A Delicious Tequila Lime Shrimp Marinade with Fresh Cilantro

I personally think one of the best ways to enjoy shrimp is in a taco. These tacos are bright, light, and absolutely delicious. The shrimp marinates in tequila, olive oil, shallot, garlic, cilantro, and spices. Then it’s cooked in the marinade and hit with a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. In true small batch recipe fashion, this recipe makes four tacos which is perfect for two people to share.

Ingredients for Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos:

For the Tequila Shrimp Marinade:

• 2 tbsp. Silver Tequila
• 1 tbsp. minced Garlic
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped Shallot
• 1/8 tsp. Cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp. Lime Zest
• pinch of Salt (to taste)
• 1/2 lb. Shrimp (best quality, cleaned and deveined)
• 2 Lime wedges

I don’t use lime juice in the marinade because it will cook the shrimp and potentially cause it to be too chewy. If you’d like to add fresh lime juice, I recommend adding about 1 teaspoon into the marinade about 30 minutes before you cook the shrimp. The flavor of the lime will be perfect in the marinade, and it won’t sit on the shrimp long enough to cook it!

For the Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos:

• Arugula or chopped Romaine
• Crumbled Cotija or Feta Cheese
• finely chopped Cilantro
• fresh Limes
• four 6″ taco-size Tortillas (Corn or Flour)

The tequila lime shrimp can be used in a variety of dishes: tacos, quesadillas, salads, and rice bowls are some of my favorites! These tacos are especially good with a touch of crumbled cheese (like cotija or feta), arugula (which I love in salads – like this Ground Turkey Taco Salad or this Brussels Sprouts, Arugula, and Shrimp Salad), and more fresh cilantro.

How to make these Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos:

• Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.*
• Add the shrimp and toss to coat in the marinade.
• Cover and refrigerate for 1-4 hours.
• Remove the marinated shrimp from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature 15 minutes before cooking.
• Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and all of the marinade to the pan. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp is pink and cooked through and the marinade is reduced.
• Turn the heat and toss the shrimp in the reduced marinade. Squeeze in the juice from the lime wedges and stir it into the shrimp.
• Serve immediately on warmed tortillas** with desired toppings.

*You could also combine all of the marinade ingredients and shrimp in a large zip-top bag, seal it shut, and massage the marinade into the shrimp before refrigerating

**Warm tortillas in a dry pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or in the microwave for about 30 total seconds.

How Long Can You Keep Tequila Lime Shrimp Marinade?

I don’t recommend letting the shrimp marinate for longer than four hours. Shrimp meat is much more delicate than other proteins, and the marinade will eventually start to break down the shrimp if they sit for too long.

Other Taco Recipes for Two People:

• Spicy Baja Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
• Honey Chipotle Chicken Tacos for Two
• Simple Fish Tacos with Crunchy Red Cabbage Slaw
• Mediterranean Chicken, Hummus, and Kale “Tacos”
• spicy salmon tacos : a small batch recipe.

I hope you love these Tequila Shrimp Tacos! If you make them and enjoy them, I would really appreciate a rating and comment below. If you take a picture and post it on Instagram, be sure to tag me so I can see! As always, feel free to reach out to me via email if you have any questions at all.

xx Sara