Margarita Grilled Shrimp

When it comes to grilling season, few dishes capture the spirit of summer like Margarita Grilled Shrimp.

Imagine succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty, citrusy blend, grilled to perfection, and bursting with flavor.

The tanginess of lime, the hint of tequila, and the warmth of spices come together to create a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

It’s not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a surefire way to impress your guests at any gathering.

Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Margarita Grilled Shrimp

Here are some serving suggestions to make your Margarita Grilled Shrimp meal complete and even more enjoyable:

Side Dishes:

• Cilantro-Lime Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice for a fresh and flavorful base.
• Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob to complement the shrimp’s smoky flavor.
• Black Beans and Corn Salad: A vibrant salad with black beans, corn, red onion, and diced tomatoes dressed in lime juice pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.

Taco Bar:

• Taco Shells: Offer both soft flour tortillas and crispy corn taco shells for variety.
• Toppings: Provide a range of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, pickled red onions, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro.
• Sauces: Include different sauces like crema, chipotle mayo, salsa verde, and pico de gallo for added flavor.

Salad:

• Mango Avocado Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, diced mango, avocado, red onion, and a lime vinaigrette is a perfect match for the shrimp.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing is a great choice.

Appetizer Presentation:

• Skewers: Serve the shrimp on skewers as an appetizer with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy mayo.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the shrimp, adding some sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a light starter.

Main Course Presentation:

• Bowls: Create a bowl with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, grilled shrimp, and a variety of toppings for a hearty and customizable meal.
• Over Quinoa: Serve the shrimp over a bed of cooked quinoa mixed with diced bell peppers, chopped scallions, and a squeeze of lime.

Beverages:

• Margaritas: Complement the meal with classic margaritas on the rocks or a fruity variation like mango or strawberry margaritas.
• Mocktails: Offer refreshing mocktails such as a virgin mojito or lime spritzer for non-alcoholic options.

Desserts:

• Key Lime Pie: A tangy and sweet key lime pie pairs well with the citrusy shrimp.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi provides a light and refreshing end to the meal.
• Churros: For a fun and indulgent treat, serve churros with a chocolate dipping sauce.

These serving suggestions will help you create a versatile and delicious meal featuring Margarita Grilled Shrimp, whether you’re enjoying them as a main course, appetizer, or part of a larger spread.

Cooking Tips

Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Margarita Grilled Shrimp turns out perfectly:

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

Don’t Over-Marinate: Marinate the shrimp for no more than 30 minutes to 1 hour. The acid in the lime and orange juice can “cook” the shrimp if left too long, making them mushy.

Uniform Size: Choose shrimp of uniform size to ensure even cooking. Large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) work well for grilling.

Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the shrimp. This helps achieve a good sear and prevents sticking.

Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before threading the shrimp. This prevents the skewers from burning on the grill.

Oil the Grill Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates before adding the shrimp to prevent sticking. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs to do this safely.

Thread the Shrimp Properly: When threading the shrimp onto skewers, pierce each shrimp twice (once near the tail and once near the head) to keep them secure and prevent them from spinning on the skewer.

Cook Quickly: Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn opaque and have pinkish-orange color with charred edges. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

Monitor the Heat: Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the shrimp. If using an outdoor grill, keep the lid open to prevent excessive charring.

Use a Grill Basket: If you prefer not to use skewers, you can use a grill basket to cook the shrimp. This keeps them from falling through the grates and makes turning them easier.

Baste with Marinade: For extra flavor, baste the shrimp with the reserved marinade during the last minute of grilling. However, do not use the marinade that has been in contact with raw shrimp to avoid cross-contamination. Instead, set aside a portion of the marinade before adding the shrimp.

Rest Before Serving: Let the grilled shrimp rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful shrimp.

Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add additional spices or herbs to the marinade, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh cilantro, to suit your taste preferences.

By following these cooking tips, you’ll achieve perfectly grilled Margarita Shrimp that are flavorful, juicy, and sure to impress.

Enjoy the delicious combination of citrusy marinade and smoky grilled shrimp!

Recipe FAQ’s

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours to avoid a mushy texture.

What kind of tequila should I use?

A silver or blanco tequila is best for its smooth and clean flavor, which doesn’t overpower the shrimp.

How do I store leftover grilled shrimp?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.