This spicy shrimp recipe simmers succulent shrimp in a sauce made with spicy serrano peppers, chipotle, tequila and honey. It's great as an appetizer, or served as the main course, and super easy to adjust to your preferred heat level.
If you're looking for a shrimp dish that can be served as an appetizer for game day or for whatever party you're throwing (holiday gathering, anyone?) or makes for a GREAT easy dinner, you might want to keep this recipe in your back pocket. It just might become your new go-to meal.
We're talking Shrimp in Fiery Chipotle-Tequila Sauce, and it's about as awesome as recipes come. It is HUGE on flavor and you'll have it on the table in about 30 minutes or so, which, for a slow cook like me, is a pretty big bonus.
AND! This recipe is straight from my cookbook, "The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook". That is CRAZY EXCITING for me, my friends!
Just take a look at it. DANG!
Isn't the color so inviting? People often eat first with their eyes, and this one is guaranteed to make them feel some pangs of hunger.
The sauce is tangy and deeply flavored from the combination of chipotle sauce and tequila, but also fiery from the addition of serrano peppers, with a buttery finish. Beware, though. It is quite addictive.
Let's talk about how to make spicy shrimp in chipotle-tequila sauce, shall we?
Spicy Shrimp Ingredients
- Shrimp. Peeled and deveined.
- Peppers and Garlic. I'm using serrano peppers today, though you can use jalapenos for a milder version.
- Olive Oil. For cooking
- Chipotles in Adobo Sauce.
- Butter.
- Tequila. Use white tequila, though others will work nicely.
- Honey.
- Lime Juice. Fresh lime slices for garnish as well.
- For Serving. White rice, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Shrimp in Fiery Chipotle-Tequila Sauce - The Recipe Method
ONE: Cook the Peppers and Garlic. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or pan to medium heat to medium high heat. Add the serrano peppers and cook a couple minutes to soften them up. Add in the garlic and give it a quick stir. Cook about a minute, or until you can smell the fragrant garlic.
TWO: Butter. Add in some butter and swirl it until it melts.
THREE: Chipotle Sauce. Stir in the chipotle sauce.
FOUR: Tequila. Pour in the tequila.
FIVE: Honey. Stir in the honey. Give the whole mix a stir and let it simmer 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors meld a bit. Adjust with salt and pepper, if desired.
SIX: Shrimp. Add the shrimp and stir it up to ensure all the shrimp are covered with the sauce. Simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes to cook the shrimp through. They should be nice and firm. Cook times can vary depending on the size of the shrimp.
BOOM! DONE! Easy, right? I love easy. And tasty. You are going to love this recipe, with all that delicious, spicy, buttery sauce, wonderfully spicy shrimp. What's not to love?
Serve it up in bowls over white rice. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over each for a fresh pop of citrus. Lemon juice is good, too. Top with red pepper flakes for a bit of extra spice.
Serve it with crusty bread to sop up the extra sauce. If you can’t find chipotle sauce, substitute 1 can of chipotles in adobe sauce that has been processed in a food processor.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Tortillas Instead of Rice. Instead of rice, try serving the shrimp on tortillas with avocado slices and fresh roasted chilies, with some of the sauce on the side in a small bowl.
- Seasonings. You'll get loads of flavor from the sauce, but you can add in other spices if you'd like. Consider your favorite chili powder.
Tweak the Heat
If you’d like to tame the heat, halve the amount of serrano peppers or substitute them with jalapeno peppers. For a bit more heat, add in your favorite hot peppers, such as habanero or even ghost pepper for a truly fired up recipe.
My Recent News Appearance
I was invited to Chicago's WGN News to promote my cookbook, and this was the recipe I made. Check out my interview at WGN.
Check out My Cookbook
If you like my recipes, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! I'm super excited it's out there! “The Spicy Food Lovers’ Cookbook” is packed with 75 recipes for spicy food lovers of all levels, with easy recipes for seafood, from the land, handhelds, slow cooker meals, pressure cooker, pasta and so much more. If you love it spicy, you need this book.
Find it Here - The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook.
Try Some of My Other Popular Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Creole
- Cajun Shrimp
- Spicy Peel-and-Eat Shrimp with Honey-Gochujang Glaze
- Habanero-Honey Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Grilled Buffalo Shrimp
- Shrimp and Red Bean Chili
- Shrimp Etouffee
- Blackened Shrimp
- Chili Garlic Shrimp
Got an questions? Ask away! If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.
Spicy Shrimp in Chipotle-Tequila Sauce - Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 serrano peppers chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 7-ounce cans chipotle sauce
- 1 stick butter use only half a stick for a less buttery sauce
- 3 ounces white tequila
- 4 tablespoons honey
- Fresh lime slices
- White rice and crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan to medium heat. Add the serrano peppers and cook a couple minutes to soften them up. Add in the garlic and give it a quick stir. Cook about a minute, or until you can smell the fragrant garlic.
- Add the butter and swirl it until it melts, then stir in the chipotle sauce, tequila and honey. Reduce the heat and let it simmer about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld a bit.
- Add the shrimp and stir it up to ensure all the shrimp are covered with the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through yet still firm.
- Serve in bowls over white rice. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over each for a fresh pop of citrus. Don’t forget the crusty bread.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Brett says
This recipe sounds amazing...... for a little smoother sauce, could some Mexican Crema or Heavy Cream be added?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Brett, absolutely. Swirl in a bit of crema for a creamier version. I hope you enjoy it!
Michael says
Wow, that was so delicious. Everyone who walked into the house said how nice the sauce smelt but was even better with the prawns/shrimp added. Another fantastic recipe from your website.
Michael from Australia
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nice! Great to hear, Michael! Thanks for sharing that! I love it.
Alan Thompson says
Too sweet for my liking. Will make again with half the honey
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Alan, sorry you didn't enjoy the recipe. I personally enjoy this level of sweetness, but you can easily adjust the recipe to your preferred level of sweetness. Please feel free to find recipes elsewhere.
Katie C says
What is 'Chipotle sauce'? I am only familiar with chipotles in adobo sauce. This recipe sounds AWESOME, and I want to make it correctly.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Basically same thing, Katie. You can use the sauce from that can, or puree the chipotle with the sauce.
Greg Zyn says
Shrimp in this chipotle-tequila sauce tastes magnificent, and I am glad that I decided to follow this fantastic recipe today. This sauce changed everything about the shrimp, and that's why I love this dish so much.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Greg! Super happy you enjoyed it! We definitely love this one.
RIta Powell says
I need to try this because I can control the heat.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes, you surely can control the heat.
Erica says
Happy Anniversary Mike! I just want to say thank you for all the great recipes. Any that I have already tried are fabulous. I made the Turkey Chili this weekend and it was a hit! Our daughter said Mom that's a keeper and can I have a copy of the recipe!
I have shared your website with many friends and they are commenting on the great meals they have made and have thanked me for letting them know about it. It is very informative and always has great instructions and photos. Excellent site! I am so glad I accidently found you looking for some recipes.
I would be so thrilled if you could enter me into your cookbook draw.
Erica
Erica
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks so much, Erica! I greatly appreciate it! Glad you are enjoying the recipes!!
Greg says
I won't be making shrimp any other way for quite awhile! Thanks Mike!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Greg! Yes, I love it this way!
Barney Bryson says
This looks great! Saw it on the 1 Year old e-mail. I'm gonna try it just after I harvest peppers today. Thank you.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Barney!!
Len says
Another fantastic recipe with all my favourite ingredients. And this time it includes tequila 🙂
I look forward to every email recipe I get from you. I've never been disappointed with any of them either.
BUT my all time favourite is Buffalo blue cheese hummus
https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/dips/fiery-buffalo-blue-cheese-hummus/
I have get my wife to hide it because after I make it (using a Reaper pepper) and while it's still warm (I cook my chick peas with my Instant Pot), I'll sit down with a spoon and start devouring it right then and there. It's a 10 out of 5 on the "Hulquist Perfection Scale of Goodness" .
Keep 'em coming Mike 《grin》
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Outstanding, Len! Haha, glad you are enjoying the recipes! This is the first 10 out of 5 I've ever received! YOU ROCK! Take care...
Margo Haynes says
Absolutely delicious! Thank you so very much for sharing this recipe - really Mike ALL of your recipes are delicious! It seems like each time I open your recipes I began to drool & at 81 that sounds sort of gross...
maybe I should say "salivate". I absolutely love every single recipe you share!
Wishing you a fantastic 2019!!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thank you, Margo! I accept the drool. Or should I say, "salivation". Haha. Cheers to you!
Jake dathe says
What kind of Chipotle sauce? Or do you mean chipotles in Adobe?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jake, you can usually find adobo sauce next to the chipotles in adobo. If not, you can use the chipotles in adobo. Just pure the whole thing. Enjoy!
Myron pinkney says
Omg this is a awesome recipe. Very easy to make and budget friendly. It is sooooooo good. Thanks for sharing
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Myron, this is one of my favorites for sure. Thanks!
Jeremie says
Hmmm, this looks so yummy, Mike! Thanks! I will try it this week-end! ^^
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Jeremie!