Name: Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp kosher salt; 1 Tbsp sugar; 2 lbs shrimp, uncooked, peeled and deveined; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 1/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped; 1 jalapeno, chopped (seeds optional); 1 Tbsp lime zest; 2 oz tequila blanco; 2 oz triple sec; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Lime wedges and chopped cilantro for serving

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fire up the grill and let your taste buds dance—Margarita Grilled Shrimp is the star of any summer gathering! This vibrant dish bursts with the unmistakable flavors of a classic margarita: zesty lime, bright cilantro, a pop of jalapeño, and, of course, a splash of tequila and orange liqueur. Juicy shrimp soak up every nuance, transforming into irresistible little flavor bombs that come together quickly and always disappear even faster. It’s a recipe guaranteed to earn rave reviews, whether you’re feeding the family or impressing friends at your next backyard bash.

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Margarita Grilled Shrimp recipe calls for just a handful of simple—but absolutely essential—ingredients. Each one offers a bold touch, working together for a layered, mouthwatering bite. Make sure to use the freshest shrimp and plenty of lime for that signature brightness!

Kosher salt: Helps brine the shrimp for extra juiciness and subtle seasoning from the inside out.
Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the salty brine and enhances the caramelization on the grill.
Shrimp (2 lbs, uncooked, peeled and deveined): The star of the show, tender and ready to soak up every bit of flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, chopped): Lends an aromatic warmth and savory punch to the marinade.
Cilantro (1/3 cup, roughly chopped): Offers vibrant color and that classic margarita herbal freshness.
Jalapeño (chopped): Adds just the right touch of heat; keep the seeds for more kick or omit for a milder approach.
Lime zest (1 Tbsp): Provides the unforgettable citrus brightness that sets this dish apart.
Tequila blanco (2 oz): Gets those true margarita vibes going—choose a decent tequila for the best flavor.
Triple sec (2 oz): Offers a sweet burst of orange, enhancing the citrus notes in the marinade.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): Binds the marinade together and keeps the shrimp wonderfully moist on the grill.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A subtle background heat to round out the flavors.
Lime wedges and chopped cilantro (for serving): The perfect finishing touch for visual appeal and a final pop of flavor.

How to Make Margarita Grilled Shrimp

Step 1: Brine the Shrimp

Start by combining kosher salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Toss in the shrimp and make sure they’re well coated by the simple brine—this step keeps the Margarita Grilled Shrimp plump and juicy, not dry. Cover and let the shrimp chill in the fridge for an hour, or, when pressed for time, let them brine at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This quick brine ensures every bite is packed with flavor and that signature tenderness.

Step 2: Whip Up the Margarita Marinade

While your shrimp are brining, take a separate medium bowl and toss in the chopped garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, lime zest, tequila, triple sec, olive oil, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir until it’s fully combined—the fragrance alone will have you dreaming of sunshine and salt-rimmed glasses! This marinade packs the unmistakable character you’ll crave in Margarita Grilled Shrimp.

Step 3: Rinse and Marinate

Once the shrimp are brined and ready, place them in a colander and rinse well under cool water to wash away any excess salt and sugar. Pat them dry with paper towels (don’t skip this step!). Now, add the shrimp to your glorious margarita marinade. Stir so every piece is glossy and coated, then cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for serious flavor infusion). Patience pays off here—let those flavors work their magic!

Step 4: Skewer and Grill

With your grill preheated to high, thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, piercing through both the head and the tail so they form a “C” shape—this keeps them secure and helps with even cooking. Lay the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn opaque and lightly charred at the edges. Don’t wander off—shrimp cook fast, and you want them perfectly succulent.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

While the grilled shrimp are still sizzling, hit them with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice and shower with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, with extra lime wedges on the side for anyone who wants a little extra zing—after all, this is Margarita Grilled Shrimp, and the citrusy brightness is what everyone’s after.

How to Serve Margarita Grilled Shrimp

Garnishes

A finishing touch is everything! For Margarita Grilled Shrimp, scatter plenty of fresh chopped cilantro and offer lime wedges on the platter—these not only brighten up the plate but allow everyone to squeeze on as much tangy zest as they crave. If you fancy a festive flair, sprinkle a touch of flaky salt or diced jalapeño for a pop of color and a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

Pair Margarita Grilled Shrimp with light, summery sides to let the bold flavors shine through. Think warm tortillas, a simple avocado salad, or some Mexican street corn (elote). For a lighter approach, a quinoa and black bean salad or a fresh mango salsa are fantastic options. Each side dish brings out different notes from the shrimp and can turn this into a full-blown fiesta.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, serve your Margarita Grilled Shrimp over a bed of citrusy rice, tucked into tacos with slaw, or skewered with grilled pineapple for a tropical twist. These shrimp also shine as a stunning appetizer piled high on a platter with toothpicks for an easy, crowd-friendly snack. However you present them, they guarantee plenty of oohs and aahs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Should you miraculously have any Margarita Grilled Shrimp left over, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. They’ll remain tasty, though best enjoyed as soon as possible for the freshest flavor and texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to do so before grilling. Marinate the shrimp, skewer them, and freeze uncooked on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Once ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and grill as directed. Already-cooked shrimp can be frozen too, but the texture may soften a little when reheated.

Reheating

To keep Margarita Grilled Shrimp juicy when reheating, use a gentle touch. Warm them in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, being careful not to overcook. A quick squeeze of lime post-reheat wakes those flavors right back up!

FAQs

Can I make Margarita Grilled Shrimp without alcohol?

Yes! Swap the tequila and triple sec with extra lime juice, a splash of orange juice, and maybe a little agave syrup for sweetness. You’ll still get zesty, margarita-inspired flavors without the alcohol.

What size shrimp work best for grilling?

Large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) are ideal since they’re easy to skewer and less likely to overcook. Smaller shrimp can work, but watch them closely as they cook much faster!

Do I need to use metal or wooden skewers?

Either will work for Margarita Grilled Shrimp. If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes beforehand so they don’t burn up on the grill.

Can I cook Margarita Grilled Shrimp indoors?

Absolutely! Use a grill pan on your stove over medium-high heat or even broil the skewers in your oven for a couple of minutes per side, watching closely for that nice caramelization.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

For big, flavorful results, aim for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours—the acids and alcohol in the marinade can start to “cook” the shrimp if left too long, which might make them tough.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something quick, bold, and guaranteed to vanish from the table, Margarita Grilled Shrimp is the answer. With its irresistible flavors and easy steps, this recipe is one of those rare gems you’ll come back to time and again. Fire up that grill—something seriously delicious is about to happen!

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Margarita Grilled Shrimp are bursting with flavor and perfect for a summer barbecue. The shrimp are marinated in a zesty mix of tequila, lime, and cilantro, then quickly grilled to perfection. Serve with lime wedges and extra cilantro for a refreshing and delicious dish.

Instructions

Brine the Shrimp: Mix salt and sugar, coat shrimp, chill.
Prepare Marinade: Mix garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, lime zest, tequila, triple sec, olive oil, and pepper.
Marinate Shrimp: Rinse brined shrimp, add to marinade, refrigerate for 30 mins to 2 hours.
Grill Shrimp: Skewer shrimp and grill for 2-3 mins per side until cooked through.
Serve: Squeeze lime juice over shrimp, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican