Sizzling Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe for Summer

Sizzling summer nights call for these mouthwatering margarita grilled shrimp skewers that infuse zesty lime and tequila flavors into every succulent bite.

The tangy marinade transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Tender jumbo shrimp absorb the bright citrus notes and subtle heat, creating a perfect balance of refreshing and robust flavors.

Each skewer promises a delightful blend of smoky char and vibrant seasoning that instantly transports you to a beachside paradise.

The recipe combines classic cocktail ingredients with grilling techniques for an irresistible appetizer or main course.

Bold and bright, these shrimp skewers deliver a punch of tropical excitement that will elevate any summer meal.

Dive into this easy and impressive dish that’s sure to be the star of your next outdoor gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Margarita Shrimp Skewer Ingredient Lineup

• Raw Extra Jumbo Shrimp: Succulent seafood that forms the heart of the dish, choose fresh, firm shrimp with a clean ocean scent and no discoloration.

• Olive Oil, Tequila: Liquid ingredients that add richness and depth, with tequila providing a zesty Mexican-inspired kick.
• Garlic Cloves, Jalapeno: Fresh aromatics that bring sharp, spicy notes to the marinade, select firm peppers and plump garlic bulbs.

• Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Complex spice mix that creates a smoky, sweet, and slightly heat-packed coating, ensuring each shrimp is packed with robust flavor.

• Fresh Lime, Cilantro: Bright, citrusy elements that provide fresh contrast and visual appeal, choose vibrant green cilantro and juicy limes for maximum flavor.

Tools That Make Grilling Shrimp a Breeze

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor on the shrimp.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal needed to thread and grill the shrimp evenly.
• Immersion blender: Helps create a smooth marinade quickly. Food processor or regular blender works too.
• Cutting board: For chopping garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Precise tool for mincing ingredients and preparing lime slices.
• Shallow bowl: Used for marinating the shrimp and keeping them coated evenly.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely handling and turning skewers on the grill.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure marinade ingredients.

How to Grill Margarita Shrimp Like a Pro

• Skewer Preparation

Wooden skewers need a water bath before grilling to prevent burning. Soak them thoroughly to ensure safe cooking.

• Marinade Magic

Create a zesty blend of spices and oils that will transform ordinary shrimp into a flavor explosion. Mix bold seasonings until smooth and fragrant.

• Flavor Infusion

Allow shrimp to luxuriate in the marinade, soaking up every delicious note. Let the flavors mingle and dance for a few hours in the refrigerator.

• Lime and Tequila Twist

Weave shrimp onto skewers, tucking vibrant lime slices between each succulent piece. A splash of tequila adds an extra layer of excitement.

• Grill Master Technique

Heat the grill to sizzling perfection. Cook shrimp until they turn golden and slightly charred, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.

• Cilantro Celebration

Transfer grilled skewers to a stunning platter. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a final burst of freshness.

Shrimp Skewer Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing jalapeño amounts. For milder flavor, remove jalapeño seeds before mincing. Adventurous eaters can add extra chili powder for a bolder kick.
• Seafood Substitution: Replace shrimp with chicken, scallops, or firm white fish like halibut. Each protein absorbs marinade differently, so adjust marinating time accordingly to prevent toughening.
• Marination Magic: For deeper flavor penetration, score shrimp lightly with shallow cuts before marinating. Never marinate longer than 3 hours, as citrus and alcohol can start breaking down delicate seafood proteins.
• Grill Pan Alternative: No outdoor grill? Use a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet for perfect caramelization. Ensure pan is preheated to medium-high and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare marinade and skewer shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in refrigerator, keeping lime slices separate until just before grilling to maintain freshness and prevent bitterness.

Ways to Serve These Shrimp Skewers with Style

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Pair these zesty margarita shrimp skewers with cilantro-lime rice for a complete tropical meal that complements the marinade's bold flavors.
• Beachy Appetizer Style: Arrange skewers on a wooden serving board with small bowls of fresh salsa, guacamole, and extra lime wedges to create a vibrant, beach-inspired presentation that encourages interactive dining.
• Cocktail Party Twist: Serve these skewers as a crowd-pleasing appetizer during summer gatherings, accompanied by mini margaritas that echo the tequila undertones in the marinade and create a cohesive flavor experience.
• Cool Cooling Companion: Whip up a quick cucumber-mint salsa or a creamy avocado sauce as a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, charred shrimp, balancing the heat and adding a layer of cool complexity to each bite.

Save Extra Shrimp for Another Day

• Smart Batch Preparation: Whip up multiple batches of marinated shrimp skewers in advance. Store uncooked marinated shrimp in sealed containers within the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, guaranteeing quick meal solutions during busy weeknights.
• Refrigeration Strategy: After cooking, store leftover grilled shrimp skewers in airtight containers. These tasty morsels remain fresh and delicious for 2-3 days when kept in the coldest section of your refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Freezing Technique: For extended storage, place cooked and cooled shrimp skewers in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating to maintain tender texture.
• Meal Companion Ideas: Pair these zesty shrimp skewers with cilantro-lime rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp summer salad. Create versatile meal combinations by transforming leftover skewers into vibrant tacos, fresh salad toppers, or quick seafood appetizers for spontaneous gatherings.

Zesty Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican coastal charm meets grilled margarita shrimp skewers with zesty lime and tequila marinade. Packed with robust flavors, these succulent shrimp promise a quick, delightful meal you can savor with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) raw extra jumbo shrimp (16–20 per lb), peeled and deveined
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 2 tsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp minced jalapeno
• 2 tsps tequila (optional)
• Thin slices of fresh lime (for skewers)
• Chopped cilantro
• Wedges of fresh lime (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Skewer Preparation: Immerse wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during grilling.
2. Shrimp Marinade: Blend olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, vibrant mixture using an immersion blender or food processor.
3. Seasoning Process: Thoroughly coat shrimp with the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Optionally, incorporate tequila for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Marination: Refrigerate seasoned shrimp for 2-3 hours, gently redistributing marinade midway to guarantee uniform seasoning.
5. Grill Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high temperature, cleaning and oiling grates to prevent sticking.
6. Skewering: Thread marinated shrimp onto pre-soaked skewers, strategically inserting lime slices between each shrimp for visual appeal and citrus infusion.
7. Grilling: Cook skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to achieve perfect charring without overcooking.
8. Serving: Transfer grilled skewers to a platter, garnish generously with chopped cilantro, and accompany with lime wedges for additional citrus zest.

Notes

• Soak Skewers Smartly: Prevent burning by submerging wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Marinate Magic: Let shrimp soak in the flavorful marinade for 2-3 hours, mixing halfway to ensure maximum taste penetration.
• Grill with Precision: Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat, watching carefully to avoid overcooking – 3-4 minutes per side is perfect.
• Citrus Boost: Add fresh lime slices between shrimp and squeeze extra wedges before serving to elevate the bright, zesty flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg