Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

Picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, and I’m about to fire up the grill for a shrimp dish that packs a punch of flavor with a perfectly boozy twist. This isn’t just any shrimp recipe—it’s like a margarita married the freshest catch from the sea, and boy, are things getting delicious!

I adore the way the alive, zesty flavors of my Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers tease the taste buds. With plump shrimp steeped in fresh lime juice, tequila, and a simple touch of orange liqueur, these skewers are a refreshing and lighter way to enjoy a culinary margarita.

This dish is low in carbohydrates and offers an excellent source of protein.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe Ingredients

• Shrimp: High-protein and low-fat, great for lean muscle.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a tangy, refreshing citrus flavor.
• Tequila: Infuses with a unique, slightly smoky taste.
• Orange Liqueur: Provides a hint of sweetness and citrus aroma.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor and juiciness.
• Garlic: Rich in antioxidants and adds a savory depth.
• Chili Powder: Spices up with mild heat and vibrant color.
• Cumin: Offers warm, earthy tones to the marinade.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup tequila
• 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as triple sec)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Wooden or metal skewers

How to Make this Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

1. Mix the marinade in a large bowl. Combine the following ingredients:
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2. Add the shrimp, which have been peeled and deveined, to the marinade. Toss the shrimp so that they are well coated.

3. Place the bowl in the refrigerator after covering it with a plastic wrap or a lid. Let it stay there for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will not only instantly chill your shrimp but also help your shrimp better absorb the flavors of the marinade.

4. When employing skewers made of wood, immerse them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to ward off the likelihood of their catching fire on the grill.

5. Set the grill to a temperature of medium-high. Allow it to reach that temperature before placing food on it.

6. Skewer the shrimp that have been marinated, placing 4 to 5 shrimp and little space between each, onto the skewers.

7. Right before grilling, oil the grill to prevent the shrimp skewers from sticking. Then, place the skewers on the grill to get that fantastic grilled shrimp flavor.

8. Cook the shrimp on the grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and opaque. Take care not to overcook them.

9. Take the skewers off the grill and place them on a serving plate.

10. Present the shrimp skewers with lime wedges for squeezing over the top and, if you desire, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Then, dig in!

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Garlic press or knife and cutting board (for mincing garlic)
5. Whisk or fork (for mixing marinade)
6. Plastic wrap or lid (to cover the bowl)
7. Refrigerator (for marinating)
8. Skewers (wooden or metal)
9. Grill
10. Tongs (for handling skewers on the grill)
11. Serving plate

FAQ

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?Certainly, thawed shrimp work just as well. Just ensure that they are fully thawed before you proceed with marinating and grilling.
• Can I substitute the tequila with another ingredient?You can use tequila if that’s your preference, but you can also go with copious amounts of lime juice or a non-alcohol Margarita mix for a flavor that’s similar to the profile you’d get with a Margarita.
• How long should I marinate the shrimp?Let the shrimp bathe for 30 minutes, at the very least. But don’t let them go more than a full hour swimming with the other ingredients, or they will 1) get too acidic, and/or 2) be overcooked in the final dish. It’s much safer to err on the side of under-marination.
• What’s the best way to grill the shrimp?Set your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly. Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp will be done when they’ve turned pink and opaque.
• Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using them?Indeed, if you are using skewers made of wood, immerse them in water for no less than half an hour prior to placing them on the grill in order to stave off the skewers from catching fire.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?The marinade and shrimp can be made in advance, but the best results happen when you skewer and grill the shrimp right before serving.
• What sides go well with Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers?These skewers match up nicely with side dishes such as rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad to complete the taste experience.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you’d prefer not to use shrimp, substitute chicken or tofu for this protein. They will work just as well.
Instead of lime juice, use lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Substitute the tequila for the mezcal to achieve a smokier flavor.
Replace orange liqueur with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
In lieu of olive oil, use avocado oil for a flavor that is mild and buttery.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the shrimp’s flavor, consider marinating them for closer to an hour but not much longer to avoid the shrimp becoming mushy due to the acidity in the lime juice and tequila.

2. For an added depth of flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before mincing. Roasted garlic will impart a slightly sweet and smoky flavor to the marinade.

3. When grilling, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled right before placing the skewers on them. This ensures that the shrimp don’t stick and break apart when you try to turn them.

4. If you have extra marinade left over, you can reduce it in a small saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened and serve it as a drizzle over the cooked shrimp for enhanced flavor.

5. Consider adding a touch of smoked paprika to the marinade for a subtle smoky note that complements the tequila and lime beautifully.