Honey Tequila Lime Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish that pairs the sweetness of honey with the sharp kick of tequila and lime. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned and cooked to a tender, smoky finish, and topped with a rich honey tequila lime butter sauce. Garnished with fresh jalapeños, red chili flakes, and cilantro, this dish is perfect for grilling season or any seafood lover looking for bold flavors.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
-
2 lbs large shrimp
-
½ tbsp kosher salt (to taste)
-
½ tbsp black pepper (to taste)
-
½ tbsp garlic powder (to taste)
-
Canola oil (as needed)
For the Honey Tequila Lime Butter:
-
4 tbsp clarified butter
-
2.5 tbsp minced garlic
-
¼ cup tequila blanco
-
2 medium limes, juiced
-
1 tbsp local honey
For Garnish:
-
Red chili flakes
-
Sliced jalapeños
-
Chopped cilantro
Directions:
-
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, add the shrimp along with some canola oil. Season the shrimp thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set the shrimp aside in the fridge until ready to cook. -
Make the Honey Tequila Lime Butter:
Preheat your Breeo Y Series to medium-high heat (about 350°F).
Place a small skillet on the grill and melt the clarified butter. Add the minced garlic and simmer for 2-3 minutes until browned.
Add the lime juice and tequila (carefully) to the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 2 more minutes to dissolve the alcohol. Finally, add the honey and bring the sauce to a rolling simmer with bubbles on the surface.
Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and set aside to cool. -
Cook the Shrimp:
Add your Breeo Sear Plate to the grill and heat it to high.
Add a little oil to the plate and place the shrimp on it. Cook the shrimp for 1-1.5 minutes per side.
After flipping the shrimp, top with half of the Honey Tequila Lime Butter and let the shrimp finish cooking. -
Serve:
Remove the shrimp from the grill and let cool for 2 minutes.
Garnish the shrimp with red chili flakes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and the remaining honey tequila lime butter sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):
(These values are estimates based on common ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories: ~250-300 kcal
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Protein: ~20g
Cholesterol: ~160mg
Sodium: ~500mg
Vitamin C: ~20mg
Iron: ~2mg
The Perfect Shrimp for Grilling
Shrimp are one of the most popular types of seafood due to their versatility, quick cooking time, and ability to absorb a wide range of flavors. When grilling shrimp, it’s important to use large shrimp (or jumbo shrimp) as they are easier to cook and handle on the grill. Large shrimp also provide a nice balance of tender meat and a satisfying bite, which makes them perfect for this flavorful recipe.
The shrimp in this dish are marinated with canola oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, which serves as the base for the honey tequila lime sauce. The seasoning is simple but essential, as it enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and ensures they are well-seasoned before cooking.
The key to perfectly grilled shrimp is cooking them quickly over high heat. Shrimp cook fast, and you’ll know they’re ready when they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and rubbery, so be sure to keep an eye on them during the cooking process.
The Flavorful Honey Tequila Lime Butter Sauce
The Honey Tequila Lime Butter Sauce is the star of this dish, adding richness, sweetness, and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the shrimp. It starts with clarified butter, which provides a clean, rich base for the sauce without the impurities found in regular butter. Clarified butter allows the garlic to cook without burning, and it creates a smooth, velvety texture that coats the shrimp beautifully.
To this base, minced garlic is sautéed until fragrant, imparting its aromatic essence to the butter. Then, tequila blanco is added to the pan, which creates a slightly smoky flavor while the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind its rich, distilled essence. The lime juice provides a refreshing acidity that balances out the sweetness of the honey, while the honey itself adds the perfect amount of sweetness to complement the shrimp’s natural briny flavor.
As the sauce simmers, it thickens slightly, creating a syrupy consistency that coats the shrimp perfectly. The end result is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that ties the whole dish together.
Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection
Cooking the shrimp for this dish is a simple and quick process. The shrimp are grilled on a sear plate over high heat, which helps to develop a smoky flavor while keeping them tender and juicy. The key is to cook the shrimp for about 1 to 1.5 minutes on each side, just until they are opaque and have a nice grill mark.
Once the shrimp are flipped, half of the Honey Tequila Lime Butter sauce is added to the shrimp, allowing the sauce to cook into the shrimp and infuse them with flavor. This ensures that each bite is packed with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy goodness.
Garnishing and Serving Honey Tequila Lime Shrimp
The final step in preparing this dish is garnishing the shrimp. Once the shrimp are cooked, they are topped with red chili flakes, sliced jalapeños, and freshly chopped cilantro. These garnishes add an extra layer of heat, freshness, and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp and the rich sauce. The red chili flakes provide a touch of spice, while the sliced jalapeños add a bit of crunch and heat. The cilantro offers a burst of freshness, enhancing the vibrant flavors of the dish.
For serving, the shrimp can be arranged on a platter or served directly from the grill. Be sure to drizzle any remaining Honey Tequila Lime Butter sauce over the shrimp to maximize flavor. This dish is perfect when paired with warm tortillas, a light salad, or rice, making it a well-rounded meal for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Honey Tequila Lime Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks, making it a versatile dish for any gathering. Here are a few ideas for pairing:
-
Tortillas or Warm Bread: Serve the shrimp with soft tortillas for tacos, or with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
-
Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrusy dressing can balance the richness of the shrimp and add a fresh, light contrast to the dish.
-
Rice or Quinoa: A side of white rice or quinoa works well to absorb the flavorful sauce, providing a neutral base to complement the shrimp.
-
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, or bell peppers make a great addition to this dish, adding texture and flavor that complement the smoky shrimp.
For drinks, pair this dish with a chilled, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. If you prefer cocktails, a margarita or mojito will complement the lime and tequila in the dish, adding an extra layer of zest.
Conclusion: A Bold, Flavorful Seafood Dish
Honey Tequila Lime Shrimp is a bold, flavorful seafood dish that brings together the perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and smokiness. The tender shrimp, grilled to perfection, are enhanced by a rich honey tequila lime butter sauce that is tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of heat. Finished with fresh garnishes like jalapeños, cilantro, and red chili flakes, this dish is sure to impress anyone who loves vibrant, bold flavors. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or preparing it indoors, Honey Tequila Lime Shrimp is a perfect choice for a quick, flavorful meal that delivers a taste of adventure with every bite.