Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers

The sizzling aroma of lime-infused tequila hitting the grill will transport you straight to a beachside cabana with these vibrant Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a tangy marinade that perfectly balances citrus, tequila, and herbs create a dish that’s both elegant and effortlessly casual. These skewers deliver that perfect char on the outside while maintaining tender, succulent shrimp within. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers that combine the beloved flavors of a classic cocktail with the ultimate summer grilling experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers will quickly become your go-to summer entertaining dish for several compelling reasons. First, the marinade infuses the shrimp with bright, zesty flavors that perfectly complement the natural sweetness of fresh seafood. The contrast between the charred exterior and the juicy interior creates a textural masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.

Beyond flavor, these skewers are incredibly versatile. They can be an impressive appetizer, a protein-packed main course, or even tucked into tacos for a creative twist. The preparation is surprisingly simple despite the sophisticated flavor profile – most of the work happens while the shrimp marinates, leaving you free to enjoy your gathering.

Perhaps most appealing is how these tequila lime shrimp skewers offer that perfect balance of familiar comfort and exciting novelty. Everyone loves shrimp on the grill, but the margarita-inspired flavors elevate this dish to something truly special without venturing too far from crowd-pleasing territory.

Ingredients

For the Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers:

• 1½ pounds (680g) large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined with tails intact
• ¼ cup (60ml) silver tequila
• ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh lime juice (approximately 3-4 limes)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon (2g) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15g) honey
• 1 teaspoon (2g) lime zest

For serving:

• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro sprigs
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

The star ingredient is obviously the shrimp – look for fresh, plump specimens with a sweet ocean scent. The tequila adds a distinctive depth without overwhelming the dish, while the fresh lime juice provides the signature margarita tang that makes these grilled citrus shrimp skewers so irresistible.

Pro Tips

Perfect Marination Time
For the most flavorful Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers, marinate the shrimp for exactly 30-45 minutes. Any less and the flavors won’t fully penetrate; any longer and the acid from the citrus will begin “cooking” the shrimp, resulting in a mushy texture when grilled. This precise timing ensures your shrimp absorb the marinade’s essence while maintaining their perfect texture.

Skewer Strategy
Thread your shrimp through both the tail and head end to create a C-shape on the skewer. This technique prevents the shrimp from spinning when you try to flip them and ensures even cooking on both sides. Leave a tiny bit of space between each shrimp to allow the heat to circulate properly, creating that perfect char on all surfaces.

Temperature Matters
For truly exceptional Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers, grill over medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F). This temperature range achieves the ideal balance: hot enough to create a flavorful caramelized exterior but not so hot that the delicate shrimp overcook before developing that desirable char. Remember that shrimp cook extremely quickly – about 2-3 minutes per side is all you need.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tequila, fresh lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, honey, and lime zest until well combined. The marinade should look vibrant and emulsified. Take a moment to taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – the mixture should have a bright, tangy flavor with noticeable citrus notes.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place your peeled and deveined shrimp in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. During this time, gently turn the shrimp once or twice to ensure even flavor distribution. While the shrimp marinate, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

Step 3: Skewer the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Thread the shrimp onto the pre-soaked skewers, piercing each shrimp near the tail and again near the head to create a C-shape. Arrange 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Place the completed skewers on a tray and brush them with a little of the remaining marinade for extra flavor.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. Place the Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks. Avoid overcooking – the shrimp should remain juicy and tender. For an extra burst of flavor, brush the skewers with a little fresh marinade (not the one used for raw shrimp) during the last minute of grilling.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the grilled tequila lime shrimp skewers to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lime over the hot skewers, sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro, and add a light dusting of flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for guests to add more citrus punch according to their preference.

Variations

Spicy Mango Margarita Shrimp
For a tropical twist on the classic Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers, add ¼ cup of pureed fresh mango to your marinade along with an extra ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce. The sweet-heat combination creates a delicious complexity that pairs beautifully with the lime and tequila. After grilling, serve the skewers with fresh mango salsa for an additional layer of flavor and texture.

Coconut Margarita Shrimp
Transform these skewers into a tropical delight by adding 2 tablespoons of coconut cream to your marinade and replacing half the lime juice with pineapple juice. After marinating, dip the shrimp in unsweetened shredded coconut before skewering and grilling. The coconut will toast as the shrimp cook, creating a delicious crust that perfectly complements the margarita flavors.

Vegetarian Adaptable
For a plant-based version, substitute the shrimp with thick slices of extra-firm tofu, chunks of zucchini, mushroom caps, or hearts of palm. Marinate these alternatives for up to 2 hours (unlike shrimp, they benefit from longer marination), then grill until nicely charred. The Margarita marinade works wonderfully with these vegetarian options, making this recipe accessible for mixed dietary gatherings.

Storage and Serving

These Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers are best enjoyed immediately after grilling when they’re at their juiciest and most flavorful. However, leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap loosely in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for just 3-4 minutes – be careful not to overcook them during reheating.

For an impressive appetizer presentation, serve these skewers standing upright in a shallow dish filled with kosher salt, which keeps them stable while adding visual appeal. Garnish with lime wheels and fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy display.

Transform these skewers into a complete meal by serving them atop cilantro-lime rice with grilled vegetables on the side. For a more casual approach, remove the shrimp from the skewers and use them to create spectacular tacos with avocado, slaw, and a drizzle of chipotle crema. These versatile tequila lime shrimp also make an excellent protein addition to a fresh summer salad with mango, avocado, and crisp greens.

FAQs

Can I make Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers without alcohol?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the tequila with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth plus an additional tablespoon of lime juice. You’ll still enjoy the vibrant citrus flavors that make these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers special.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
Large shrimp (16-20 per pound) are ideal for grilling skewers. They’re substantial enough to maintain their juiciness on the grill but cook quickly and evenly. Jumbo shrimp (13-15 per pound) also work well but may need an extra minute of cooking time.

Can I prepare these skewers in advance for a party?
You can marinate the shrimp up to 45 minutes ahead of time and thread them onto skewers up to 2 hours before grilling. Keep the prepared skewers refrigerated and covered until ready to grill. For best results, grill just before serving.

How can I tell when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked. Remember that shrimp continue cooking slightly after being removed from the heat.

Can I cook these shrimp indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Definitely! A grill pan works wonderfully, or you can broil the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, positioned about 4 inches from the heat source. You’ll still get delicious results with either of these methods.

These Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers combine the beloved flavors of a classic cocktail with succulent seafood for an irresistible dish that’s perfect for entertaining and always a crowd pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, the bright citrus, gentle kick of tequila, and perfectly grilled shrimp create a memorable dish your guests will request again and again.

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