want to listen to the recipe ?
Summer means sunshine, relaxation, and delicious food cooked on the grill. Few dishes capture the essence of summer quite like margarita grilled shrimp skewers. These skewers combine juicy shrimp with a vibrant margarita marinade for a taste explosion in every bite. This post guides you through creating the perfect margarita grilled shrimp skewers, from choosing sustainable shrimp to serving suggestions. Let’s get grilling!
What You’ll Need
The Shrimp:
- Size matters: Use extra jumbo or jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) for the best results. Larger shrimp cook evenly on the grill without becoming overcooked.
- Convenience is key: Pre-peeled and deveined shrimp save you prep time.
- Frozen works too: Thaw frozen shrimp completely before marinating.
The Marinade:
This recipe uses a basic margarita marinade. You can adjust it to your taste.
- The Essentials:
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic
- Lime juice
- Lime zest
- Tequila
- Cilantro
- Salt and pepper
- Brown sugar
- Spices: Smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy: Add chili peppers like habanero or serrano. Use chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
- Smoky: Chipotle powder or adobo sauce adds smoky depth.
- Sweet: Balance the lime juice with agave nectar or orange juice.
The Skewers:
- Wood or Metal: Wooden skewers are classic, but metal skewers are reusable.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents burning on the grill.
- Flat Skewers for Easy Grilling: Flat skewers help prevent the shrimp from spinning, ensuring even cooking.
Choosing Sustainable Shrimp
Shrimp is delicious, but unsustainable shrimp farming harms the environment and communities. Make eco-friendly choices when you buy shrimp. Look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). These certifications show that the shrimp comes from responsible fisheries.
Note: The sources do not include information about sustainable shrimp sourcing. The above information is from external sources and may require independent verification.
Making Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
1. The Marinade:
- Combine ingredients: Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Smooth and Easy: Use an immersion blender or food processor to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Don’t marinate for more than 4 hours. The lime juice can make the shrimp mushy if you marinate too long.
2. Threading the Shrimp:
- Space them out: Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each one. Don’t overcrowd the skewers.
- Lime wedges for flavor and function: Add a folded slice of lime between each shrimp. This adds a burst of flavor and prevents sticking.
3. Grilling Time:
- Prepare the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers: Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for extra jumbo shrimp. Flip the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery.
- Look for these signs: Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and firm.
Watch out for flare-ups: The tequila in the marinade may cause flare-ups on the grill. Adjust the heat or move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill if you see flare-ups.
[woo_product_slider id=”3030″]
Alternative Cooking Methods
No grill? No problem! You can also cook margarita shrimp skewers in a skillet or in the oven.
- Pan-searing: Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp skewers for a few minutes per side until cooked through.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the shrimp skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Note: The sources do not include information about alternative cooking methods. The above information is from external sources and may require independent verification.
Serving Your Margarita Shrimp Skewers
Margarita grilled shrimp skewers are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with the right sides.
Try these side dish pairings:
- Light and refreshing:
- Green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
- Tomato and avocado salad
- Mango salsa
- Hearty and satisfying:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Coconut rice
- White rice pilaf
- Fresh from the grill:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus
- Spicy and vibrant:
- Mango salsa
- Pineapple salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Other options:
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Quinoa
- Couscous
Don’t forget the drinks! A classic margarita pairs perfectly with these shrimp skewers. You can also try other tequila cocktails, like a Paloma or a Tommy’s Margarita. Non-alcoholic options include flavored sparkling water, iced tea, or lemonade.
Margarita Night Ideas
Take your shrimp skewers to the next level with a fun “Margarita Night”!
- Decor: Set a festive table with bright colors and string lights.
- Music: Play upbeat Latin music or a summery playlist.
- Activities: Have a margarita-making contest or set up lawn games.
Conclusion
Margarita grilled shrimp skewers are the perfect summer meal. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile. With a few simple ingredients and some grilling tips, you can create a dish that will impress your friends and family. So fire up the grill, mix up a margarita, and enjoy the taste of summer!