Nothing says summer like a fresh and flavorful seafood dish, and this Margarita Shrimp Recipe is the perfect way to bring a tropical twist to your table. Inspired by the classic margarita cocktail, these shrimp are infused with bright citrus, a hint of tequila, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a date night, or simply craving a quick and delicious meal, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep.
- Bold & Zesty Flavors: A perfect balance of lime, tequila, and spice.
- Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, in tacos, or with a fresh salad.
The Inspiration Behind Margarita Shrimp
The flavors in this dish are inspired by the beloved margarita cocktail, which blends citrusy lime, orange liqueur, and tequila for a refreshing taste. I love me a good margarita – especially peach flavored. I only have an adult drinks every once in a while and Peach Margaritas and Colorado Bulldogs (Kahlua, Coke & Cream) have my heart.
This recipe has a combination of acidity from the lime juice and the subtle warmth of the tequila. It enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a dish that is light yet deeply flavorful. Sometimes I make this recipe without the tequila because I’m just not in the mood or we don’t have it on hand. When it’s missing the tequila, we don’t see a major difference in the overall flavor.
This recipe is also a great way to bring a bit of coastal charm to your kitchen, whether you’re enjoying it on a breezy summer evening or craving a tropical escape in the middle of winter. The addition of fresh cilantro and a hint of spice gives it a delightful balance that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
Best Ways to Serve Margarita Shrimp
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. We typically love ours over some Mexican rice with seasoned veggies. But there are so many delicious options to try!
Here are a few ways you can enjoy it:
- As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp on skewers with a zesty dipping sauce for a fun and elegant starter.
- Soft Tacos: Toss the shrimp into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of creamy cilantro sauce.
- Quesadillas: Just like Tacos, shrimp quesadillas are absolutely delicious. We are huge quesadilla fans!
- Tostadas: If you like crunchy tacos, tostadas are fun for the kids to get hands on and they are so tasty with some slaw and avocado
- Over Rice: Serve it over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Salad Topping: Add the shrimp to a crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy citrus dressing.
- Grain Bowls: Pair with quinoa, black beans, roasted corn, and a squeeze of fresh lime for a nourishing and colorful bowl.
Tips for the Best Margarita Shrimp
- Don’t over-marinate: The lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp if left too long. 30 minutes is the sweet spot.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lime juice and garlic make a big difference in flavor.
- Pair it with: A classic margarita, a light Mexican beer, or a citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Final Thoughts
Margarita Shrimp is a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or an exciting new way to enjoy shrimp, this recipe is a must-try.
Give it a go and let me know how you served your Margarita Shrimp! I’d love to hear your twists and favorite pairings.
We absolutely LOVE grilling shrimp, but we recently purchased a Blackstone Griddle and dinners have been even more fun to cook. Our Blackstone makes the most amazing shrimp. I have an entire Outdoor Cooking shopping page so you can see our favorite things we use and love!
Enjoy & happy cooking!
Margarita Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- 2 tbsp tequila
- 1 tbsp orange liqueur such as Triple Sec
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Marinate the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat, and cover. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Remove the shrimp from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the shrimp and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos!
Notes
Tips for the Best Margarita Shrimp
- Don’t over-marinate: The lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp if left too long. 30 minutes is the sweet spot.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lime juice and garlic make a big difference in flavor.
- Pair it with: A classic margarita, a light Mexican beer, or a citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
