Zesty Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Margarita grilled shrimp skewers bring zesty tropical flavors to your summer dining experience.

Bold citrus notes and tangy marinades upgrade ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Succulent shrimp absorb refreshing lime and tequila-infused ingredients, creating a mouthwatering blend of bright and complex tastes.

Coastal cuisine meets backyard grilling with this vibrant dish that promises maximum flavor and minimal preparation time.

Tender shellfish take on a delightful char when cooked over high heat, sealing in moisture and developing rich caramelized edges.

Summer gatherings deserve spectacular protein options that wow guests and simplify meal planning.

These spirited skewers elevate casual entertaining with their crowd-pleasing combination of classic cocktail ingredients and perfectly grilled seafood.

Why Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Sizzle with Flavor

• Burst with Zesty Marinade: The blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, and jalapeno creates a bold, spicy flavor profile that transforms ordinary shrimp into a mouth-watering summer sensation.
• Quick and Easy Grilling Delight: These skewers cook in just 6-8 minutes total, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous backyard gatherings with minimal preparation time.
• Customize with Cocktail Inspiration: The tequila-infused marinade and lime slices between shrimp give a playful nod to the classic margarita, bringing a fun, festive twist to your seafood dish that's sure to impress guests.
• Healthy Protein-Packed Option: Shrimp provides a lean protein source that's low in calories but high in flavor, making these skewers an excellent choice for health-conscious food lovers looking for a delicious meal.

Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Skewers with a Kick

• Shrimp: Extra jumbo size provides meaty texture and perfect grilling result, best when fresh and sustainably sourced.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking during grilling.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds robust, pungent flavor to the marinade.
• Jalapeno: Introduces mild heat and fresh pepper complexity.

• Brown Sugar: Balances heat and adds caramelization during grilling.
• Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin: Create a complex, smoky-spicy flavor profile with depth.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall seasoning and bringing out natural shrimp sweetness.

• Tequila: Adds subtle Mexican-inspired flavor to marinade.
• Fresh Lime Slices, Lime Wedges: Provides bright, acidic complement and fresh garnish.
• Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbal finish and traditional Mexican herb accent.

How to Make Margarita Shrimp Skewers Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Skewer Base

Grab wooden skewers and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. This simple trick keeps your skewers sturdy and ready for action.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Chopped jalapeno
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Blend the ingredients until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor.

Step 3: Marinate Seafood Magic

Place peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl. Pour marinade over the shrimp, ensuring complete coverage. Drizzle tequila for an extra kick. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, gently mixing halfway through to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Assemble Flavor-Loaded Skewers

Thread marinated shrimp onto prepared skewers. Strategically place lime slices between each shrimp for bursts of citrusy goodness and stunning presentation.

Step 5: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place skewers on the grill, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and develop a beautiful char.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Transfer grilled skewers to a vibrant serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Garnish with extra lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their delicious creation.

• Watch shrimp closely to avoid overcooking
• Larger shrimp might need slightly longer cooking time
• Pair with cold Mexican beer or margarita for ultimate summer dining experience

Serving Suggestion: Perfect for backyard parties, beach gatherings, or weekend cookouts with friends and family.

Top Tips for Juicy, Grilled Margarita Shrimp

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from charring and breaking during cooking.
• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let shrimp marinate for the full 2-3 hours to allow the spices and tequila to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Avoid Overcooking: Watch shrimp closely while grilling; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long. Remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque and slightly charred.
• Create Perfect Grill Marks: Ensure grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful caramelized lines on the shrimp.
• Boost Citrus Freshness: Add fresh lime slices between shrimp on skewers for extra zingy flavor and an attractive presentation that enhances the margarita-inspired theme.

Best Ways to Store Leftover Margarita Shrimp Skewers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover grilled shrimp skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Cool Down: Allow shrimp to reach room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and maintain texture. Avoid leaving shrimp at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Reheat Gently: Warm skewers in a preheated oven at 275°F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture. Alternatively, use a microwave on low power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to prevent rubbery texture.

Great Combos for Margarita Grilled Shrimp

• Sip Zesty Margarita Companion: Pair these grilled shrimp skewers with a classic margarita made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim. The citrusy notes complement the smoky, spicy marinade perfectly.
• Chill with Crisp White Wine: Opt for a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, acidic wines cut through the richness of the shrimp and balance the spicy jalapeño and chili flavors.
• Match with Fresh Corn Salsa: Create a vibrant side of grilled corn salsa with diced red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The sweet and tangy combination enhances the shrimp's zesty marinade and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Cooling Avocado Crema: Blend ripe avocados with sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This creamy sauce offers a smooth, cooling element that tempers the spicy kick of the grilled shrimp skewers.

Fresh Spins on Margarita Shrimp Skewers

• Coconut Curry Shrimp Skewers: Replace the marinade with a blend of coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, lime zest, and a touch of honey for a tropical Southeast Asian-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Swap the original spices with oregano, thyme, lemon zest, and olive oil. Add crumbled feta cheese and serve with a tzatziki dipping sauce for a Greek-style approach.
• Smoky Chipotle Shrimp: Substitute the spice blend with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, adding a deeper smoky heat. Include a touch of orange juice in the marinade for complexity and balance.
• Pineapple Rum Shrimp: Incorporate crushed pineapple and dark rum into the marinade. Replace some olive oil with pineapple juice and add a sprinkle of brown sugar for caramelization when grilling.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican margarita grilled shrimp skewers bring summer flavors to life with tangy lime and tequila marinade. Sizzling from grill to plate, these succulent shrimp promise a quick, delicious escape that will transport you straight to a beachside fiesta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) raw extra jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound), peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Marinade and Aromatics:

• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons tequila (optional)

Garnish:

• Thin slices of fresh lime (for skewers)
• Chopped cilantro
• Wedges of fresh lime (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
2. Clean and prepare shrimp by removing shells and veins, then place them in a spacious container.
3. Create a vibrant marinade by combining olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a mixing vessel.
4. Pulverize the marinade mixture using an immersion blender, food processor, or standard blender until completely smooth and homogeneous.
5. Thoroughly coat shrimp with the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
6. Optional: Introduce tequila to the marinating shrimp for additional depth of flavor.
7. Refrigerate the marinating shrimp for 2-3 hours, gently redistributing the marinade midway through to guarantee uniform seasoning.
8. Preheat grill to medium-high temperature, meticulously cleaning and oiling the grates to prevent sticking.
9. Carefully thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, strategically inserting lime slices between each shrimp for visual appeal and citrus infusion.
10. Grill skewers for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, monitoring closely to achieve perfect charring without overcooking.
11. Remove skewers from grill when shrimp appear opaque and display attractive grill marks.
12. Transfer grilled skewers to a serving platter, garnishing generously with freshly chopped cilantro.
13. Accompany the dish with lime wedges, allowing diners to squeeze additional citrus flavor over the shrimp just before enjoying.

Notes

• Strategic skewering transforms ordinary shrimp into a show-stopping appetizer that captures the essence of summer grilling.
• Tequila-infused marinade creates a bold, vibrant coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, delivering maximum taste in every single bite.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg