Margarita Shrimp bakes in a sweet and tangy marinade that is spiked with a splash of tequila and lime. It takes all of 30 minutes to make this easy dinner that can be turned into tacos too!
A good marinade can take a dish from good to spectacular and it’s the secret sauce for this margarita shrimp recipe. Honey gives it sweetness, lime adds a touch of tart, cilantro and garlic add more flavor dimensions and a touch of tequila gives it the unique margarita twist.
Whether you’re planning a tropical party, a Cinco de Mayo celebration or your just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this is your recipe for success.
Ingredients for Margarita Shrimp Marinade
To make the marinade, which doubles as the dressing for the slaw, mix together the following ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Garlic
- Salt
- Cilantro
- Tequila
Don’t let the alcohol scare you away. It’s a very small amount and some of the alcohol evaporates in the oven leaving behind big flavor. Check out more about Alcohol Evaporation in Cooking by What’s Cooking America.
You don’t need a big bottle of tequila either. I used this tiny bottle that cost just over $1 (yes…really!) and I have some left over to make this recipe at least two more times!
Marinate shrimp for about half an hour since the sauce has an acidic ingredient (lime) in it. We used medium-sized shrimp that are peeled and deveined with the tail-off. You can leave the tail on and use bigger or smaller shrimp.
Bake shrimp for about 10 minutes or until done. Shrimp should be pink, pale white and no longer translucent. Another option is to pour the shrimp and marinade into a large pan and use our 10-minute Skillet Shrimp method to cook the shrimp.
How to Make Broccoli Slaw
To make the slaw, toss a pre-shredded bag of broccoli (or cabbage) with diced mango and red onion.
Not a fan of mango? Use pineapple instead. Any tropical fruit would work well in this Caribbean-inspired slaw.
The marinade also serves as a delicious dressing for the slaw. The shrimp bakes in a sea of marinade. When it comes out of the oven, drizzle the cooked sauce over the greens. Nothing goes to waste. 🙂
Note: Do not ever use marinade that has come into contact with raw fish or meat that has not first been vigorously boiled or cooked to temperature with the fish or meat.
Plate Margarita Shrimp on top of the slaw. Or serve with toppings, such as Simple Guacamole Dip to make tacos or rice bowls. You can even leave the tail on and serve the shrimp as an appetizer with homemade cocktail sauce like this one from A Family Feast.
Other tropical creations you might enjoy:
Please rate this recipe and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!
Margarita Shrimp and Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled, deveined, tail off
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon tequila
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Slaw
- 12 ounces broccoli slaw or your favorite cabbage sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup mango finely diced
- 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
- Cilantro garnish
Instructions
- Place shrimp in a large glass baking dish.
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pour marinade over shrimp, toss to coat and distribute shrimp so they are in a single layer.
- Allow shrimp to marinate 15 - 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bake shrimp (including the excess marinade) for about 10 minutes or until cooked through.
- While shrimp is cooking, place broccoli slaw in a large bowl.
- Stir in diced mango and red onion.
- When shrimp is done, remove shrimp to a serving plate with a slotted spoon.
- Spoon excess sauce over slaw and toss to coat.
- Divide slaw between 4 plates and top with shrimp.
- Garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
I just love all the colors in this dish Marjory. It is like a rainbow! And the flavors sound amazing. I love that you used the marinade for a cooking liquid and for the dressing. Delish!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living
What a fun way to use a spirit in a savory dish – great for summertime!
Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
I’m obsessed with broccoli slaw these days! I’ll have to try this recipe 🙂
Carlene @ Healthfully Ever After
Major shrimp craving with this! Perfect summer dish.
Karman @Nutrition Adventures
This sounds delicious! Great for summer nights!
Laura O |Petite Allergy Treats
Looks wonderful! Love how healthy this is!
Nicole, RD
I love slaw but sometimes blank on how to use it in recipes. This looks fantastic…especially with that little splash of tequila to make them truly marg-like! 🙂
Marisa | Marisa's Morsels
Yum! This recipe combines so many of my favorite flavors. Can’t wait to try it!
Rebecca {foodie with family}
I am a slaw lover and this one is so vibrant! I can practically taste it!
Ashley
Okay, I’m printing this out and handing it to my fiance with strict orders to make it for me for my birthday next week 🙂
Christie - Food Done Light
What a delicious way to issue alcohol. This looks so light and refreshing. Perfect for a hot summer night.
Crystal Barrett
I am a huge slaw lover. I have never heard of this though but it looks and sounds amazing!! It would make for a great taco or burrito of some sort!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
Definitely wish I had this right now!
Wendy Jo
Welcome!!!! And such a lovely start…I have loads of zucchini still coming in my garden and a bottle of tequila! Think I’m ready to give this a whirl!
Ginny McMeans
I absolutely love slaw and this recipe look so good!!! Love the tequila addition!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
I love the balance of flavors with the honey, lime juice, and tequila in this. Also, your suggestion of using it as a taco filling sounds wonderful!
dr barb, nutrition budgeteer
Your photos are fabulous. Looks scrumptious. Great summer meal.
Kimberly
I love the idea of using tiny bottles of alcohol for recipes where you only need a little … what a fabulous tip!
Danielle Omar
This dish is gorgeous I had to pin it! Can’t wait to test it out!
Sarah Pie
Yum! I love tequila in summer marinades, and the slaw with this looks fabulous.
Susan
I really love everything in this dish! From the slaw to the shrimp, to the marinade! I can definitely see why it’d be a repeat.
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily
What a great summer supper! I love that you made a slaw with the shrimp instead of pasta!
Connie | URBAN BAKES
Holy Yum! This looks amazing!
Cindys Recipes and Writings
Marjory, your slaw sounds fantastic!
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox
I love this recipe…it’s so fresh and light!
Aimee Shugarman
LOVE this slaw. Turned out so good and flavorful.
Marjory
I’m so glad you like it!
Julie Evink
I would have never thought about this flavor combo but it’s soooo good and easy!
Marjory
So glad you like it! 🙂