Home – Recipes – Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos with Grilled BBQ Flavors and Fresh Salsa
First Posted May 9, 2025 | Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by BBQ Pit Master
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If you’re looking for a vibrant and tantalizing dish to spice up your next meal, look no further than these Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos.
Bursting with flavor, they are perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy dinner at home.
The combination of tequila and lime creates a delightful marinade that infuses the shrimp with a zesty kick, making each bite a refreshing experience.
These tacos are not just about flavor; they’re also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and a quick grilling time, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time.
Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a relaxed evening in, these Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos are sure to impress your guests.
Flavorful Ingredients for Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos
The key to crafting the perfect Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos lies in selecting fresh and vibrant ingredients. The star of the dish, large shrimp, should be peeled and deveined, ensuring a tender bite.
The marinade, a delightful blend of tequila and fresh lime juice, plays a pivotal role. It infuses the shrimp with a zesty and aromatic flavor that elevates the entire taco experience.
Olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin add depth and warmth, creating a well-rounded taste profile.
Fresh toppings like shredded cabbage and creamy avocado slices not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the taco’s visual appeal.
Garnishing with bright green cilantro and serving with lime wedges ensures every bite bursts with freshness.
Preparation Steps to Perfection
Preparing Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos is straightforward and efficient, making it ideal for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Start by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of tequila, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. This process can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak up all the flavors.
While the shrimp marinates, preheat your grill. Once ready, grill the shrimp for just a few minutes on each side until they turn opaque. This quick cooking method keeps them juicy and flavorful.
Assembling the Tacos
Once the shrimp are perfectly grilled, the next step is to assemble the tacos.
Warm your tortillas briefly on the grill for added softness. Then, place the grilled shrimp into the tortillas, layering on generous amounts of shredded cabbage and sliced avocado.
The final touch is a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, which adds a burst of color and flavor, making these tacos not only delicious but also visually stunning.
The Perfect Pairing: Serving Suggestions
Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos are best enjoyed with lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh lime juice over their tacos before taking a bite.
For a delightful dining experience, pair these tacos with a simple side of black beans or a refreshing corn salad.
A light Mexican beer or a margarita complements the tacos wonderfully, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making for a festive meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover shrimp or toppings, storing them properly can extend their freshness.
Place the grilled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. For best results, store the toppings separately to maintain their texture.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the shrimp gently and assemble your tacos again for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos with Grilled BBQ Flavors and Fresh Salsa
Author BBQ Pit Master
These tacos feature marinated shrimp grilled to perfection, wrapped in soft tortillas, and topped with fresh ingredients.
The taste is a delightful balance of citrusy lime and smoky grilled shrimp, complemented by the crunch of cabbage and the creaminess of avocado.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup tequila
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn or flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine tequila, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and place them on the grill. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
Warm the Tortillas: While the shrimp are grilling, warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
Assemble the Tacos: Remove the shrimp from skewers and place them in the warm tortillas. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
Serve: Squeeze lime juice over the tacos and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Fat: 15g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Brief Background
These tacos blend zesty tequila-lime marinated shrimp with smoky grilled BBQ flavor, inspired by coastal Mexican cuisine.
The combo of citrus, spice, and charred seafood makes them a fresh, flavorful favorite for summer cookouts and casual gatherings.
Grilling Tips or Variations
Use skewers or a grill basket: Shrimp are small and cook fast—this prevents them from falling through the grates.
Preheat the grill: A hot grill (medium-high heat) gives you quick sear marks without overcooking.
Don’t over-marinate: Limit marinating to 15–30 minutes to avoid breaking down the shrimp texture.
Brush with marinade: Reserve a bit of the marinade (before adding raw shrimp) to brush on during grilling for extra flavor.
Quick cook time: Grill shrimp 2–3 minutes per side—pull them off as soon as they turn opaque.
Tasty Variations
Tropical twist: Add diced grilled pineapple or mango salsa for a sweet and smoky contrast.
Spicy crema: Mix chipotle in adobo with sour cream or mayo for a spicy taco sauce.
Corn tortillas: Lightly char them on the grill for an authentic BBQ finish.
Tequila-free version: Substitute fresh orange juice for a kid-friendly marinade.
Crunch factor: Top with slaw, pickled onions, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture.
1. Does the alcohol in the tequila cook off?
Yes, when grilling or sautéing the shrimp, the alcohol cooks off quickly, leaving behind flavor without the alcohol content.
2. How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp for 15–30 minutes. Longer marinating can break down the texture due to the citrus and alcohol.
3. Can I cook the shrimp on a grill?
Yes, grilling adds a great smoky BBQ flavor. Use skewers or a grill basket to prevent the shrimp from falling through the grates.
4. What toppings go well with these tacos?
Try shredded cabbage, avocado, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. A chipotle crema or spicy mayo also works well.
5. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before marinating and grilling for best texture and flavor.
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.
