Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are a delightful combination of succulent shrimp and zesty flavors inspired by classic Mexican dishes. These kabobs are perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a cozy dinner at home. The light marinade infused with garlic, jalapeno, and lime makes these shrimp irresistible. Enjoy them as a fun appetizer or a main dish that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor: The marinade combines zesty lime, garlic, and spices for an incredible taste.
• Quick and Easy: Prep takes just 30 minutes, making this a hassle-free option for busy days.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for grilling season or indoor cooking; serve as appetizers or a main course.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and low in carbs, these kabobs fit into various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, gather the necessary tools to simplify the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Skewers (wooden or metal)
• Mixing bowl
• Immersion blender or food processor
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides the essential charred flavor and achieves that perfect grilled texture.
• Mixing bowl: Allows for easy mixing of ingredients when preparing the marinade.
• Immersion blender or food processor: Helps achieve a smooth marinade without large pieces, ensuring even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

To prepare Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs, you will need the following fresh ingredients:

For the Shrimp Marinade

• 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 jalapeno
• 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 agave syrup (optional)

For Serving

• Thin slices of fresh lime (if placing shrimp on skewers)
• Chopped cilantro
• Wedges of fresh lime (for squeezing over top of grilled shrimp)

How to Make Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

1. Place the shrimp in a wide shallow bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine all marinade ingredients from olive oil through black pepper. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor.
3. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and gently stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

1. If using agave syrup, drizzle it over the marinated shrimp and fold gently to combine.
2. If using skewers, thread shrimp onto skewers with folded slices of lime interspersed between them.

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure grates are clean and well-oiled.
2. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are opaque and have nice char marks.
3. Once done, transfer them to a platter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs with wedges of lime for squeezing over top for added zest! Enjoy this delicious dish at your next gathering!

How to Serve Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are bursting with flavor and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that make this dish even more enjoyable.

With Fresh Salad

• Crisp Green Salad: Serve the kabobs over a bed of mixed greens with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
• Mango Avocado Salad: A refreshing combination of mango and avocado pairs well with the spicy shrimp.

On Rice or Quinoa

• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and cilantro complements the shrimp beautifully.
• Herbed Quinoa: Cook quinoa in vegetable broth, then toss with fresh herbs for a flavorful base.

As Part of a Taco Bar

• Taco Tortillas: Offer warm tortillas alongside the kabobs for guests to create their own shrimp tacos.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Set out bowls of guacamole and salsa for an extra kick on your kabobs or tacos.

How to Perfect Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Creating the perfect Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your grilling game.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and quality shrimp make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Marinate Properly: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 2 hours to absorb all the flavors fully.
• Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the shrimp to achieve that perfect char.
• Don’t Overcook: Grill shrimp just until opaque; they cook quickly, so stay attentive.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Add bell peppers or zucchini on skewers for added color and nutrition.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the kabobs right off the grill for maximum tenderness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Pairing side dishes with Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs enhances your meal. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn adds sweetness that balances the spiciness of the shrimp.
2. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy salad with corn, feta, and spices offers great texture and taste.
3. Black Bean Salsa: This protein-packed salsa adds richness and pairs well with grilled flavors.
4. Zesty Coleslaw: A tangy slaw provides a crunchy contrast to the tender shrimp.
5. Grilled Veggies: Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus tossed in olive oil for added flavor.
6. Cilantro Lime Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous flavored with lime ties everything together beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating shrimp can be tricky, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs turn out perfectly.

• Bold flavor mismatch: Using ingredients that clash in taste can ruin your kabobs. Stick to the suggested spices and flavors for a cohesive dish.
• Over-marinating shrimp: Leaving shrimp in the marinade too long can make them mushy. Aim for 2 to 3 hours for the best texture.
• Neglecting skewer preparation: If you’re using wooden skewers, always soak them beforehand. This prevents burning and helps hold the shrimp securely.
• Skipping oil on the grill: Not oiling the grill grates can lead to sticking. Always ensure they are clean and well-oiled before grilling.
• Ignoring cooking times: Grilling shrimp for too long makes them rubbery. Keep an eye on their color; they only need about 3-4 minutes per side.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs in an airtight container.
• They will remain fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

• Wrap individual kabobs tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm kabobs for about 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs:

Can I use different types of shrimp?

Yes! Feel free to use any size of shrimp you prefer. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly.

How do I make Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs spicier?

To add heat, increase the amount of minced jalapeno or include a dash of cayenne pepper in the marinade.

What should I serve with these kabobs?

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs pair well with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Can I make these without skewers?

Absolutely! You can grill the shrimp directly on the grill without skewers if preferred.

How long do I need to marinate the shrimp?

Marinate for 2 to 3 hours for optimal flavor without compromising texture.

Final Thoughts

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are a delicious and versatile dish perfect for any gathering. With their bold flavors and easy customization options, you can adjust spices or add veggies as desired. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe today!

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Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Margarita Grilled Shrimp Kabobs are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of summer right to your table. These kabobs feature succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, lime, and spices, creating a deliciously smoky and tangy flavor profile. Perfect for backyard barbecues or cozy family dinners, they’re versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or a main course. With their quick preparation time and healthy ingredients, you’ll find these kabobs to be a delightful addition to any meal. Whether served on skewers with fresh lime and cilantro or alongside salads and grains, these kabobs promise to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound raw extra jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
• 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno
• 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 agave syrup (optional)
• Thin slices of fresh lime
• Chopped cilantro
• Wedges of fresh lime

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Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, brown sugar, and spices; blend until smooth.
3. Marinate shrimp in the mixture for 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers with lime slices if desired.
5. Grill on medium-high heat for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until opaque.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 kabobs (approximately 170g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 140mg