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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Submerge peeled and deveined shrimp in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, allowing flavors to infuse deeply.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature (around 400°F), creating ideal searing conditions.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent charring, then carefully thread marinated shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for opaque coloration and light charring. Avoid overcooking to maintain tender texture.
- 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