Discover how to prepare flavorful Margarita Grilled Shrimp with this easy recipe. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these shrimp are marinated in a zesty margarita-inspired sauce and grilled to perfection, bringing a taste of the beach to your table.
Ingredients for Margarita Grilled Shrimp
- Shrimp – 1 pound, peeled and deveined
- Tequila – 1/4 cup
- Fresh Lime Juice – from 2 limes
- Orange Juice – 1/4 cup
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh Cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Lime wedges – for garnish
How to Make Margarita Grilled Shrimp
1. Prepare the Marinade
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
2. Marinate the Shrimp
- Coat Shrimp: Place peeled and deveined shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Chill: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
3. Grill the Shrimp
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Skewer Shrimp: Thread shrimp onto skewers, if using, for easier grilling.
- Grill: Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are opaque and lightly charred. Baste with remaining marinade while grilling.
4. Serve
- Garnish: Remove shrimp from skewers and garnish with lime wedges.
- Enjoy: Serve Margarita Grilled Shrimp hot as an appetizer or main dish alongside rice or salad.
About the Main Ingredients
Shrimp
Protein: Rich in lean protein, shrimp are a versatile seafood choice.
Flavor: Absorb flavors well from marinades, enhancing their natural sweetness with the citrus and tequila in this recipe.
Tequila
Flavor: Adds a unique depth and tang to the marinade, reminiscent of a classic margarita.
Tenderizing: Helps tenderize the shrimp while infusing them with a zesty kick.
Citrus (Lime and Orange Juice)
Acidity: Tenderizes the shrimp and adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
Balance: Balances the bold flavors of tequila and garlic in the marinade.
Now that you’ve mastered making Margarita Grilled Shrimp, you can enjoy this vibrant dish with friends and family. Whether served as an appetizer or part of a seafood feast, these grilled shrimp bring a taste of summer to any occasion.
