The Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are your go-to recipe for a lively, flavor-packed grilling experience. Marinated in a bold tequila-lime blend with a touch of orange liqueur and honey, the shrimp are succulent, juicy, and lightly caramelized from the grill. Perfect for outdoor cookouts or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a punch of summer with every bite.
This easy recipe pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or even a chilled margarita. Plus, the short marinating and cooking time makes it a fast, satisfying choice when you want something impressive without the fuss. The citrus-herb combo offers a balance of tang and warmth, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1½ lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
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⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3 limes)
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¼ cup tequila
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¼ cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
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2 tablespoons honey
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon ground black pepper
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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Lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish
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Wooden or metal skewers
Directions:
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If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
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In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Add the shrimp to the marinade and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes (do not marinate longer or the citrus will begin to cook the shrimp).
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
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Thread the shrimp onto skewers, discarding the marinade.
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Grill the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
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Transfer to a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Marinating Time: 30–60 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 minutes | Total Time: 45–75 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal (approx.) | Servings: 4 servings
The Story Behind the Shrimp: A Citrus-Kissed Grill Favorite
Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are more than just a summer recipe, they’re a celebration of bold flavors, sunshine-filled days, and easy outdoor dining. This dish finds its roots in coastal cuisines where seafood and citrus are often intertwined. The classic margarita cocktail made from tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur which inspires the marinade that gives this shrimp dish its name and signature tang.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With only a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients and a short marinating time, you can have a gourmet-level dish ready in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, planning a beachside picnic, or just want to bring a little summer to your weeknight dinner table, these shrimp skewers are guaranteed to be a hit.
The Ingredients That Make the Magic
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor:
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Shrimp: Large, raw shrimp with the tails left on offer the best flavor and grill appeal. They cook quickly and absorb marinades exceptionally well, making them ideal for high-heat grilling.
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Tequila: It adds warmth, depth, and a slight smokiness to the marinade. The alcohol mostly cooks off during grilling, leaving behind its nuanced flavor.
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Lime Juice: This is the zingy backbone of the marinade, adding brightness and helping to tenderize the shrimp.
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Orange Liqueur: A touch of sweetness and citrus complexity comes from Cointreau or Triple Sec. It elevates the shrimp with a subtle floral note.
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Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the acidity and helps create caramelization on the grill.
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Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: These introduce boldness and spice. Adjust the red pepper to control the heat.
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Olive Oil: It helps the marinade cling to the shrimp and adds a rich, smooth finish.
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Cilantro: The fresh garnish adds a pop of color and herbal sharpness, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.
Flavor Profile: Bright, Bold, and Balanced
The finished dish bursts with juicy citrus, tender shrimp, and a smoky-charred essence from the grill. The marinade’s sweet-sour-salty balance mirrors the complexity of a real margarita, while the heat from red pepper flakes (if used) adds a gentle kick. The combination is so satisfying that even those who aren’t huge seafood fans may find themselves hooked.
Each skewer is a flavor bomb: you get the zing of lime, a whisper of tequila, the sweetness of honey, and the umami of perfectly grilled shrimp. Served with lime wedges and cilantro, the overall experience is fresh, bright, and satisfying.
How to Serve Margarita Shrimp Kebabs
There are countless ways to turn these shrimp skewers into a complete meal or impressive appetizer spread:
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Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or fluffy quinoa for a balanced and protein-packed dinner.
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In Tacos: Remove the shrimp from skewers and stuff them into soft tortillas with avocado slices, slaw, and chipotle crema.
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On a Salad: Add them to a fresh mixed greens salad with avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette.
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As Appetizers: Serve them hot off the grill with toothpicks and a creamy dipping sauce (like cilantro-lime aioli or spicy mayo).
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With Grilled Veggies: Pair them with grilled bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini for a colorful and healthy plate.
Best Drinks to Pair With This Dish
What’s a margarita-inspired meal without something delicious to sip?
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Classic Margarita: Naturally! Match the dish with its cocktail counterpart on the rocks or frozen.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: A crisp non-alcoholic pairing for a light and refreshing contrast.
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Dry White Wines: Try a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, or Pinot Grigio, which all complement citrusy seafood dishes.
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Mexican Lager or Cerveza: The effervescence and lightness of a cold beer make an ideal match for grilled shrimp.
Health Benefits of Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs
This dish isn’t just tasty, it’s also a smart choice for a healthy lifestyle:
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High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle repair and energy.
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Low in Calories: Each serving comes in under 250 kcal, making it ideal for calorie-conscious eaters.
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Good Source of Micronutrients: Shrimp contains iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12.
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Grilling = Less Fat: Cooking on the grill requires little to no added fat, preserving the shrimp’s natural nutrition.
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No Heavy Sauces or Carbs: The marinade is light, and the dish itself is gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Tips for Grilling the Perfect Shrimp
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Don’t Over-Marinate: Limit marinating time to 30–60 minutes. Too long in the citrus can “cook” the shrimp like ceviche.
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Use Large Shrimp: Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and may dry out. Look for 16–20 count per pound or larger.
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Even Skewering: Thread the shrimp in the same direction to ensure even cooking and easier flipping.
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Oil the Grill Grates: Prevent sticking by brushing a bit of oil on the grill just before placing the skewers down.
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Watch Closely: Shrimp cook fast! As soon as they turn pink and opaque (about 2–3 minutes per side), they’re done.
Fun Variations You Can Try
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients or serving style to match your tastes or dietary needs:
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Spicy Mango Margarita Shrimp: Add pureed mango and a touch of chili powder to the marinade for a tropical twist.
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Coconut Tequila Shrimp: Use coconut oil in place of olive oil and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a sweeter flavor profile.
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Vegetable & Shrimp Combo Skewers: Alternate shrimp with cherry tomatoes, pineapple chunks, and bell pepper pieces.
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Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace the tequila and orange liqueur with lime zest and orange juice. Still tangy and delicious!
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Make It a Bowl: Serve the grilled shrimp over brown rice or a burrito bowl with beans, corn, salsa, and guacamole.
Perfect for Every Occasion
From casual family dinners to festive summer cookouts, these Margarita Shrimp Kebabs fit right in. They’re fast to prep, easy to scale up for large groups, and guaranteed to impress guests with their vibrant flavor and colorful presentation.
They also make a great prep-ahead option for parties, simply marinate the shrimp earlier in the day, keep them chilled, and throw them on the grill when you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are the ultimate mix of fun and flavor. Inspired by a classic cocktail and made with fresh, clean ingredients, they deliver restaurant-quality results right in your backyard. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or just testing the grilling waters, this dish is practically foolproof.
Their balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes makes them a memorable addition to any recipe collection. Plus, with all the ways you can tweak and serve them, they’ll never get old. So grab your skewers, heat up the grill, and let this festive, zesty recipe steal the show!