If you’re craving a vibrant, tangy, and smoky seafood treat, this Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe is a must-try that never fails to impress. Bursting with the fresh zing of lime and orange, a subtle kick of chili, and the unmistakable warmth of tequila, these grilled shrimp deliver a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re grilling for a casual weekend BBQ or looking for a quick but impressive dish to share with friends, this Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe brings the fiesta straight to your plate with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients makes this dish a pleasure to prepare. Each element plays a key role, contributing brightness, sweetness, spice, and that irresistible tequila essence to the shrimp’s succulent texture and vibrant color.
- Large shrimp (1 1/2 pounds): Peeled and deveined for easy grilling and a juicy bite every time.
- Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup): Adds zesty brightness that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh orange juice (1/4 cup): Offers natural sweetness and a subtle citrus complexity.
- Tequila (1/4 cup): Infuses the shrimp with authentic margarita flavor and a touch of warmth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps tenderize and keeps the shrimp juicy on the grill.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances the tartness and brings a gentle caramelized glaze when grilled.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a savory, aromatic depth to the marinade.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy kick to enhance all the flavors.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a warm, earthy undertone that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped): For a burst of herbal freshness as garnish.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing over the finished shrimp to brighten the flavors even more.
How to Make Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the lime juice, orange juice, tequila, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is your secret weapon, where the bright citrus juices and smooth tequila blend perfectly with spices and sweetness to create a mouthwatering flavor base.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure every shrimp is beautifully coated. Seal or cover and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This step lets the flavors fully infuse, so don’t rush it; your shrimp will thank you!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill heating to medium-high. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan over the stovetop works just as well. The goal is a nice, hot cooking surface that will char the shrimp just enough without drying them out.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers—if you’re using wooden ones, soak them in water beforehand to avoid burning. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque with a slight char. Be vigilant here: shrimp cook quickly, so avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once off the grill, arrange your shrimp on a platter, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime juice squeezed over just before eating adds a fresh, vibrant pop that perfectly finishes the dish.
How to Serve Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is classic here, lending a bright, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the smoky grilled shrimp. Lime wedges are not just decorative—they invite guests to add a juicy burst of acidity that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides like a crisp avocado salad, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple cilantro-lime rice. If you’re going for a heartier meal, warm tortillas and a fresh salsa can turn this into an amazing shrimp taco spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp atop a bed of mixed greens or alongside a chilled mango salsa for tropical vibes. You can also skewer them with colorful veggies like bell peppers and red onions to add visual appeal and extra flavor dimensions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp separate or on a bed of fresh cilantro to retain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for shrimp, you can freeze marinated shrimp before grilling by placing them in a freezer-safe bag and using them within a month. After thawing, grill them immediately for best results. Cooked shrimp don’t freeze as well, as they tend to become rubbery on reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil, just until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent overcooking and toughening the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work great as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures even grilling.
What type of tequila is best to use?
A good quality blanco or silver tequila is ideal for this recipe because of its clean, crisp flavor that complements the citrus without overpowering the shrimp.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! A grill pan or even a broiler works well. The key is high heat to get those perfect, slightly charred edges on the shrimp.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate between 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to develop without breaking down the shrimp’s texture. Avoid marinating longer as the acidity can start cooking the shrimp.
Is it necessary to use skewers when grilling shrimp?
Skewers make flipping easier and help prevent small shrimp from falling through the grill grates. If you don’t have skewers, use a grill basket or cook in batches carefully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyous about a dish that’s quick to prepare yet packed with bold, festive flavors, and this Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe absolutely fits the bill. Next time you want to wow your guests or simply treat yourself, dive into this vibrant, juicy seafood delight. Happy grilling and even happier eating!
Print
Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Margarita Grilled Shrimp recipe features juicy, marinated shrimp infused with fresh lime and orange juices, tequila, and a blend of spices. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char, these shrimp are garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges for a zesty finish, making them an ideal appetizer or main course for any summer gathering.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 1/2 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, tequila, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp cook very quickly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor but no longer than 1 hour to avoid texture changes from the acidic marinade.
- Can be served as an appetizer or a main dish with sides like rice or salad.
