Description
Juicy grilled shrimp kabobs marinated in bold Mexican-inspired flavors with garlic, spices, lime, and a splash of tequila for a margarita-style twist. Perfect for summer grilling and easy entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw extra jumbo shrimp (16–20 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons tequila (optional)
- Thin slices of fresh lime (for skewers)
- Chopped cilantro
- Fresh lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while preparing the shrimp.
2. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a wide shallow bowl.
3. In a small bowl combine olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Blend with an immersion blender or process in a food processor until smooth.
4. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and gently stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, gently stirring about halfway through.
5. Drizzle tequila over the shrimp if using and gently toss to combine.
6. Thread shrimp onto skewers with thin folded slices of lime between shrimp if desired.
7. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grill grates well.
8. Place shrimp on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque with light char marks.
9. Transfer shrimp to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and serve with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
Flat skewers work best because they prevent shrimp from spinning while grilling.
You can also grill shrimp without skewers, but use jumbo shrimp so they do not fall through the grill grates.
Store leftover grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.