Description
This vibrant Margarita Grilled Shrimp recipe features succulent large shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime and orange juice, tequila, honey, and spices. Grilled to perfection, these shrimp are juicy with a hint of smoky char, making a delicious appetizer or main dish perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, tequila, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring even coating. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If using a grill pan on the stovetop, preheat it to medium-high heat as well to get perfect searing temperature.
- Grill the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes first to prevent burning. Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and develop slight char marks. Avoid overcooking as shrimp cook quickly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove shrimp from grill and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp for extra brightness and zest.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they cook rapidly and can become rubbery.
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor but do not exceed 1 hour as the citrus can start to ‘cook’ the shrimp.
- Substitute tequila with additional orange juice if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- This recipe works well with a grill pan if you don’t have outdoor grilling access.
