These Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are a summer must have! The combination of tangy lime juice, smooth tequila, and a touch of honey creates a marinade that transforms simple shrimp into an explosion of flavor. Finished with a quick char on the grill, each bite is juicy, citrusy, and kissed with smokiness.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or craving a light, refreshing meal, these shrimp skewers come together quickly and deliver big on taste. Pair them with rice, grilled veggies, or tortillas for a full on fiesta. They’re sure to be the star of your next cookout or family dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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¼ cup fresh lime juice
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2 tablespoons orange juice
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¼ cup tequila
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 lime, sliced for garnish
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Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, tequila, olive oil, honey, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Add shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers.
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Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque.
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Remove from heat, garnish with lime slices, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating)
Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Bold, Bright Flavor of Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs
Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are the ultimate crowd pleaser for any warm weather gathering. They capture the vibrant essence of summer with every juicy bite pairing the citrusy zing of lime, the subtle sweetness of orange juice, and the distinct bite of tequila with tender, perfectly grilled shrimp. While the name may evoke memories of sipping margaritas poolside, this dish is more than just a fun twist on a cocktail. It’s a well balanced, flavorful entree that combines bold taste, healthy ingredients, and quick cook convenience.
These shrimp kebabs are perfect for casual weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or festive Cinco de Mayo celebrations. They bring a restaurant quality dish right to your home grill, and they do it without fuss. With a short marinating time and quick cook on the grill, this recipe is perfect for those who want maximum flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Flavor Profile: Citrusy, Smoky, and Bold
At the heart of the dish is the marinade a powerful combination of lime juice, orange juice, tequila, olive oil, honey, garlic, and spices. Lime provides the sharp, refreshing citrus base, balanced by the subtle sweetness of orange juice and honey. Tequila, commonly thought of as only a drink ingredient, actually adds depth and complexity to the marinade. When cooked, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the essence of its flavor without the potency. Fresh garlic and crushed red pepper flakes give the marinade a kick, while olive oil smooths the texture and helps infuse the shrimp.
Grilling the shrimp brings it all together. As the shrimp hit the hot grill, the marinade caramelizes slightly, locking in flavor while giving the shrimp a smoky char and beautiful color. The result is shrimp that is tender on the inside and kissed with that perfect grilled finish on the outside. It’s a balance of bright and bold, tangy and savory exactly what you want from a summer skewer.
Why Shrimp?
Shrimp is an excellent protein choice for a few reasons. First, it cooks incredibly fast, which makes it ideal for quick meals and grilling sessions. Within just 5–6 minutes, you’ll have a dish that looks impressive and tastes even better. Shrimp also absorbs marinade flavors quickly, making it perfect for recipes like this where a short marination time still yields intense taste.
Nutritionally, shrimp is low in calories but high in protein, vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine. It’s also naturally low in fat and carbohydrates, making it suitable for many dietary needs, including low carb, keto, and pescatarian diets. As long as your shrimp are wild caught or sustainably farmed, you can feel good about the environmental and health impact of the meal too.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
For this recipe, large shrimp are recommended preferably 16/20 count per pound. The size is ideal for threading onto skewers and grilling without overcooking. It’s important to buy shrimp that are peeled and deveined, and you can choose between tail on or tail off depending on presentation preference. Tail on gives a nice visual appeal and makes the shrimp easier to handle on the grill.
If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are thoroughly thawed before marinating. Patting them dry with a paper towel helps the marinade adhere better.
Tips for Perfect Grilling
Grilling shrimp isn’t difficult, but a few tips can take your kebabs from good to great:
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Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. This prevents them from catching fire or burning on the grill.
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Preheat your grill properly. A medium high heat is ideal to get a good sear without overcooking the delicate shrimp.
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Oil the grates lightly before placing the shrimp down to prevent sticking.
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Don’t overcook! Shrimp only need about 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooking results in rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them.
Serving Ideas and Sides
Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are extremely versatile and pair beautifully with a range of sides:
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Cilantro Lime Rice or Mexican Street Corn (Elote) add a traditional twist.
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Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn, complement the smoky, citrusy flavor.
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Avocado salad or mango salsa can add creaminess and sweetness to contrast the shrimp’s savory notes.
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Warm tortillas or flatbread can turn these kebabs into tacos or wraps with minimal effort.
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For drinks, serve alongside a classic margarita, sparkling limeade, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
This dish is also perfect for meal prepping. Make a double batch, and enjoy the leftovers cold on a salad, in a wrap, or tossed with pasta for a refreshing shrimp pasta salad.
Make It Your Own
The base recipe is a flavor bomb on its own, but it also welcomes a bit of creative flair. Here are some variations:
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Spicy lovers: Add chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the marinade.
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Herb boost: Swap cilantro for fresh parsley or basil.
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Tropical vibes: Add pineapple chunks to the skewers for a sweet-savory blend.
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Citrus twist: Use grapefruit juice in place of orange juice for a more tart bite.
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Alcohol-free: Replace tequila with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a bit of water to mimic the acidity.
Storage and Leftovers
Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re delicious cold or gently reheated. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery opt for a quick pan sear or toss them into a hot pasta or rice dish.
If you’re preparing in advance, you can marinate the shrimp and keep them in the fridge for up to a day before grilling. However, don’t let them sit too long in the marinade, as the acid from the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp, resulting in a ceviche like texture.
A Light Yet Satisfying Meal
With only around 215 calories per serving and plenty of lean protein, these shrimp skewers are a smart choice for anyone watching their macros or looking for a nutritious, satisfying meal. They’re also naturally gluten free and dairy free, which makes them easy to incorporate into many diet plans without modifications.
They’re also a fantastic option for entertaining. They look stunning when plated with grilled limes and fresh herbs, and they come together with very little effort so you can actually enjoy your guests and not just your grill.
Conclusion:
Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are a celebration of flavor, freshness, and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a backyard full of friends, this dish is a guaranteed hit. With its citrusy brightness, smoky char, and hint of tequila, each bite transports you straight to a summer evening, no matter the season.
This recipe is fast, flexible, and full of personality. It’s the kind of meal that turns ordinary weeknights into something special and makes every cook feel like a gourmet grillmaster. So grab your skewers, marinate those shrimp, and let the flames do the rest your tastebuds will thank you.