Zesty Tequila Shrimp Rice Bowl
Bring the vibrant flavors of the Southwest to your dinner table with this Zesty Tequila Shrimp Rice Bowl. Tender shrimp are sautéed with aromatic garlic, a splash of tequila, and bright lime juice, creating a succulent dish that’s both refreshing and bold. Finished with fresh cilantro, this dish is perfect when served over a bed of warm, fluffy rice (try pairing it with my green chili rice for an extra kick!). Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering with friends, this recipe captures the essence of Tex Mex cuisine in every delicious bite.
4
Servings
125
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium shrimp
1 lb (peeled and deveined)
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
tequila
2 tablespoons (optional, for flavor)
lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (coarsely chopped)
hot cooked rice
to serve (try with green chili rice)
Instructions
1
Begin by patting the cleaned shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly and fragrant.
3
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4
Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring occasionally until they start turning pink.
5
Pour in the tequila and lime juice, then sprinkle in the salt and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a nice glaze.
6
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro until just wilted from the residual heat.
7
Serve immediately over a generous portion of hot cooked rice, making sure to spoon any remaining sauce over the top.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
11g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Tequila Shrimp Rice Bowl?
It is a Southwest-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp sauteed with garlic, tequila, and lime juice served over a bed of warm rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this shrimp bowl?
There are 125 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients for the shrimp?
The primary ingredients are medium shrimp, butter, garlic, tequila, lime juice, salt, red pepper flakes, and fresh cilantro.
Is the tequila mandatory for this recipe?
No, the tequila is optional and used specifically for adding flavor.
What type of rice is recommended as a side?
Hot cooked rice is used, and the recipe suggests trying it with green chili rice for an extra kick.
How much fat is contained in each serving?
Each serving contains 6g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content of this dish?
There are 11g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the Zesty Tequila Shrimp Rice Bowl?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
What is the first step in the cooking instructions?
The first step is to pat the cleaned shrimp dry with paper towels.
How long should I saute the minced garlic?
Saute the minced garlic for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp take about 4 minutes in total to cook: 2 minutes initially and 2 more minutes after adding the liquids.
When do I add the tequila and lime juice?
Add the tequila, lime juice, salt, and red pepper flakes once the shrimp have started turning pink after the first 2 minutes of cooking.
Why should I pat the shrimp dry before cooking?
Patting them dry ensures that the shrimp get a nice sear in the skillet rather than steaming.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this amount to your taste.
When should I add the cilantro?
The cilantro should be stirred in after the skillet is removed from the heat so it wilts from the residual heat.
What kind of butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What size shrimp are best for this bowl?
Medium shrimp are recommended for this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as an ideal quick weeknight meal or festive gathering dish.
What cuisine category does this dish fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Tex Mex cuisine.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What should the texture of the sauce be at the end?
The liquids should evaporate enough to leave a nice glaze over the shrimp.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but you may want to reduce the additional salt added to the recipe to compensate.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Should the cilantro be finely or coarsely chopped?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
How should the dish be served?
Serve it immediately over hot cooked rice, spooning any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While bottled can work, freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the brightest flavor.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients including the rice for serving.