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Tequila Lime Shrimp Bowls are deliciously fresh and simple to make any day of the week! You’ll love the bold tangy flavor and spices of the sauce and shrimp in this recipe; layered on a bed of cilantro lime slaw. Less than 20 minutes and one pan is all you need!
A Lighter Version of Tequila Lime Shrimp
Reader request alert!! This is my time to let you all know how much I love hearing from you and your ideas for a recipe creation. Recently, a reader reached out to tell me how much she enjoyed a Tequila Lime Shrimp Tostada at a restaurant. She sent me the ingredients so I would have an idea of the tastes she fell in love with, and wanted a “lightened up” variation.
As a nutritionist, re-creating a lightened up version of restaurant dishes is one of my favorite meals to create! I get so much inspiration from eating out– this was definitely a project I wanted to tackle. So with ingredients in hand, I set out to re-create something that I know you are all going to LOVE!!! If you enjoy easy shrimp recipes with bold flavor and a healthier twist, this one’s for you!
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Bowl
- Weeknight eating favorite – This Tequila Lime Shrimp is perfect for those weeknights when you need something lightening fast, and loaded with flavor to make your tastebuds happy.
- Taco Tuesday twist – If you want to mix it up from a typical Taco Tuesday, this is the perfect recipe to make.
- Great for company – I love making this dish for company too! It’s easy to make so you aren’t in the kitchen all day, but it’s an absolute crowd pleaser. A large bowl of this tequila shrimp is the perfect dish for any dinner party!
How to make Tequila Lime Shrimp Bowls
First off, I did try this recipe a few different ways. I wanted to see if marinating the shrimp made any difference in the end product. When comparing the two variations, I couldn’t tell. I honestly think cooking on the spot without the marinade is not only faster, but makes for an amazing sauce!
Ingredients
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Avocado oil or olive oil
- garlic cloves
- salt and pepper
- cumin
- Tequila
- lime juice
- Jalapeno (optional)
- freshly chopped cabbage
- fresh cilantro
- red onion or pickled onion (see below how to pickle red onions)
The Directions:
Honestly, this recipe couldn’t be easier. We start by heating a large skillet to medium high heat. Be sure to add salt, pepper, and cumin to the shrimp before placing in the pan. Add in the oil and garlic once hot. Saute for only a minute, then toss in the shrimp.
Cook the shrimp for just 2 minutes, and flip over. At this point toss in the tequila and lime juice, and the jalapeño (if using). Once the alcohol cooks off and the shrimp is opaque, remove from heat! Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top.
You can easily be done with the recipe here, but I made a quick slaw to serve on top as a fresh, crunchy addition. The tequila/lime mixture is also poured on top of the slaw for more flavor.
Adaptations:
This tequila lime shrimp recipe is so customizable! There are so many ways to make it your own.
- What can I use to replace the shrimp? If you do not like shrimp, you could make this dish with chicken breast or your favorite white fish. It would also be delicious with salmon. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time as needed!
- What can I add? You can fill out your bowl with ingredients like bell peppers, black beans, and corn. For some extra heat and smoke, add a teaspoon of chili powder to your shrimp. You can even add some lime zest for some additional citrus flavor.
- What can I use to replace the tequila? Some people like to abstain from alcohol altogether, even in food. You can simply omit, and add an additional tablespoon of lime juice. It will still taste delicious!
- Can I serve over something else other than slaw? YES! My Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice would be perfect for this recipe. You can also place in a tortilla for traditional tacos or use it as the protein in a taco salad. Feel free to even serve it in pasta.
- Can I grill the shrimp? YES!! You can easily use the tequila and lime juice for a quick marinade, and then grill the shrimp over direct medium heat for about 5 minutes (may need up to 7 minutes)
How to Make Pickled Red Onion
I sliced up red onion very thinly on my mandolin. I heated up some warm water and mixed 1/4 cup warm water with 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. I then placed onions, the warm water with 3/4 cup white wine vinegar into a jar (or bowl). Let it sit for an hour or so. These are so delicious for many things!!
Storage
If you have leftovers of your tequila lime shrimp bowls, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tequila Lime Shrimp Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil, divided
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 5 tbsp fresh lime juice, divided
- 2 tbsp Tequila
- 1 jalapeno, (de-seeded and diced, optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup pickled red onion or red onion, (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large cast iron skillet to medium high heat. While you wait for the pan to heat up, season the shrimp. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, and cumin. Pour evenly over the shrimp.
- Once the pan is hot, add 1 tbsp oil, then the garlic. Cook for less than 1 minute, then toss in the shrimp. Cook the shrimp on one side for 2-3 minutes, then flip over.
- After flipping over the shrimp, add 2 tbsp lime juice and tequila to the hot skillet. Mix around with a wooden spoon, deglazing the pan from the seaoninings and garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until shrimp is opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and top with 1/4 cup cilantro.
- Meanwhile, make the slaw (if using). Toss together the cabbage, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 tbsp oil, 3 tbsp lime juice, and the red onion. Sprinkle with some sea salt.
- Toss shrimp and the tequlia lime juice on top of the slaw and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is the perfect hot summer night easy dinner. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was different enough from our usual fare that my husband was excited to try something new. Very flavorful and super easy.
SOOO good! My husband & I both enjoyed this meal. I served it with the Cauliflower Cilantro Lime rice.
Sounds amazing. cant wait to make
Question – dont you have to use vinegar to pickle red onions?
delete that! I see it — sorry 🙂
No worries! I was just about to write that it is in the blog post, but not in the actual recipe. I can change that!
Can we substitute the shrimp for chicken?
Absolutely!! Chicken would be be a great alternative. I would cut into bite sized pieces and cook them in a skillet. It will take a bit longer than the shrimp, but still yummy!!