Zesty Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe for Summer Cookouts

Summers sizzle with this mouthwatering margarita grilled shrimp that promises tropical flavor explosions.

Zesty lime and tequila dance across succulent seafood, creating magic on your plate.

Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary meal into a coastal celebration.

Bold marinades infuse each morsel with vibrant southwestern charm.

Fresh herbs and citrus notes elevate this simple recipe from standard to spectacular.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality cuisine without complicated techniques.

Each bite transports you to beachside bliss, promising a culinary adventure that delights every sense.

Dive in and experience seafood perfection that will become your new summer favorite.

Ingredients for Margarita Grilled Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood perfect for quick grilling.

• Lime Juice, Orange Juice: Bright citrus base for tenderizing.
• Tequila: Adds bold Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade and prevent sticking.

• Honey: Balances and adds subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Adds warm, spicy Mexican character.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds fresh herbal finish.
• Lime Wedges: Provides optional extra citrus brightness.

Simple Instructions for Margarita Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a medium bowl and start mixing your marinade magic.

Combine tangy lime juice, sweet orange juice, smooth tequila, rich olive oil, golden honey, zippy minced garlic, warm chili powder, earthy cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 2: Bathe Shrimp in Marinade

Take your clean shrimp and slide them into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.

Pour the vibrant marinade over the shrimp, making sure each piece gets a delicious coating.

Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it in the refrigerator.

Let the shrimp soak up those incredible flavors for 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Get your grill or grill pan ready by heating it to medium-high temperature.

If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a quick water bath for 20 minutes to prevent any unwanted burning.

Step 4: Skewer and Sizzle

Thread the marinated shrimp onto your prepared skewers.

Place them on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Watch for that perfect moment when the shrimp turn opaque and develop a beautiful light char.

Be careful not to overcook – shrimp are delicate and cook super fast!

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Flair

Transfer your sizzling shrimp skewers to a serving platter.

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of citrusy goodness.

Handy Tips for Margarita Grilled Shrimp

• Watch shrimp carefully on the grill, as they turn rubbery and tough when cooked too long. They're done when they turn opaque and form a gentle C-shape.
• Let shrimp marinate for the full hour to maximize flavor absorption, but avoid going beyond 1-2 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the delicate protein.
• Use metal skewers for even cooking and easier handling, or soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve beautiful char marks without drying out the shrimp. Lower heat risks rubbery texture, while higher heat can burn the exterior before cooking through.
• Reserve a small portion of marinade before adding raw shrimp to use as a finishing sauce, providing an extra flavor punch when serving.

Storing and Heating Margarita Grilled Shrimp

• Store leftover margarita grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the shrimp completely to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap cooled shrimp tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place shrimp in a baking dish, add a splash of water or lime juice to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle with a few drops of water. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Margarita Grilled Shrimp

• Sip Margarita Cocktail: The classic margarita perfectly complements the dish, echoing the tequila and lime in the marinade. Its zesty, tangy profile matches the grilled shrimp's bright flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Pair Citrus Salsa: Create a fresh citrus salsa with diced oranges, lime, red onion, and jalapeño to mirror the marinade's ingredients. This vibrant side adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, charred shrimp.
• Serve Mexican Street Corn: Grilled elote (Mexican street corn) with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime brings complementary flavors that enhance the shrimp's southwestern profile. The corn's smoky-sweet notes provide a perfect accompaniment to the dish.
• Match Cilantro Rice: Prepare a light cilantro-lime rice as a side that picks up on the herb and citrus notes in the marinade. Its fluffy texture and bright flavors create a delicious backdrop for the grilled shrimp.

New Takes on Margarita Grilled Shrimp

• Low-Sodium Sailor: Replace salt with salt-free herb blend, use low-sodium tequila, and substitute olive oil with avocado oil for heart-healthy option.
• Keto Ocean Delight: Swap honey with sugar-free sweetener, increase olive oil content, and add extra chili powder for bold flavor profile without carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Skewer Alternative: Replace shrimp with firm tofu cubes or portobello mushroom chunks, maintaining identical marinade and grilling technique.
• Alcohol-Free Zinger: Eliminate tequila, replace with white grape juice or additional citrus juice, keeping marinade's vibrant flavor while making recipe family-friendly.

FAQs

• Why use tequila in the marinade?

Tequila adds a bold, unique flavor that tenderizes the shrimp and gives a subtle Mexican-inspired kick to the dish.

• Can I substitute the alcohol in the marinade?

Yes, you can replace tequila with chicken broth or additional lime juice to maintain moisture and flavor complexity without alcohol.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and form a slight C-shape. They should look pink and firm, not curled tightly or rubbery, which indicates overcooking.

• Is it necessary to devein shrimp before marinating?

While not mandatory, deveining removes the digestive tract and improves the shrimp’s appearance and taste, making the dish more appetizing and cleaner to eat.

Highlights of Margarita Grilled Shrimp

• Burst through dinner routine with zesty margarita-inspired shrimp that delivers bold, tangy flavors in minutes, making weeknight cooking exciting and delicious.
• Impress guests with restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated yet requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for backyard gatherings or casual dinner parties.
• Adaptable recipe works beautifully as appetizer, main course, or party snack, complementing various side dishes and pleasing different taste preferences with its vibrant citrus-tequila marinade.
• Lean protein packed with fresh ingredients, offering a nutritious option that doesn't compromise on taste, making it ideal for those watching their diet without sacrificing flavor.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mexican margarita grilled shrimp sparkle with zesty lime and tequila flavors, promising a tropical escape from ordinary seafood. Guests will savor each tender, tangy bite of this quick and impressive summer dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 1/4 cup tequila

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking lime juice, orange juice, tequila, olive oil, honey, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended.
2. Submerge peeled and deveined shrimp in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, allowing flavors to infuse deeply.
3. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature (around 400°F), creating ideal searing conditions.
4. Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent charring, then carefully thread marinated shrimp onto skewers.
5. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for opaque coloration and light charring. Avoid overcooking to maintain tender texture.
6. Transfer grilled shrimp to a serving platter, generously sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro, and accompany with lime wedges for an extra citrus burst.

Notes

• Marinate shrimp for maximum 1 hour to prevent the acid from breaking down the protein and turning texture mushy.
• Wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning, but metal skewers conduct heat faster for more even cooking.
• Pat shrimp dry before grilling to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming instead of grilling.
• For gluten-free version, replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup, and ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 370mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg