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If you love grilled shrimp with a citrusy, smoky twist, these Margarita Shrimp Skewers are about to be your new favorite summer dish! Juicy shrimp are marinated in a bold blend of lime, tequila, and spices, then grilled to perfection for a burst of fresh, zesty flavor.
Perfect for BBQs, Taco Tuesday, or any time you want a quick and easy seafood dish, these shrimp skewers are light, flavorful, and pair perfectly with a cold margarita!
🍤 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Margarita Marinade:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp tequila
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
👉 For the Skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 1 lime, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for extra heat!)
🔥 How to Make Margarita Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2️⃣ Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (but no more than 1 hour).
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
3️⃣ If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
4️⃣ Thread the shrimp, lime slices, and jalapeño slices onto the skewers.
Step 3: Grill or Cook the Shrimp
5️⃣ Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
6️⃣ Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook for the same 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
7️⃣ Remove from the grill and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with extra lime wedges and enjoy!
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🔥 Want More Heat? Add a dash of cayenne or an extra jalapeño to the marinade.
🥭 Sweet & Spicy? Thread mango or pineapple chunks onto the skewers for a fruity balance!
🍹 No Tequila? Substitute with more lime juice or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick.
❄️ Make Ahead? Marinate the shrimp in advance, then grill fresh when ready to serve!
💡 What to Serve with It?
- Cilantro-lime rice or Mexican street corn (Elote) 🌽🍚
- A fresh avocado or mango salsa 🥑🥭
- A classic margarita or spicy jalapeño margarita to match the flavors! 🍹
These Margarita Shrimp Skewers are bright, smoky, and bursting with citrusy goodness, making them the ultimate summer dish. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe delivers big, bold flavors in every bite!
