This flavorful Margarita Shrimp Marinade helps you grill up perfectly tender and juicy shrimp. Made with a splash of tequila, lime, cilantro, and other seasonings, you won’t be able to get enough!
There are many ways to prepare and enjoy shrimp. Whether they are boiled, baked, sautéed, or fried, I have yet to try shrimp that doesn’t taste amazing. One of my favorite ways to prepare shrimp is on the grill. If you’ve never had shrimp on the grill, you are missing out! It’s a quick, flavorful way to prepare shrimp and everyone will enjoy the finished product.
This marinade is delicious, adding great flavor and keeping the shrimp moist while on the grill. Give this marinade a try the next time you decide to grill up some shrimp for your family or backyard get together.
Ingredients For This Recipe
The ingredients you will be using are:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Olive oil acts as a base to this marinade, allowing all other ingredients to blend together.
- Tequila – I used Teremana Small Batch Tequila for this recipe, but feel free to use a different type if you already have a favorite.
- Lime juice – Adds a delicious citrus flavor. Fresh or bottled lime juice will work just fine.
- Cilantro – Gives the marinade a fresh look and taste.
- Honey – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tequila and lime.
- Garlic – I like to use minced garlic, wet or dry, in this marinade but garlic powder would also work great. If using garlic powder, simply use the same 2 tablespoons the recipe calls for.
- Salt & Pepper – This classic combo helps elevate the flavor of anything you are cooking. I like to use coarse ground salt and pepper.
- Paprika – Adds a pepper flavor without being too spicy.
How To Prepare and Marinate Margarita Shrimp
Begin by thoroughly washing your shrimp. Remove the shell and make sure it is deveined. If you are using fresh shrimp, they will more than likely still have the vein in them. If you can’t devein the shrimp, don’t worry it can be eaten and the shrimp will still be flavorful and tasty! An easy way around this would be to purchase fresh or frozen shrimp that has already been deveined.
Making this margarita marinade is super easy! Simply place all of the ingredients, except the shrimp, into a large glass container or mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture together until well combined. Add the prepared shrimp into the marinade and gently fold until each one is completely coated. Place the container in the refrigerator and allow it to set for 30 minutes. You want to allow time for the marinade to infuse the shrimp with all of the flavors. Just don’t let it set for much longer than 30 minutes because the acid can begin to break the shrimp down.
How To Grill Shrimp
Begin by heating the grill to around 375°F. Next, place the shrimp on two skewers. Using 2 skewers make it easier to manage and maneuver on the grill. Another great tip for the skewers is to allow them soak in water for about 30 minutes. This will keep them from burning while on the grill. Finally, grill the shrimp over indirect heat for 3 minutes per side. You will know they are done when the shrimp is no longer translucent.
What To Serve With Grilled Shrimp
Shrimp is very versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. In the summer, I love throwing fresh vegetables on the grill and serving it alongside shrimp. Check out some of these other side dishes that pair perfectly with grilled marinated shrimp.
Tips
- If using fresh shrimp, make sure it looks and smells fresh. If using frozen shrimp, allow it to thaw completely before marinating.
- Soak the skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Squeeze the juice from a fresh lime wedge on top of the shrimp before serving.
- If you are looking for other great seasonings for shrimp try this All-Purpose Marinade or BBQ Rub.
- When grilling shrimp, it’s best to use 2 skewers. Place one skewer through the top of the shrimp and the other through the end of the shrimp near the tail. This will keep the shrimp attached securely to the skewers and will allow you to flip the shrimp easily.
Shrimp Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Shrimp
- 1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoon Tequila
- 2 Tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1/4 cup Cilantro Finely Chopped
- 2 Tablespoon Honey
- 2 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to around 375°F (190°C).
- Add all of the ingredients, except the shrimp, into a large glass container. Whisk the mixture together until it is well combined.
- Add the prepared shrimp to the marinade and gently fold until each one is fully coated.
- Place the container in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Use two skewers for the shrimp. Place one end of the skewer near the top of the shrimp. Place the other skewer near the tail of the shrimp.
- Grill your shrimp on indirect heat for 3 minutes per side or until the shrimp is no longer translucent.
Notes
- If using fresh shrimp, make sure it looks and smells fresh. If using frozen shrimp, allow it to thaw completely before marinating.
- Soak the skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Squeeze the juice from a fresh lime wedge on top of the shrimp before serving.
- When grilling shrimp, it's best to use 2 skewers. Place one skewer through the top of the shrimp and the other through the end of the shrimp near the tail. This will keep the shrimp attached securely to the skewers and will allow you to flip the shrimp easily.
Excellent!