Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers

These Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers burst with bright, zesty flavors. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful appetizer. Get ready for a taste of summer with this simple yet delicious recipe.

Gather these fresh ingredients for amazing Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers.

• 1 pound raw extra jumbo shrimp, 16-20 per pound, peeled and deveined
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 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
• 2 teaspoons tequila (optional)
• Thin slices of fresh lime (if placing shrimp on skewers)
• Chopped cilantro
• Wedges of fresh lime for squeezing over top

Make this recipe work for you with these simple ingredient swaps.

1. If using wood skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
2. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a wide, shallow bowl. Set this aside.
3. In a separate bowl with high sides, combine the olive oil, chopped garlic, minced jalapeno, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
4. Use an immersion blender to process the marinade ingredients until they form a smooth mixture with no large pieces. Alternatively, use a food processor or blender.
5. Pour the prepared marinade over the shrimp in the shallow bowl.
6. Gently stir the shrimp to coat them evenly with the marinade.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Gently fold the shrimp about halfway through the marinating time to ensure even flavor.
8. If using tequila, drizzle it over the marinated shrimp. Gently fold to combine.
9. If using skewers, thread the marinated shrimp onto the prepared skewers. For an authentic touch, place a folded thin slice of fresh lime between each shrimp on the skewer.
10. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
11. Place the shrimp skewers (or individual shrimp) directly onto the hot grill grates.
12. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cook just until the shrimp are opaque and have developed some nice char marks. Smaller shrimp will require less cooking time.
13. Remove the grilled shrimp from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
14. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the hot shrimp.
15. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

• Over-marinating: Marinating shrimp for too long, especially with acidic ingredients, can make them mushy. Stick to the recommended 2-3 hours.
• Dirty or un-oiled grill grates: This leads to shrimp sticking to the grill. Always start with clean, well-oiled grates for easy flipping and removal.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
• Citrus Twist: Include a tablespoon of fresh lime juice in the marinade for a more pronounced citrus flavor.

• Serve these shrimp skewers as a light appetizer at your next gathering.
• Pair them with a fresh garden salad and rice for a complete meal.
• Enjoy them alongside your favorite grilled vegetables for a summer barbecue feast.

Can I make this ahead?

You can marinate the shrimp for up to 3 hours. Grill them just before serving for the best texture and flavor. The marinade can be made a day in advance.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best served chilled or gently rewarmed.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers are your ticket to a vibrant and simple meal. Enjoy the zesty, slightly sweet, and savory flavors that will make this a go-to recipe.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers

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Zesty, flavorful grilled shrimp skewers with a tangy, tropical twist. Easy to prepare and perfect for summer meals or appetizers, these skewers deliver bold taste with minimal effort.

• Author: basma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Quick Dinner Recipes
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Shellfish

Ingredients

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1 pound extra jumbo shrimp, 16-20 per pound, peeled and deveined
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon minced jalapeno
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh lime slices
Chopped cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Thread shrimp onto skewers with lime slices, alternating with herbs.
In a food processor or blender, combine olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend into a paste.
Place skewers in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Heat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Grill shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side, until opaque and slightly charred.
Remove skewers and garnish with cilantro before serving with lime wedges.

Notes

Marinate up to 2 hours for best results.
Optional: Use non-alcoholic margarita mix (citrus-based) in place of tequila for flavor depth.
For halal compliance, ensure all spices and oils are certified halal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 skewers
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 150mg