Look, I’m not gonna lie – these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers changed my grilling game forever. First time I made em, my whole family wouldn’t stop talking about them for DAYS. The combo of tequila, lime and cilantro just hits different when it’s soaked into jumbo shrimp and charred on the grill. Trust me, this is gonna be your new go-to summer recipe.
Gotta warn ya though – once you try these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers, regular grilled shrimp just won’t cut it anymore. I’ve been making these for about 3 years now and they’re always the first thing to disappear at cookouts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making great grilled shrimp used to stress me out – they’d either be overcooked or under-seasoned. This recipe changed everything! The marinade is basically foolproof and gives the shrimp SO much flavor in just 30 mins.
Last summer I made these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers for my dad’s birthday. He’s super picky about seafood but ended up going back for seconds AND thirds! He even asked for the recipe which NEVER happens.
What’s awesome is how flexible these are. You can serve em as appetizers, throw em in tacos, or make a full meal with rice and veggies. And if you’re not into tequila, no worries – I’ll share some alcohol-free options that taste just as good.
Before we jump into the details, lemme just say these aren’t your average shrimp skewers. The marinade creates this amazing caramelization on the grill that’s just chef’s kiss.
What You Need for Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
For the Marinade:
- Tequila – just 1/4 cup gives amazing flavor (doesn’t have to be fancy stuff)
- Lime juice and zest – fresh is way better than bottled here
- Orange juice – adds sweetness to balance the lime
- Olive oil – helps keep shrimp juicy during grilling
- Garlic – I use 3-4 cloves minced real small
- Cilantro – roughly chopped, stems are fine too
- Honey – just a tablespoon helps with caramelization
- Salt & black pepper – more than you think you need
- Red pepper flakes – optional if you want heat
For the Skewers:
- Jumbo shrimp – about 2 pounds, shell off but tails on works best
- Wooden or metal skewers – if using wooden, soak em first!
- Limes for serving – extra lime wedges make everything better
Can’t do cilantro? Swap for parsley. No tequila? Use extra lime juice and a splash of water. Need gluten-free? This recipe already is!
If you love shrimp recipes, you might also wanna check out my Creamy Coconut Shrimp or classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
How to Make the Best Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Make that amazing marinade
Mix tequila, lime juice, lime zest, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Don’t overthink it – just throw everything in and stir.
Step 2: Prep your shrimp
Make sure shrimp are cleaned and deveined. I keep tails on for easier handling and better presentation. Pat em dry with paper towels – this helps the marinade stick better.
Step 3: Marinate (but not too long!)
Pour marinade over shrimp in zip-top bag or bowl. Gently mix to coat everything. Now here’s the important part – only marinate for 30 mins max! The acid in lime juice starts cooking shrimp and they’ll get tough if left too long.
Step 4: Skewer time
If using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked at least 30 mins. Thread shrimp on skewers, about 5-6 per stick depending on size. Leave small space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Step 5: Grill em up
Heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Clean and oil grates real good. Grill skewers 2-3 mins per side – you’ll know they’re done when shrimp turn pink and slightly opaque. They cook FAST so don’t walk away!
Step 6: Serve immediately
Seriously, these are best straight off the grill. Squeeze fresh lime over top and sprinkle with extra cilantro if you want. The Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers are perfect with rice, in tacos, or just eaten right off the skewer!
Tasty Variations on Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Spicy Mango Margarita Skewers
Add 2 tbsp mango puree and extra red pepper flakes to marinade. Insanely good sweet-heat combo.
Mediterranean Style
Skip tequila, use lemon instead of lime, add oregano and a splash of olive oil. Different but amazing.
Coconut Margarita Shrimp
Add 2 tbsp coconut milk to marinade and sprinkle with toasted coconut after grilling. Tropical paradise vibes!
Garlic Butter Finish
After grilling, brush with melted garlic butter. Yeah, it’s extra, but SO worth it.
Veggie Loaded Skewers
Alternate shrimp with chunks of bell pepper, red onion and zucchini. Just make sure to cut veggies same size for even cooking.
FAQs About Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Can I make Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers ahead of time?
You can prep marinade 2 days ahead but don’t add shrimp til 30 mins before cooking. Already grilled shrimp keep 2 days in fridge but they’re def best fresh.
Does the alcohol cook off in Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Most of it does during grilling but not 100%. If cooking for kids or folks who don’t drink, just sub lime juice and a splash of water.
What size shrimp works best for Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Go for jumbo (16-20 per pound) or extra large (21-25 per pound). Smaller shrimp cook too fast and can get tough real quick.
Can I cook these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers in the oven?
Yep! Broil on high 4-5 mins, turning halfway. Won’t get same smoky flavor but still tasty.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
They turn from gray to pink and slightly opaque. If they’re pure white and super firm, they’re overcooked. Usually just 2-3 mins per side.
What can I serve with Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Cilantro lime rice, grilled corn, avocado salad or tortillas for tacos all work great. These also make killer appetizers on their own.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Totally! Just thaw completely and pat super dry before marinating. I actually keep frozen shrimp on hand just to make these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers whenever the mood strikes.
Let’s Make These Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Your New Tradition
First time I made these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers was for a last-minute get together with neighbors. Now they ask for em every time they come over! There’s something special about food that becomes part of your story.
What I love most is seeing people’s faces when they take that first bite. The lime, tequila and char from the grill just work together perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers are gonna be a hit.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Add spices you love or serve em in ways that work for your crowd. At the end of the day, good food is about bringing people together, and these Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers definitely do that.
Try em this weekend – your grill (and your guests) will thank you!
Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Equipment
- Grill
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Bowl (for marinating)
- Tongs
Ingredients
- For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup tequila
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- For the Skewers:
- 2 lbs jumbo shrimp peeled (tails on)
- Wooden or metal skewers soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix tequila, lime juice and zest, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Prep the Shrimp: Clean and devein shrimp, leaving tails on for easy handling. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place shrimp in a zip-top bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Mix gently to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes maximum to avoid overcooking.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread 5-6 shrimp per skewer, leaving space between each shrimp.
- Grill the Shrimp: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve: Remove from the grill, squeeze fresh lime over top, and serve with extra cilantro. Enjoy with rice, tacos, or just as a snack!
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