Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Grilling · Storage: Up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This recipe for Margarita Grilled Shrimp is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Living in New York City, I often find myself craving the vibrant flavors of summer, even as the cooler months approach. As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, I love incorporating dishes that offer a nod to those warm evenings spent on a rooftop or patio savoring the company of friends. That’s where these Margarita Grilled Shrimp come into play—simple yet full of flavor, they serve as a delightful appetizer for holiday gatherings or a vibrant addition to any festive meal.
A Festive Appetizer for Any Gathering
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Transport yourself to summer with the vibrant flavors of tequila and lime.
- Simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Succulent shrimp grilled to perfection with rich, smoky undertones.
- Versatile as an appetizer or a bold addition to festive meals.
- Crafted with quality ingredients for a burst of fresh taste.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make Margarita Grilled Shrimp:
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined
Marinade
- 1/4 cup tequila: Use a good-quality blanco tequila
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice: About 2-3 limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin is best
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked
For Serving
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped, for garnish
How to Make Margarita Grilled Shrimp (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your Margarita Grilled Shrimp:
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well-combined. Add the shrimp, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Just before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Lay the skewers on the preheated grill, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and boast beautiful grill marks.
Step 4: Serve
Once grilled, remove the skewers from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not marinating long enough: For the best flavor, ensure the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes; longer is even better (up to an hour).
- Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Keep a close eye on them, as they can turn rubbery if overcooked.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Invest in good tequila and fresh shrimp; the flavors shine through in this simple recipe.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños to the marinade.
- Serve the shrimp with a refreshing avocado salsa for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or a light lager to complement the zing of lime.
Variations
- Use lime zest along with the lime juice for an extra kick of flavor.
- Substitute shrimp with scallops for a different texture.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for a unique twist.
How to Serve
- Arrange the grilled shrimp on a platter and garnish with lime wedges.
- Serve with a side of garlic dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Use in tacos with fresh cabbage and salsa for a delicious meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp up to an hour in advance.
- Storage: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, but they are best enjoyed cold as a salad topping or in tacos.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze cooked shrimp, as they may lose texture and flavor.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe reminded me of the importance of quality ingredients—the shrimp’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the vibrant marinade. I can’t wait to serve these at my upcoming holiday parties; they’ll surely transport my guests to sunnier locales, if just for a moment!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 5 shrimp
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~200 calories · 22g protein · 2g carbs · 10g fat
Vibrant Margarita Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tequila, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well-combined. Add the shrimp, tossing to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, placing about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and have grill marks.
- Remove the skewers from the grill, arrange on a platter, squeeze lime juice over the shrimp, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.
2. How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor, but you can let them sit for up to an hour for even more infusion of the marinade.
3. What type of grill is best for cooking these shrimp?
A gas or charcoal grill both work well. Just ensure it’s preheated to medium-high heat for optimal cooking.
4. Can I grill the shrimp without skewers?
Yes, if you prefer not to use skewers, you can place the marinated shrimp directly on the grill grates. Just be cautious and turn them frequently to avoid losing any shrimp in the flames.
5. What can I serve with Margarita Grilled Shrimp?
These shrimp pair wonderfully with a fresh avocado salsa, a crisp white wine, or a light lager. They also make a great addition to tacos or salads.
