Take your taste buds on a tropical getaway with Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers—a bold, vibrant dish that combines the smoky char of grilled shrimp with the tangy, citrusy punch of a classic margarita. Infused with lime, tequila, garlic, and just a hint of spice, these shrimp skewers are juicy, flavorful, and irresistible.
Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer BBQ, throwing a Cinco de Mayo party, or simply wanting something fun and refreshing, this recipe delivers on flavor and presentation. Bonus: it’s quick, easy, and healthy!
What Are Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers?
Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers take their inspiration from the iconic cocktail—lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur (or orange juice)—blended into a flavorful marinade. Add garlic, chili flakes, and cilantro, and you’ve got a marinade that elevates tender shrimp to show-stopping levels.
Skewering the shrimp makes grilling easier and more visually appealing, perfect for serving at gatherings or plating up with style. The result is a juicy, charred, citrusy bite with just the right touch of heat and smokiness.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Bright, bold flavors – Lime, garlic, and tequila bring depth and zest.
Grilled perfection – Smoky and charred from the grill in minutes.
⏱️ Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes, including marinating time.
Fresh and healthy – Low-carb, high-protein, and loaded with fresh ingredients.
Party-friendly – Perfect for entertaining and looks stunning on a platter.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp & Marinade:
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1 ½ lbs large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
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1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
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2 tablespoons tequila (silver or blanco)
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1 tablespoon orange juice or triple sec
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional for a touch of sweetness)
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1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 minced jalapeño (for heat)
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
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Zest of 1 lime
For Garnish (Optional):
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Lime wedges
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Fresh cilantro
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Crumbled cotija cheese or a drizzle of crema
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Tajín or chili-lime seasoning
Equipment You’ll Need
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Bamboo or metal skewers (if using bamboo, soak in water for 30 minutes)
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Grill or grill pan
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Large bowl or zip-top bag for marinating
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Tongs for flipping
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Basting brush (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine:
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Lime juice
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Tequila
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Orange juice/triple sec
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Olive oil
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Garlic
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Honey/agave (if using)
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Chili flakes or jalapeño
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Cumin
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Salt and pepper
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Lime zest
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Chopped cilantro
Whisk together until emulsified.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
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Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat.
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Cover and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. Do not exceed 1 hour or the citrus can start to “cook” the shrimp.
Step 3: Thread the Skewers
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Remove shrimp from marinade and thread them onto soaked bamboo or metal skewers.
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Discard used marinade or boil it for 5–10 minutes if you want to use it as a glaze.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
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Grill skewers for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
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Baste with fresh marinade (if boiled) or brush with oil while cooking for extra flavor and shine.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
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Transfer the skewers to a platter and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
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Garnish with cilantro, Tajín, and lime wedges.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve with Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
These zesty shrimp are versatile and pair well with:
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Tortillas for build-your-own tacos
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Cilantro lime rice or Mexican street corn salad
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Guacamole, pico de gallo, or mango salsa
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Refried beans or black beans
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Grilled veggies or a fresh slaw
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Margaritas or a citrusy mocktail
Perfect for a festive spread or a weeknight dinner!
Tips for the Best Margarita Shrimp
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Use large shrimp (16/20 count or larger) for easier grilling and juicier texture.
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Don’t over-marinate – 30 minutes is plenty for shrimp.
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Use fresh lime juice – bottled can taste flat or overly acidic.
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Don’t skip the zest – it adds an extra layer of bright citrus flavor.
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Char = flavor – A little bit of browning brings smoky depth to the shrimp.
Variations
️ Spicy Margarita Shrimp
Add extra jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a kick.
Garlic Butter Margarita Shrimp
Melt butter with garlic and lime zest, and drizzle over the shrimp after grilling.
Margarita Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Serve grilled shrimp in butter lettuce cups with avocado, salsa, and a creamy dressing.
Shrimp Tacos al Margarita
Serve skewered shrimp in warm tortillas with cabbage slaw, queso fresco, and chipotle mayo.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead:
Prepare the marinade and clean the shrimp a few hours ahead. Marinate just before grilling.
Leftovers:
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads or tacos.
Freezing:
Freeze uncooked, marinated shrimp (without citrus juice) for up to 2 months. Add citrus when ready to cook.
Why Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers Are a Must-Try
These skewers combine the best parts of grilling season with a tropical, festive flair. They’re:
✅ Quick-cooking and crowd-pleasing
✅ Bursting with citrusy, savory, and smoky notes
✅ Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for weeknights
✅ Perfect for taco bars, cookouts, and meal prep
In short, they taste like summer in every bite—and they’re just fun to eat!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spice up your grill game with a recipe that’s bold, fresh, and a little bit boozy, Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers are the way to go. They’re tangy, juicy, beautifully charred, and perfect for a warm evening under the stars or a weekend get-together with friends.
Fire up the grill, shake up a margarita, and bring the fiesta to your backyard with these irresistible shrimp skewers!
