Zesty Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp

Embark on a culinary adventure with our exquisite Margarita Shrimp – a vibrant dish where succulent shrimp are meticulously marinated in a zesty blend of tequila, fresh lime, aromatic garlic, and a hint of sweetness. This flavorful fusion transforms ordinary seafood into an extraordinary gourmet experience, promising to awaken your taste buds with every bite.

This sensational Grilled Shrimp Recipe is poised to become an instant family favorite, revolutionizing your mealtime repertoire. Its light, refreshing, and utterly delicious profile makes it the quintessential choice for a vibrant summer entree, perfect for outdoor gatherings or a refreshing weeknight dinner.

Why You Need to Make This Zesty Margarita Shrimp

Inspiration for the most delightful dishes often strikes unexpectedly. For this incredible Margarita Shrimp recipe, the muse was none other than National Margarita Day! While keeping track of daily events can be a challenge, special foodie holidays always offer a wonderful excuse to get creative in the kitchen. A heartfelt thank you goes out to my friend, Heather, from girlichef, for organizing a fantastic group of bloggers to share their favorite margarita-inspired creations. Given that margaritas hold a special place as my go-to cocktail, I eagerly embraced the theme, albeit with a healthier twist. During a time when my husband, Bill, was recovering from heart valve replacement surgery, a colossal slushy margarita was off the menu. Instead, I envisioned a lighter, yet equally zesty and celebratory option: a vibrant Grilled Shrimp Recipe infused with those beloved margarita flavors. And thus, Margarita Shrimp was born!

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, designed to bring joy and incredible flavor to your table. Here’s why this Margarita Shrimp will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• Elevate Your Grilling Game: If your grilling routine feels a bit repetitive, these Margarita Shrimp are the perfect antidote. The unique, bright marinade offers a refreshing departure from traditional barbecue flavors, making your next cookout an exciting culinary event.
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The margarita marinade is nothing short of delicious, perfectly complementing the delicate sweetness of shrimp. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of tangy lime, subtle tequila, and savory garlic, creating a truly unforgettable taste sensation that is both sophisticated and incredibly satisfying.
• Remarkably Quick & Easy: Forget elaborate, time-consuming recipes. These shrimp require minimal effort, making them ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The shrimp soak up all the fantastic marinade flavor in just about 30 minutes, and then cook to perfection in as little as 5 minutes on the grill or under the broiler. This speed means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal and company.
• Healthy and Light: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, Margarita Shrimp offers a healthier alternative to heavier dishes without compromising on flavor. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that fits perfectly into a balanced lifestyle, especially during warmer months.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served as an elegant appetizer, a standalone main course, or as a vibrant addition to tacos, salads, or pasta, Margarita Shrimp adapts beautifully to various culinary presentations, offering endless possibilities for your menu.

Essential Ingredients for Margarita Shrimp

Crafting these succulent Margarita Shrimp relies on a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that build layers of bright and savory flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the signature taste profile that makes this dish so irresistible. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Large or Jumbo Shrimp: The star of our dish! Always opt for shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Leaving the tails on is a recommended pro-tip, as it provides a convenient “handle” for eating and adds to the presentation. Fresh shrimp are always best, but high-quality frozen shrimp, properly defrosted, work wonderfully as well.
• Lime Zest and Juice: The heart of the “margarita” flavor. Fresh lime is absolutely non-negotiable here. The zest contains concentrated citrus oils, delivering an intense aromatic punch, while the fresh juice provides that essential tangy acidity. Remember to zest your limes before you juice them – it’s much easier!
• Tequila: A key player in the marinade, infusing the shrimp with its distinctive agave notes. While much of the alcohol will cook off, the flavor remains. You don’t need a top-shelf sipping tequila, but choose a decent brand that you wouldn’t mind drinking. A good blanco (silver) tequila is perfect for this recipe.
• Triple Sec: This orange liqueur enhances the citrus notes and adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the marinade, complementing the lime and tequila beautifully. Like the tequila, selecting a reputable brand will ensure the best flavor results.
• Fresh Cilantro: Minced fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous, and slightly peppery freshness that is characteristic of many Tex-Mex and Latin-inspired dishes. It adds another layer of complexity to the marinade. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley can be a mild substitute, though the flavor profile will shift.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an indispensable pungent and aromatic base that pairs perfectly with the other bold flavors. Avoid garlic powder for this recipe; fresh garlic makes a significant difference.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the acidity of the lime and the sharpness of the tequila, adding a lovely, subtle sweetness that helps create a beautiful caramelization on the grill. If possible, local honey can also offer the added benefit of potentially helping with seasonal allergies!
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil acts as the carrier for all these wonderful flavors, helping to distribute them evenly over the shrimp and preventing them from sticking to the grill.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings. Kosher salt or sea salt is preferred for its cleaner taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a fragrant warmth that completes the seasoning.

Mastering Margarita Shrimp: Essential Recipe Tips

Achieving perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful Margarita Shrimp is easier than you might think, especially with a few expert tips in your arsenal. Shrimp are delicate and cook quickly, so understanding these nuances will ensure your dish is nothing short of spectacular every time.

• The Art of Marinating Shrimp: Unlike tougher proteins like beef or pork, shrimp is highly delicate and porous. It does not require prolonged marination. In fact, marinating shrimp for too long, especially in a citrus-based marinade, can have adverse effects. The acid in the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp (a process known as denaturation), leading to a mushy, rubbery, or mealy texture rather than tender and succulent. Aim for a marination time of precisely 30 minutes to one hour. This duration is ample for the shrimp to absorb all the vibrant margarita flavors without compromising its delicate structure.
• Keeping Tails On: When preparing your shrimp, leave the tails intact. This small detail offers a significant practical advantage: it creates a natural “handle” for easy gripping, making these shrimp perfect for appetizers or finger foods. It also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation on skewers or platters.
• To Devein or Not to Devein (and How): Most shrimp bought with shells on, or even some pre-peeled varieties, will have a dark vein running down their back. While commonly referred to as a “vein,” it’s actually the shrimp’s digestive tract. Technically, it is edible and harmless, but many people find its appearance unappetizing. To devein shrimp, use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back curve of the shrimp. Then, gently use your fingers or the tip of the knife to pull out the dark string-like “vein.” You can also purchase pre-deveined shrimp to save time.
• The Crucial Doneness Factor: Overcooking shrimp is the most common mistake and the quickest way to turn a potentially delicious meal into a rubbery disappointment. Shrimp cooks incredibly fast. Keep a close eye on them! When perfectly cooked, shrimp will:
  • Curl slightly into a loose “C” shape.
  • Turn opaque from their translucent raw state.
  • Exhibit a beautiful pink color with some white streaks.

  If your shrimp curl into a tight “O” or a very tight “C” shape, they are likely overcooked and will have a tough, chewy texture. Practice makes perfect, but visual cues are your best guide.

• Skewers for Success: If you plan to grill or broil your shrimp on skewers, consider using two parallel skewers per shrimp. This technique helps stabilize the shrimp, preventing them from spinning when you try to flip them and ensuring more even cooking. It also makes them easier to handle on the grill.

Mastering the Grill: How to Achieve Perfect Margarita Shrimp

Grilling shrimp is a fantastic way to infuse them with smoky flavor and achieve a beautiful char, but it’s also a process that demands attention. The high heat of a grill can transform tender, succulent shrimp into tough, rubbery morsels in a matter of seconds. Success lies in preparation, precise timing, and a few clever techniques. Follow these expert tips to grill your Margarita Shrimp to perfection every time, ensuring they remain juicy and bursting with flavor:

• Start with the Freshest Shrimp Available: Quality ingredients are the foundation of any great dish. Whenever possible, purchase fresh shrimp on the day you plan to grill them. If fresh isn’t an option, high-quality frozen shrimp are an excellent alternative. Ensure frozen shrimp are properly defrosted in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water on the day of cooking. Pat them thoroughly dry before marinating for optimal flavor absorption and searing.
• Choose the Right Size: For grilling, extra-large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count or larger per pound) are your best bet. Smaller shrimp cook much faster and are notoriously difficult to manage on a hot grill, making it challenging to remove them promptly before they overcook. Larger shrimp offer a more forgiving cooking window and are easier to handle with tongs.
• Mindful Marination Times: As discussed, shrimp are delicate. Marinate your Margarita Shrimp for approximately 30 minutes to one hour. The acidic lime juice in the marinade, while crucial for flavor, can begin to “cook” the shrimp’s protein if left too long, resulting in a mushy texture. This short marinating window is perfect for infusing flavor without compromising texture.
• PRO-Tip: Alcohol as a Flavor Enhancer: The tequila in our marinade acts as a fantastic flavor enhancer, adding depth and complexity to the shrimp. Don’t worry about serving it to all ages – a significant amount of the alcohol content will evaporate during the high-heat grilling process, leaving behind only its delicious essence.
• Optimal Grilling Temperature: Preheat your grill to a direct, medium-high heat, typically between 350-450ºF (175-230ºC). This temperature range is ideal for quickly searing the shrimp and cooking them through without drying them out. While the internal temperature of cooked shrimp should reach 120ºF (49ºC), you likely won’t have time to check individual shrimp with a thermometer due to their rapid cooking time. Rely instead on visual cues.
• Watch for Visual Cues of Doneness: This is the most critical aspect of grilling shrimp. Cooked shrimp will undergo distinct visual changes:
  • They will change color from translucent gray to opaque pink with white streaks.
  • They will curl into a gentle “C” shape. This “C” indicates perfect doneness.

  Be vigilant! If the shrimp curl into a tight “O” or a very tight “C,” they are overcooked and will be rubbery. Flipping them once, halfway through, is usually sufficient.

• PRO-Tip: Do a Trial Run: Especially if you’re new to grilling shrimp or using a new grill, it’s wise to do a quick trial run. Cook one or two shrimp first to gauge how long it takes for them to cook perfectly on your grill at your chosen temperature. Make a mental note of the time, and then proceed with the rest of your batch with confidence.
• PRO-Tip: Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, immerse them in water for at least 30 minutes (or even an hour) before threading your shrimp. This simple step prevents the skewers from burning and charring on the hot grill, keeping your presentation neat and safe.
• PRO-Tip: Use Two Skewers for Stability: For easier handling and more even cooking, thread your shrimp onto two parallel skewers rather than just one. This technique stabilizes the shrimp, preventing them from rotating freely when you try to flip them, making the grilling process much smoother. Refer to the image above for a visual demonstration of this technique.

Beyond the Grill: More Tasty Margarita-Inspired Recipes

This incredibly simple recipe yields tender, flavorful shrimp, showcasing how a classic marinade can elevate a dish. The grilled shrimp marinade, with its core margarita flavors of tangy lime, bold tequila, and sweet triple sec, is further boosted by the aromatic garlic, fresh cilantro, and a touch of honey. The shrimp, bathed in this vibrant marinade for just a brief half-hour, then basked under the heat of the broiler (or grill) until perfectly pink, creating pure deliciousness on a skewer. But the margarita magic doesn’t have to stop there! If you adore the refreshing and zesty profile of a margarita, you’ll love exploring these other creative culinary applications:

• Frozen Mango Margarita from Noshing with the Nolands: A tropical, frosty delight perfect for hot days.
• Beergaritas: An ingenious and refreshing twist, combining beer with classic margarita elements.
• Fresh Peach Margaritas: Sweet and juicy, capturing the essence of ripe peaches in a vibrant drink.
• Blood Orange Margaritas: A visually stunning and richly flavored margarita with a beautiful citrus tang.
• Margarita Cheesecake: A decadent dessert that perfectly blends creamy cheesecake with the bright flavors of a margarita.
• Mini Margarita Cheesecakes: Bite-sized versions of the popular cheesecake, ideal for parties or individual servings.
• Margarita Poke Cake: A fun, moist cake infused with lime and tequila, making it an exciting dessert option.
• You’ll also love this Grilled Shrimp Scampi! While not margarita-themed, it offers another fantastic grilled shrimp option with a garlic-butter profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Margarita Shrimp

The Recipe:

Margarita Shrimp

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
5 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Yield
3 servings

Succulent marinated grilled shrimp, infused with vibrant tequila and lime, inspired by the classic margarita cocktail. Perfect for a quick, zesty summer meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails left on
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon lime zest
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons tequila
• 1 teaspoon triple sec
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Soak about 10 long wooden skewers in water while you prepare the shrimp. This prevents them from burning on the grill or under the broiler.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, honey, tequila, triple sec, minced cilantro, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp (with tails on) to the bowl and gently toss to ensure each shrimp is thoroughly coated in the flavorful marinade.
3. Marinate the shrimp in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Stir gently once or twice during this time to ensure even flavor distribution. Do not marinate for longer than 60 minutes, as the acidity can affect the shrimp’s texture.
4. Once marinated, thread the shrimp onto two parallel wooden skewers (this helps stabilize them for easier flipping). Place the skewered shrimp on a rack over a baking sheet or a broiler pan if broiling, or directly onto a preheated grill.
5. To Broil: Preheat your broiler. Place the shrimp about 6 inches away from the heating element and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until cooked through and opaque, turning at the halfway point. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your shrimp and the intensity of your broiler.
   To Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (350-450ºF). Place the skewers directly on the grill grates. Grill for an even shorter time, typically 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and curl into a gentle “C” shape.
6. Serve your delicious Margarita Shrimp immediately while warm. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro or a lime wedge for an added burst of flavor.

Total time: Approximately 45 minutes (including prep and marinating).

Notes

Soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking is a crucial step to prevent them from charring and burning under the broiler or on the grill. This ensures your shrimp cook evenly and safely.

Using two skewers parallel to each other for each set of shrimp offers excellent stability. This prevents the shrimp from spinning when you attempt to flip them, making the cooking process much easier and helping to achieve consistent results.

Leaving the tails on the shrimp not only enhances their visual appeal but also provides a convenient “handle.” This is especially useful if you plan to serve these as an appetizer or finger food, allowing guests to enjoy them without getting messy.

Recommended Products

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• USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan
• 10-Inch Wire Whisk
• 6 Inch Wooden Skewers

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 327Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 319mgSodium: 1786mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 35g

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