Tequila Shrimp is a bold and flavorful dish where succulent shrimp are marinated in tequila, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of spice, creating a deliciously tangy base. Paired with a fresh salad or served over rice.
What is Tequila Shrimp?
Tequila shrimp is a flavorful shrimp dish where the shrimp are cooked in a sauce made with tequila, lime juice, garlic, and a blend of spices. The tequila imparts a subtle warmth, while the lime adds a refreshing citrus kick, creating a balance of flavors that complements the shrimp beautifully. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend get-togethers.
The dish can be prepared on the stovetop, and its simple ingredients come together to create a complex, tantalizing taste. Paired with a chilled glass of margarita or a light white wine, tequila shrimp will transport your taste buds to a coastal fiesta.
Ingredients for Tequila Shrimp
To make tequila shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Tequila: A good-quality tequila, preferably blanco, works best for this recipe.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the citrusy zing.
- Chili Flakes: For a bit of heat, a pinch of red chili flakes can make a big difference.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the shrimp and creating a base for the sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the shrimp and sauce to taste.
- Fresh Cilantro: To garnish and add a touch of freshness.
Optional ingredients:
Tequila Lime Marinade: For an extra kick, marinate the shrimp in tequila and lime juice before cooking.
Honey: For a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lime.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tequila Shrimp
Optional Marinade: If you have time, marinate the shrimp in tequila and lime juice for 15-20 minutes before cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on them as they cook and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key to bringing the zesty flavor into the dish. Bottled lime juice often lacks the vibrancy that freshly squeezed juice provides.
Tequila Quality Matters: While you don’t need to use top-shelf tequila, opt for a mid-range blanco tequila for the best balance of flavors in your sauce.
Variations of Tequila Shrimp
Tequila shrimp can be easily customized to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations to try:
Creamy Tequila Shrimp: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce to make it creamy and rich.
Spicy Tequila Shrimp: Add more chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the tequila-lime sauce for an extra kick.
Tequila Lime Shrimp Tacos: Use the tequila shrimp as a filling for soft corn tortillas, topped with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Tequila Shrimp Pasta: Toss the tequila shrimp with cooked pasta for a hearty and flavorful main dish.
How to Store Tequila Shrimp
Tequila shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Be sure not to overheat them to maintain their tender texture.
How to Serve Tequila Shrimp
Tequila shrimp is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:
- With Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice or cilantro lime rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- On a Salad: Top a fresh salad with tequila shrimp for a light and flavorful meal.
- As an Appetizer: Serve tequila shrimp as a starter with some crusty bread to dip in the sauce.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Pair it with grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for tequila shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly fine for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I make tequila shrimp ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce separately in advance, then combine them right before serving to avoid overcooking.
What kind of tequila should I use for this recipe?
A blanco or silver tequila works best for tequila shrimp. These types of tequila have a clean, crisp flavor that blends well with the lime and spices.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the tequila with a combination of lime juice and chicken broth for a similar flavor profile.
Tequila Shrimp
Tequila Shrimp is a bold and flavorful dish where succulent shrimp are marinated in tequila, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of spice, creating a deliciously tangy base. Paired with a fresh salad or served over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tequila
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and diced
- 1 lime, juice and zest
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, season shrimp with pepper, paprika, brown sugar, salt, cumin, and chili powder.
- Heat large pan on medium high heat. Add oil, once hot. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Single layer the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side or until cooked through.
- Add the lime juice, jalapeño and tequila. Stir cook for 2-3 minutes or until cooked through and opaque.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a serving plate. Top with lime zest and freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 190Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 239mgSodium 1238mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 26g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Conclusion
Tequila shrimp is an exciting and delicious dish that brings the flavors of tequila and lime together in a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a show-stopping appetizer at your next dinner party, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, grab your tequila, your shrimp, and your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a taste of coastal bliss in the comfort of your own home!
