This Honey Tequila Lime Shrimp is a zesty delight! Juicy shrimp are paired with a sweet honey and tangy lime glaze, making every bite full of flavor. Yum!
I love making this for a quick dinner or a fun gathering. Just grill or sauté the shrimp, and you have a tasty dish ready in no time. Easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are great for this dish because they hold up well to cooking. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work just as well—just make sure to thaw them first!
Honey: Honey provides a nice sweetness. If you’re vegan or need a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can do the trick nicely.
Tequila: The tequila adds a unique flavor. If you want to avoid alcohol, you can use chicken broth or a mix of lime juice and a hint of vanilla extract instead.
Lime: Lime juice is key for that tangy kick. If limes are not available, lemon juice can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives brightness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be used instead, or you can simply leave it out.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Follow these tips to ensure they’re perfectly tender:
- Heat the skillet properly before adding shrimp. This gives them a nice sear.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This helps them cook evenly.
- Shrimp is done when they turn pink and opaque, usually in about 2 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them!
Remember to remove them from heat just as they turn pink. They’ll continue to cook slightly from residual heat. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Honey Tequila Lime Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup tequila
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and delicious meal that can be ready in just about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, tequila, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and create a flavorful marinade for the shrimp.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to leave them too long, or the acidity from the lime can start to “cook” them!
3. Heat the Pan:
While the shrimp is marinating, heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. It should be hot but not smoking.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Once the pan is hot, take the shrimp out of the marinade (but don’t throw away the marinade). Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and start to develop a nice char.
5. Add the Marinade:
After the shrimp are seared, pour the reserved marinade into the pan. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and glaze the shrimp beautifully.
6. Finish with Cilantro:
Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and gently toss everything to make sure the shrimp are well-coated in the sauce.
7. Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and serve the Honey Tequila Lime Shrimp immediately with lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. Enjoy with rice, tacos, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Enjoy this vibrant, sweet-and-tangy dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can refrigerate them overnight or quickly thaw them by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili flakes. You can always add a little spice at the end with a dash of hot sauce if desired, so it’s easier to control that heat!
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Sure! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance. Just keep the marinated shrimp in the fridge, and cook them right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed hot by reheating in a skillet over medium heat, but leftover shrimp are also fantastic cold in a salad or wrap!