Tequila Lime Shrimp
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Loaded with flavor thanks to seasoned shrimp and a tequila lime sauce, Tequila Lime Shrimp has a bright lime flavor with a hint of spice. This recipe only takes 10 minutes to make and it’s perfect to eat on its own, use for shrimp tacos, or even make a blackened shrimp taco bowl.
Say the word tequila and I’m in! Often called “drunken shrimp,” Tequila Lime Shrimp is a Mexican-style shrimp served with tequila lime sauce. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on who’s reading this) the alcohol cooks out of the shrimp so it’s just a playful name.
Shrimp are one of my favorite proteins. They’re super healthy also extremely versatile so I love coming up with new and different ways to flavor them. This drunken shrimp cooks in less than 10 minutes and is mega delicious so it just might be my favorite.
If you love shrimp as much as I do, you’ll want to give these Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, these Sheet Pan Shrimp, or these Air Fryer Shrimp And Peppers a try next!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The flavor: Spicy, sweet, and citrus join forces to create the most mouth-watering drunken shrimp.
- The (lack of) effort: This recipe takes only 10 minutes to make but creates endless meal options! My favorite is using it for these blackened shrimp tacos with mango pineapple salsa.
- The tequila: Tequila (or mezcal, depending on which you use) makes this shrimp recipe super unique and, along with the jalapeños adds a fun spicy margarita-inspired element!
Ingredients You Will Need
- Shrimp: Use jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined for the best flavor.
- Tequila: Use a blanco tequila (you don’t need a super-aged tequila) or whatever you have on hand. You can also use mezcal (more on that below!).
- Seasonings: Mexican flavors like paprika, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar for a tiny touch of sweetness that will help balance the spice and citrus.
- Fresh ingredients – Garlic, lime, jalapeño, and cilantro (PS – if these flavors are your thing, you have to try my Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili).
*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.
How to make tequila lime shrimp
Step 1: Season the shrimp. Sprinkle the shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp. Sauté the garlic until fragrant then arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Make the tequila lime sauce. Flip the shrimp, then add the lime juice, tequila, and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes or until shrimp are opaque.
Step 4: Serve. Remove the tequila lime shrimp from the heat and top with lime zest and cilantro.
Recipe Tips
- Use a heavy bottom pan or cast iron skillet to cook the shrimp.
- When the shrimp turn pink or are no longer translucent, you will know they are done. To char on the edges, cook 90% on one side and then flip.
- If you want to add some heat to the recipe, add some of the jalapeño seeds to the skillet while cooking.
Recipe fAQ’s
Yes, you can use either mezcal or tequila for this drunken shrimp recipe. Using mezcal will give you a smokier flavor (which I actually prefer!)
I like to serve this drunken shrimp recipe folded into tortillas for spicy shrimp tacos and top with Avocado Mango Salsa, Fish Taco Slaw, or Guacamole.
You could also serve the shrimp over rice and add your favorite toppings for a fun bowl.
The shrimp will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Reheat the shrimp gently in a hot skillet for best results, microwaving is not recommended.
Calories will vary recipe to recipe, but this one has 176 calories per serving.
Love Shrimp? Here are more recipes to try:
If you tried this Tequila Lime Shrimp or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Tequila Lime Shrimp
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp tequila, or Mezcal
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lime, juice and zest
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar.1 lb jumbo shrimp,, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy bottomed pan medium high heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, cook for 3-4 minutes, and flip.1 tbsp olive oil, 2 large garlic cloves,
- Immediately after flipping the shrimp, add the lime juice, mezcal, and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes or until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.2 tbsp tequila,, 1 lime,, 1 jalapeño,
- Remove from heat and top with lime zest and cilantro.1/2 cup fresh cilantro,, 1 lime,
Notes
- Use a heavy bottom pan or cast iron skillet to cook the shrimp.
- When the shrimp turn pink or are no longer translucent, you will know they are done. To char on the edges, cook 90% on one side and then flip.
- If you want to add some heat to the recipe, add some of the jalapeño seeds to the skillet while cooking.
