Looking for a simple meal that’s bursting with flavor? With just 6 ingredients, you can whip up this Tequila Lime Shrimp in under 30 minutes.
Using a combination of tequila, lime juice and agave you already know and love from margaritas, this delicious shrimp recipe is the food fusion you didn’t even know you needed!
Sustainable Shrimp
Shrimp is so delicious and versatile but depending on where you live, may be a seafood to consider eating in moderation. I’m lucky enough to live in a coastal community where local shrimp can be sourced sustainably by small shrimpers in season.
As far as which shrimp to buy, try to avoid imported shrimp entirely. Imported farmed shrimp is often produced in ways that are detrimental to mangrove forests and emits a high number of pollutants.
It also has to travel a long way to get to you. The most sustainable way to eat shrimp is by seeking domestic farmed shrimp. I absolutely love shrimp and find it to be such a versatile protein option for a number of dishes, including seafood pasta salad.
Green tip: Shrimp is seafood we should enjoy in moderation, as it is not the most sustainable. The best way to source your shrimp is from domestic shrimp farms (avoid imported).
Tequila Lime Shrimp Ingredients
Here’s everything you need:
- Shrimp.
- Tequila.
- Lime.
- Agave nectar or honey.
- Taco seasoning. Grab it from the store or make your own homemade taco seasoning.
Lime Tequila Shrimp Tips and Tricks
Prep Your Shrimp
I like to buy large fresh, deveined shrimp and then peel it when I’m ready to cook it. You can buy pre-peeled. This recipe does work with both fresh and frozen shrimp of any size.
If you are using frozen shrimp, you will have to defrost it first. You can do so by transferring the shrimp from the freezer to the refrigerator 24 hours beforehand.
To thaw shrimp quickly, add it to a storage bag and make sure it is sealed tightly. Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the bag of shrimp in the water for about 20-30 minutes.
Once you’ve peeled the shrimp, pat it dry with a paper towel (consider these bamboo paper towels for a more sustainable option). You can leave the tails on or peel them off, whatever your preference.
Make Your Shrimp Marinade
Add the tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and taco seasoning to a bowl and whisk to combine.
Then, add the prepped shrimp to the marinade and set it aside to soak for about 10-15 minutes. Though it may be tempting to let it soak longer, if you leave it for too long, the citrus may start to “cook” the shrimp.
Pan-Fry the Marinated Shrimp
Get oil hot in a frying pan for about 2 minutes before adding your shrimp and the marinade.
Cook the shrimp over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side, until it is pink and the marinade starts to thicken.
How to Serve Tequila Lime Shrimp
This lime tequila shrimp is bursting with flavor and pairs well with simple sides. My favorite is yellow saffron rice and some roasted broccoli.
You can use extra marinate that’s left in the pan and drizzle it over your cooked shrimp.
Here are some more delicious side ideas:
- Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato
- Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms
How to Properly Store and Reheat Leftover Shrimp with Tequila & Lime
Leftover lime tequila shrimp will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cooked shrimp can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but it’s not quite ideal as it may change texture upon reheating.
My favorite way to reheat this delicious shrimp is by throwing it back on a frying pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Get the pan hot first before adding the shrimp.
You can also microwave them in a pinch. Do so in 30 second intervals, checking each time. If you overdo them they tend to become a little rubbery, especially with the microwave.
The ideal internal temperature for cooked shrimp is 145°F.
Green tip: Of the billions of tons of food wasted annually, 50% of food waste happens at home. Reduce your contribution to food waste by properly storing and consuming leftovers.
Why this Tequila Lime Shrimp Rocks
- It’s unique. Such a fun flavor fusion!
- It’s crazy quick. Comes together in under 30 minutes, with just 5 minutes of cooking time.
- It’s super easy. Only 6 ingredients required.
If you’re loving this Tequila Lime Shrimp and want more 6-ingredient seafood recipes, check out this Almond Crusted Salmon and Spicy Tuna Salad.
6-Ingredient Tequila Lime Shrimp
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Ingredients
- ½ pound large or jumbo white shrimp (deveined)
- 2 tablespoons blanco tequila
- 4 tablespoons lime juice (1 lime = approx. 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prep your shrimp by peeling it and patting it dry with paper towels (consider these bamboo paper towels for a more sustainable option).
- To a bowl, add the lime juice, tequila, agave nectar or honey, and taco seasoning. Use a fork or whisk to stir to combine. Add the shrimp and set aside for 10-15 minutes. *
- Get the oil hot in a frying pan over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and the marinade to the pan with the oil and cook for 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp is pink and the marinade has thickened.
- Serve hot with a little extra marinade from the pan. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- *Do not marinade your shrimp for more than 15 minutes. If you do, you risk the citrus from the lime juice starting to “cook” the shrimp.
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