completely before marinating. For a different protein, you can use scallops or chicken instead.
Tequila: A good quality tequila enhances the flavor. If you want to avoid alcohol, try using a splash of lime juice or broth for a similar zest without the kick.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key for a bright taste, but bottled lime juice can be a fast substitute in a pinch. Remember, the flavor will be fresher with the real thing!
Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin provide depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even cayenne can work. Adjust the amounts based on your heat preference!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Shrimp?
Marinating shrimp is a quick process, but timing is everything! To make the most of your flavors, follow these tips:
- Combine ingredients for the marinade and whisk them well before adding the shrimp. This ensures even coating.
- Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Over-marinating can lead to a mushy texture because of the acid in the lime juice.
- Discard any leftover marinade before cooking to avoid excess liquid in the pan!
Tequila Lime Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp tequila
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Lime slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 to 30 minutes marinating time. Cooking the shrimp will take around 5-6 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at about 35 minutes to have a delicious shrimp dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and optional cayenne pepper. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until the marinade is well mixed.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the time—don’t marinate too long, or the shrimp may start to “cook” from the lime juice!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer, and be sure to discard any leftover marinade. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until they turn opaque. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred and golden brown.
4. Finishing Touch:
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, remove them from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish the shrimp with extra chopped cilantro and lime slices. Serve immediately as a main dish, in tacos, or as a delicious appetizer. Enjoy your bright, tangy, and slightly smoky Tequila Lime Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, feel free to add more cayenne or a dash of your favorite hot sauce after cooking!
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
While the shrimp are best fresh, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the shrimp shortly before cooking. Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What Should I Serve with Tequila Lime Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or in tacos. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal!