Authentic Tequila Lime Shrimp

Name: Authentic Tequila Lime Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
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 extra virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (grated); 2 ounces tequila; 1/4 cup lime juice; 2 tablespoons butter

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A fast and easy weeknight dinner, serve this tequila lime shrimp with warm corn tortillas, over rice, or tossed with pasta.

In this Post: Everything you need for Authentic Tequila Lime Shrimp

1 Ingredients
2 How to Make Authentic Tequila Lime Shrimp
3 Ways to Serve Tequila Lime Shrimp
4 Frequently Asked Questions:
5 More Seafood Recipes
6 Eat It, Like It, Share It!
7 Authentic Tequila Lime Shrimp

When I am wanting a true taste of Mexico, one of my favorite dishes is this simple yet flavorful Authentic Tequila Lime Shrimp. The star of the dish? Pureed ancho chile peppers. It’s so flavorful, and can be made in 20 minutes or less, making it a great choice for a quick and easy seafood dinner.

Ingredients

Shrimp: A relatively common and affordable seafood, shrimp are high in protein and healthy fats while low in calories.
Ancho chile peppers: Dried poblano peppers that are typically mild and naturally smoky in flavor.
Garlic: Nutty and earthy in flavor that caramelizes and sweetens as it cooks.
Tequila: While the brand can change the taste a bit, tequila is usually smooth, sweet, and slightly fruity.
Lime juice: Bright, fresh, and acidic that pairs wonderfully with tequila.
Butter: Evens out the texture of the sauce and enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp.

How to Make Authentic Tequila Lime Shrimp

Start your Tequila Lime Shrimp by putting your ancho chiles in boiling water to steep and soften.

Once chiles have softened, add them and a portion of the steeped water to a food processor and puree until smooth.

Then in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add the grated or minced garlic.

Once garlic is aromatic, add in the raw shrimp. As soon as the shrimp turn pink, it’s cooked, and you can remove from the pan and set aside.

Then slowly add the tequila to the pan and use it to deglaze all the browned bits from the bottom.

Be careful and prepared, as adding alcohol to hot pans and stoves can cause it to catch fire.

Once your pan is deglazed, add the shrimp back in and add the lime juice.

Next you’ll add the pureed ancho chiles, stir it all together, and simmer for about 4-5 minutes.

Finish your shrimp by adding the butter and stirring until melted.

Garnishing authentic tequila lime shrimp.

Serve garnished with additional fresh lime juice, and enjoy!

Ways to Serve Tequila Lime Shrimp

My favorite way to serve Tequila Lime Shrimp is in warmed corn tortillas with cilantro and an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice; the best way to enjoy any shrimp tacos if you ask me. But you can also serve it with rice, which I also like to garnish with cilantro. Or you can mix it with pasta and use the ancho chilis as a sauce for the whole dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it necessary to devein shrimp?

I never skip deveining when cooking shrimp. While it’s not actually a vein, it’s part of the digestive tract, and while it won’t hurt you, it can affect the taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes you can! But if you use frozen, make sure they’ve thawed completely before cooking.

How do I store leftover tequila lime shrimp?

Kept in an airtight container, leftover shrimp will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave, or throw it back into a pan and heat through.

More Seafood Recipes

Eat It, Like It, Share It!

Did you try this dish and love it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your meal.

Liz eating authentic tequila lime shrimp.

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Mexico, you have got to try this Tequila Lime Shrimp recipe. It comes together in just 20 minutes and is a true testament to how delicious and easy healthy eating can be at home.

No fork required.