Grilled Tequila Lime Shrimp is fast, fresh, and full of flavor. A zesty marinade of citrus juices, fresh mint, jalapeño, and a splash of tequila infuses the shrimp with brightness and just the right amount of kick. Toss them on the grill and dinner is ready in minutes-perfect for warm-weather meals, easy entertaining, or anytime you're craving bold, fresh flavor. The tequila adds flavor and most burns off in grilling leaving the flavor behind.
The simple marinade comes together in minutes and infuses the shrimp with a zesty, slightly smoky kick. The tequila adds depth without overpowering-the alcohol cooks off on the grill, leaving behind its subtle essence. Serve with rice, tucked into tacos, or alongside grilled veggies for a fast, flavorful dinner everyone will love.
↓ Recipe
Tequila Lime Shrimp Recipe Highlights
- Fast and easy - Shrimp cook in minutes and the marinade comes together quickly.
- Big, fresh flavor - Lime, orange, mint, jalapeño, and tequila create a bright, zesty marinade.
- Flexible cooking - Grill outdoors or use a grill pan, broiler, or stovetop.
Serve the shrimp on a bed of this Mexican-style mixed vegetable rice.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Shrimp - Use large shrimp (16/20 or 13/15 size ). Peel and devein if needed. Frozen shrimp are fine, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry.
- Oil - Extra virgin olive oil gives body and flavor to the marinade.
- Jalapeño - Adds a mild, fresh heat. Remove seeds and ribs for less spice.
- Garlic - Adds punchy flavor, fresh is best here.
- Citrus - Fresh lime and orange juice give the best flavor, use bottled juices if there is no fresh citrus.
- Tequila - A splash of silver tequila adds depth and complements the citrus. Swap with mezcal for a smoky edge, or use a gold tequila for more flavor. Skip if you prefer.
- Shallot - Milder than regular onion, it adds a nice savory backbone, or use finely chopped white onion.
- Herbs - Fresh mint adds a cooling contrast-refreshing and unexpected, or use parsley or cilantro.
- Mustard - A little Dijon mustard helps the marinade emulsify and cling to the shrimp. It won't make the shrimp taste mustardy.
Please see the recipe card for measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- Try another protein - Use scallops, chunks of firm white fish such as halibut or cod, or chicken if you're not cooking seafood.
- Adjust the heat - Use serrano for more heat, poblano for milder flavor, or crushed red pepper in a pinch.
- No alcohol - Replace tequila with citrus vinegar, champagne vinegar, or extra juice.
- No tequila - Use dry white wine instead.
How to Make Tequila Lime Shrimp
First, clean your shrimp by shelling and deveining. Next add all of the marinade ingredients to a blender and buzz until smooth. Use part as a marinade and part as a sauce at serving.
Shrimp don't need long to marinate-20 to 30 minutes is plenty. Any longer and the acid from the citrus can start to "cook" the shrimp. Lastly, skewer them and grill. No grill? You can broil the shrimp on a sheet pan or sear them in a hot skillet for a similar effect. A grill pan also works well indoors.
Chef's Tip: Easy Grilling & No-Grill Options
Skewers make it easier to grill shrimp evenly and flip them quickly. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to reduce burning, or use reusable metal skewers. Skip the skewers completely and use a grill basket or perforated grill pan-they work great for hassle-free grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Tequila Lime Shrimp is incredibly versatile-serve it in a variety of ways depending on the occasion:
- Taco Night: Pile the shrimp into warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a squeezes of lime.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the shrimp and any extra clean marinade over fluffy rice, quinoa, or a grain bowl for a fresh and flavorful meal.
- Shrimp Salad: Serve chilled over a bed of greens with extra citrus wedges and a simple vinaigrette for lunch or starter.
More Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp are so easy, fast, and endlessly versatile in terms of style.
Please Leave a Comment
If you make tequila lime shrimp, please let me know how you made them. I love hearing from you ad your comment help other readers.
This recipe first appeared on my site way back in 2010.
📖 Recipe
Tequila Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
Tequila lime marinade
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons silver tequila
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small jalapeno pepper seeded and finely chopped
- 1 large garlic clove finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Shrimp
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, shell on or peeled and deveined
Instructions
Peel and devein shrimp (if needed)
- If the shrimp are shell-on, peel and with a paring knife, make a shallow slice in the curved back and remove any debris.
Make the Vinaigrette
- Add all ingredients to the blender and blend.
Marinate the Shrimp
- Place shrimp in a ziploc bag and add ¾ cup of the marinade. Turn shrimp to coat and allow to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Grill the Shrimp
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium heat. Remove shrimp from bag and discard marinade. Grill shrimp until pink on both sides. They cook quickly, in just a few minutes. Timing depends on the size of your shrimp. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Serve with extra clean marinade as a sauce (its basically a vinaigrette). For garnish sprinkle extra chopped cilantro and a few thinly sliced jalapeno pieces around the edge. Add a lime quarter to each plate.
Notes
Nutrition
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Lisa Lowery says
I made this recipe over the weekend when we had all of our family over for Sunday dinner. It was amazing! I can't say enough about the flavors and how delicious it was. Everyone else loved it as well. It's easy to make and the ingredients are readily available. I pre-made the dressing and when it was time to cook, it was ready to go.
I've tried other recipes for shrimp and I am pretty sure this is the best. I passed the recipe along to my sister and she is going to try it with chicken. I'm sure it will be just as delicious.
Thank you, Sally!!! You are amazing!
Helen Endter says
You certainly have a talent that blesses others! Can't wait to try your tempting recipe. Thanks for the thorough directions.
Michelle K says
Yummy! Looks so delicious - plated so beautifully. Yeah Sally! Love the recent blog additions.
rachelle boucher says
I love it! What great pictures and YES your recipe was delicious!