A fast and easy weeknight dinner, serve this tequila lime shrimp with warm corn tortillas, over rice or tossed with pasta.
Last month I was invited to travel to Tecate, Mexico to experience Rancho La Puerta, a health and fitness spa. Located in Baja California, it is about a 45 minute drive from the San Diego airport.
Focused on wellness, exercise and nutrition, each day was filled with activities, events and meals that left you feeling happy, satisfied and rejuvenated. It was unlike any trip to Mexico I’ve ever encountered in the past.
One of the highlights of the trip was bringing along my dear friend Monique from Ambitious Kitchen. A fellow health and fitness foodie, I couldn’t have invited anyone better to join me for this experience.
During our stay we had the opportunity to attend two hands-on cooking classes at La Cocina Que Canta Cooking School located just a couple miles away from the ranch on an organic farm.
We had a chance to tour the farm and pick produce for our meal with one of the head gardeners, Salvador. I will never forget the sweet, spicy and crunchy freshly picked organic radishes he let us sample.
One of the dishes that I was in charge of was a simple yet flavorful tequila lime shrimp. The star of the dish? Pureed ancho chili peppers. It literally comes together in 20 minutes or less and is ideal for stuffing in tortillas or serving over rice or pasta.
Perfect for a girlfriends getaway or multi-generation family vacation, I can’t recommend Rancho La Puerta enough. With limited wifi access and a wide variety of fitness offerings for all levels, there is no way you won’t come home refreshed, relaxed and with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.
Of course, I must also tell you about the food. You can read more about the resort’s culinary philosophy here but it is a heavy focus on plant-based protein, eggs, seafood, fresh vegetables, homemade salsas and ancient grains (i.e. quinoa, freekeh, etc.) Did I mention the breakfast tacos and fresh guava throughout the resort? Heaven.
In the meantime, you must make this Tequila Lime Shrimp recipe to get an authentic taste of my recent trip to Mexico. it comes together in just 20 minutes and is a true testament to how delicious and easy healthy eating can be at home.
Your fork is waiting.
Authentic Tequila Lime Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (raw)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 dried ancho chili peppers (stems and seeds removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (grated)
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Sprinkle the shrimp evenly with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Place the dried chilis in a medium bowl and cover with boiling water. Steep chilis in the hot water until softened, about 20 minutes.
- Puree softened chilis and 1/2 cup of the steeping liquid in a food processor or blender until smooth and set aside.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil to the pan. Stir in garlic and warm until fragrant, about 15 seconds, being careful not to burn.
- Add shrimp to the pan, without over crowding, and heat for 90 seconds per side. The minute the shrimp turns pink, it is cooked so be careful not to over cook. It shouldn't take more than 3-4 minutes total. Remove cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Stir the tequila into the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon to deglaze any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the cooked shrimp along with the pureed chilis and lime juice to the pan. Bring to a simmer then reduce to low and heat for 4-5 minutes or until warmed through.
- Right before serving, finish the shrimp with butter and stir until melted through. Check for seasoning and add more salt or pepper to taste.
- Serve with warmed tortillas, rice or tossed into pasta if you wish.
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Katie
I tried this dish last night and followed all steps – it is OK, but not great. The ancho chillies have a very earthy taste to them and overall the dish lacks flavor.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m sorry you didn’t love this Katie! Did you properly season with salt?
Yoli Uriarte
I cooked onion, tomatoes, and garlic. I added redchili flakes then added tequila cooked alcohol out. Added lemon zest and juice of same lemon. Added shrimp to cook with salt n pepper and added garlic butter at the very end to thicken to a creamy sauce.
Liz DellaCroce
That sounds amazing!
Maggie Unzueta
This dish looks SO deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right now!
VERONICA
What size shrimp do you use in your recipe?
Liz DellaCroce
I usually use 21-30 :)
Joanie @ ZagLeft
I think I really need to visit this place. It looks so relaxing and invigorating. It looks like you had a wonderful time. I love the simplicity of this dish, easy, full of flavor and a meal I know my family would love.
Liz DellaCroce
You would love it there – I hope you get to experience it one day soon!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
Oh gosh, many years ago (when I lived in SD), I was invited to experience Rancho La Puerta and wasn’t able to go. One of these days I’ll get there! It looks like such a fabulous place. Your shrimp dish looks yummy!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh Lori I hope you can get there one day! You would love it so much!! So peaceful!
Heather
Yum!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama
This shrimp dish looks amazing! So flavorful, yet simple. This would be perfect to serve for Cinco de Mayo next week. I read Monique’s post last week about your all’s adventures at the Rancho la Puerta. It looks like you two had an amazing (& tasty!) time there. :)
Liz DellaCroce
Ahhh I missed her post!! I need to check it out now!!!!! I hope you get there one day!
Diana
Made dish tonight…it was amazing. A must do-over!!!!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Let me know if you make any other recipes of mine!
Tiia
What a lovely looking place!! It’s been a cold spring in Finland, can I just… escape and go there instead??
Liz DellaCroce
Oh wow I would love to visit Finland one day!! But yes I agree – I think you need a little taste of Mexico!
Nicole Taggart
Looks like a beautiful trip and dish!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
It was so relaxing friend! I hope you can get there one day!
Sabrina Modelle
Liz, looks like you had an amazing trip and these shrimp look fantastic. Can’t wait to make them for dinner, soon!
Liz DellaCroce
It was a great time – you would have loved it Sabrina!
Tara
Wow, this spot looks fantastic and that shrimp looking amazing!! Loved that you could do cooking classes too!
Liz DellaCroce
YES!! The cooking classes were honestly one of the highlights of the whole trip. I hope you get to experience the ranch one day!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor
I need this for dinner! I love that you took inspiration from your trip to Mexico to create this dish. The tequila lime flavors are too good to resist.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so inspired to cook with chilis more – every time I do I love how the dish turns out!
Mike
I’m a mannie and I love to cook Mexican food. Have u guys ever try making enfrijoladas. If not you lady’s need to they are fantastic..
Liz DellaCroce
Oh cool I’ve never tried it! I’ll look into it!
Beverley Press
you girls had so much fun and OH my Goodness , this Recipe rocks! xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
We did have a blast – having good travel buddies is KEY!!
Caroline
Such a fun trip! Ahhhh…I love easy dishes like this that look like you fussed! Sounds perfect for easy entertaining…leaving you more time to enjoy a margarita with the rest of that tequila! ;)
Liz DellaCroce
I like the way you think!! ;)
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen
I HEART you and our time together. You forgot to include the video of us singing Mariah. ;)
Liz DellaCroce
hahahaha I mean seriously… that video will NEVER be deleted off my phone!
Andi
I am trying to get my husband to have a greater appreciation of Mexico. He sees Tijuana and Cabo and says no thank you, BUT this place is a GEM. I love farm to table and healthy eating so this is right up our alley and in such a beautiful location. I really think if my hubby saw this Mexico, he would be in love.
Liz DellaCroce
I have to agree with you. To be honest it was really just like being in California. The climate is similar and the agriculture is similar. I hope you get there one day!
Amelia @ Eating Made Easy
That shrimp looks INCREDIBLE. And isn’t Rancho La Puerta a magical place? I can only imagine how much you two must have enjoyed yourself there. What a treat. Sending big hugs. xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
I thought of you the whole time! It had Amelia written all over it!!! I hope we get to hang out in person one day soon lady!!
Liz
Thank you Liz for the nice recipe.
Liz DellaCroce
Of course! Hope you’re doing well Liz!
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It
Nice Dancer’s Pose pic!! :) This dancer approves. ;) Haha I absolutely LOVE all the spices you used in the shrimp. I really need to consider going to Rancho La Puerta soon!
Liz DellaCroce
heheh – thank you so much!!! :) xoxo I hope you get there one day!
Sarah | Broma Bakery
Have been waiting to hear more about this trip. It sounds just fantastic, mama! I’m going to have to ask for these shrimp for dinner when I come to visit ;)
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you get there one day! It was so gorgeous!!!! xoxoxo Deal!
cookbook queen
Oh my gosh — what a lovely trip. Sounds like a fun and relaxing weekend!! And this shrimp!! YUMMMMM!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
It was so relaxing!! The perfect start to a busy travel month!! xoxo