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This hearty Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood to your backyard grill with minimal effort. The bold Mexican-inspired marinade infuses jumbo shrimp with smoky, zesty flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
I first created these shrimp kabobs for a summer cookout when I wanted something beyond the usual burgers and dogs. The tequila splash was an impromptu addition that everyone went crazy for, and now my friends specifically request my "margarita shrimp" whenever they visit during grilling season.
Ingredients
- Extra jumbo shrimp 16-20 count per pound ensures perfect texture and prevents overcooking
- Olive oil creates the base for our flavorful marinade
- Fresh garlic cloves adds essential aromatic foundation
- Minced jalapeño provides a gentle heat that balances the sweetness
- Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully on the grill for slight charring
- Smoked paprika contributes that crucial smoky depth
- Chili powder enhances the authentic Mexican flavor profile
- Garlic and onion powders amplify the savory notes without burning
- Cumin adds earthy warmth essential to Mexican cuisine
- Kosher salt enhances all other flavors without tasting too salty
- Black pepper provides subtle heat throughout
- Tequila optional but strongly recommended for that margarita essence
- Fresh limes both in the skewers and for serving brightens everything
- Cilantro adds the perfect finishing herbal note
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep The Skewers
- If using wooden skewers they must soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. This step can be done while preparing the marinade. Metal skewers require no preparation and create less waste.
- Create The Marinade
- Combine olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, brown sugar, and all the dry spices in a small bowl with high sides. Use an immersion blender to process until completely smooth. This ensures even flavor distribution and prevents any harsh bites of raw garlic or jalapeño. The marinade should look glossy and have a rich reddish-brown color.
- Marinate The Shrimp
- Pour the prepared marinade over the peeled and deveined shrimp in a shallow bowl, gently tossing to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, folding gently halfway through. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp without starting to cook them in the acidic ingredients.
- Add The Tequila Finish
- Just before grilling, drizzle the tequila over the marinated shrimp and fold gently to distribute. The alcohol will mostly cook off during grilling but leaves behind that distinct margarita flavor that makes this recipe special. Thread shrimp onto skewers, adding folded lime slices between each piece for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Grill To Perfection
- Heat your grill to medium-high about 400°F and thoroughly clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the skewers for just 3-4 minutes per side. Watch carefully as jumbo shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn opaque pink with slight char marks. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery shrimp.
- Serve With Flair
- Transfer grilled skewers to a serving platter, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro, and provide lime wedges for squeezing over top. The fresh lime juice added at the table brightens all the flavors and completes the margarita experience.
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The marinade is truly the star of this recipe. I spent years perfecting the balance of spices, and the addition of smoked paprika was the game-changer that took these from good to unforgettable. My husband, who usually reaches for the hot sauce with seafood, eats these straight from the grill without any additional condiments.
Make-Ahead Options
These kabobs are perfect for meal prep and entertaining. You can prepare the marinade up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The morning of your event, simply pour it over the shrimp and let them marinate while you handle other preparations. Just remember not to add the tequila until right before grilling.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile shrimp kabobs pair beautifully with so many sides. For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, serve them alongside cilantro lime rice and grilled corn on the cob. For lighter fare, they're perfect atop a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. And of course, they're delicious with an actual margarita on the side for a festive outdoor dining experience.
Perfect Pairings
The zesty, smoky flavors in these shrimp kabobs call for complementary beverages and sides. Obviously, a classic margarita is the perfect pairing, but a crisp Mexican lager with a lime wedge also works beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with fresh lime and a splash of pineapple juice to echo the sweet-tart notes in the marinade.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these shrimp kabobs without tequila?
Absolutely! The tequila is completely optional in this recipe. While it adds a subtle margarita flavor note, the shrimp will still be delicious without it. The marinade's blend of garlic, jalapeño, and spices provides plenty of flavor on its own.
- → How do I prevent shrimp from falling through the grill grates?
The best way to prevent shrimp from falling through grill grates is to use jumbo-sized shrimp (16-20 per pound). Using skewers also solves this problem - flat skewers work best as they prevent the shrimp from twisting. Alternatively, you can use a grill basket specifically designed for seafood.
- → How long should I marinate the shrimp?
Marinate the shrimp for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator for optimal flavor. Be sure to gently fold the shrimp in the marinade halfway through. Unlike meat, shrimp shouldn't be marinated for too long as the acid in the marinade can start to cook them.
- → What can I serve with these shrimp kabobs?
These shrimp kabobs pair wonderfully with Mexican-inspired sides like cilantro lime rice, grilled corn on the cob, black bean salad, or a fresh avocado salsa. For a complete meal, serve them with warm tortillas to create shrimp tacos. A side of margaritas would complement the flavors perfectly!
- → How can I tell when the shrimp are properly cooked?
Properly cooked shrimp will turn from translucent to opaque and take on a pink color with slight char marks from the grill. They should form a loose 'C' shape when done - if they curl into a tight 'O' shape, they're overcooked. For jumbo shrimp, this typically takes just 3-4 minutes per side on a medium-high grill.
- → Can I make these shrimp kabobs ahead of time?
You can prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp up to 3 hours ahead of time. However, for best results, grill the shrimp just before serving. If needed, grilled shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and gently reheated, though they're most tender when freshly grilled.