Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

This flavorful grilled shrimp recipe brings the zesty essence of a margarita to your dinner table. The combination of citrus, spices, and a hint of tequila creates juicy, tender shrimp with a perfect char that will transport you to a beachside cantina without leaving your backyard.

I first made these kabobs for a summer gathering when I was craving something different from the usual grilled fare. The margarita-inspired marinade was such a hit that it's now requested at every backyard party we host.

Ingredients

• Extra jumbo shrimp 16-20 count per pound. The larger size prevents overcooking and creates a more impressive presentation
• Olive oil forms the base of our marinade while adding richness and helping the spices adhere
• Fresh garlic cloves provide essential aromatic flavor that powdered versions simply cannot match
• Jalapeno adds authentic Mexican heat. Remove seeds for milder flavor
• Brown sugar creates caramelization on the grill and balances the acidity
• Smoked paprika contributes a deep smoky flavor that mimics traditional wood fire cooking
• Chili powder introduces complex warmth rather than overwhelming heat
• Garlic and onion powder layer in additional savory notes that penetrate the shrimp
• Cumin brings an earthy quality that anchors all the bright flavors
• Tequila optional but highly recommended for authentic margarita flavor that cooks off leaving just essence
• Fresh lime slices between shrimp infuse citrus flavor during cooking
• Cilantro for finishing provides essential fresh herbal notes that complete the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Skewers

Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers can skip this step. Arrange your cleaned shrimp in a shallow dish where they can lay in a single layer for even marinade coverage.

Create Marinade

Combine olive oil, chopped garlic, minced jalapeno, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Use an immersion blender to thoroughly process until completely smooth. This ensures the flavors distribute evenly throughout the marinade without chunks of garlic or jalapeno that might burn.

Marinate Shrimp

Pour the vibrant red marinade over your shrimp, gently folding to coat each piece completely. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, turning once halfway through. This timing is crucial. Less time means weaker flavor while longer marinating can start breaking down the delicate shrimp texture.

Add Tequila and Skewer

Just before grilling, drizzle tequila over the marinated shrimp if using. Thread shrimp onto prepared skewers, folding thin lime slices between each piece. The curved shape of shrimp works best when you pierce them twice, creating a C shape on the skewer that cooks more evenly.

Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill to medium high heat around 400°F. Clean and oil grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. Place skewers on the hot grill and cook approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with light char marks. The high heat creates beautiful caramelization while keeping the interior tender.

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The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power years ago when experimenting with ways to get authentic wood fired flavor without a specialty grill. Now I always keep Spanish smoked paprika in my pantry specifically for recipes like this one.

Perfecting Your Marinade

The immersion blender step might seem unnecessary, but it makes a tremendous difference in flavor distribution. When garlic and jalapeno are fully incorporated into the oil rather than chunky, they create a smooth coating that clings to each shrimp evenly. This prevents burning of small bits while ensuring consistent flavor in every bite. If you prefer more heat, increase the jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.

Make Ahead Options

The marinade itself can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes dinner assembly much faster when you are ready to cook. However, never marinate the shrimp longer than 3 hours maximum. The acid in the marinade will begin breaking down the delicate shrimp proteins, resulting in a mushy texture. For advanced preparation, make the marinade ahead of time but combine with shrimp only a few hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These margarita shrimp create a stunning main dish when served over cilantro lime rice with grilled vegetables on the side. For a complete Mexican inspired feast, offer warm corn tortillas, fresh guacamole, and pico de gallo so guests can create their own shrimp tacos. The shrimp also make an impressive appetizer when served on smaller skewers with a cooling avocado crema for dipping. Remember to provide extra lime wedges at the table the final squeeze of fresh juice brightens all the flavors right before eating.

Common Queries

→ How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator, gently folding halfway through. Avoid marinating longer as the acid in the lime can start to cook the shrimp.

→ Is the tequila necessary for this dish?

No, the tequila is optional. While it adds authentic margarita flavor, you'll still get delicious results without it. Simply skip that step if you prefer to cook without alcohol.

→ Can I cook these shrimp without skewers?

Absolutely! The recipe notes that shrimp can be grilled with or without skewers. If cooking without skewers, you may want to use a grill basket to prevent the shrimp from falling through the grates.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly - about 3-4 minutes per side. They're done when they're no longer translucent and have turned pink with some nice char marks. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so watch them carefully.

→ Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add it to the shrimp 2-3 hours before you plan to grill.

→ What sides pair well with these shrimp kabobs?

These shrimp pair beautifully with cilantro lime rice, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, a fresh green salad, or mango salsa. For a complete meal with a margarita theme, serve with guacamole and tortilla chips.