There is something undeniably magical about summer evenings when the air is thick with the smell of sizzling food and the laughter of friends fills the backyard. Growing up, grilling was a cherished ritual in my family, a sign that the season of long days and warm nights had officially arrived. One of the most anticipated dishes we made was Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs. They were always the first to vanish from the platter, their bright, citrusy flavor capturing the very essence of summer.

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Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs bring a festive spirit to any gathering. Their zesty marinade, inspired by the classic margarita cocktail, infuses the shrimp with lively notes of lime and orange, balanced with a touch of heat from jalapeños. This dish is a celebration of sunshine and togetherness, perfect for casual barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, or even a simple weeknight meal on the patio. Every juicy bite transports me back to those joyful family cookouts, where the world seemed to slow down just enough to savor each moment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Fresh and Flavorful: Bursting with the vibrant flavors of citrus, garlic, and a hint of spice.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and quick cooking time make it perfect for busy evenings.
Perfect for Entertaining: Eye-catching and delicious, these kebabs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even tucked into tacos.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Lime wedges, for serving

HOW TO MAKE Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs:

Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are simple yet spectacular. Here is how to bring this vibrant dish to life on your grill.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, lime zest, orange zest, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, and pepper. The aroma of fresh citrus combined with spicy jalapeño will immediately hint at the deliciousness to come.
Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour. I love this part because as the shrimp absorb all that bright flavor, you can practically hear summer calling.

Assemble the Kebabs:
Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Grill the Shrimp:
Heat your grill to medium-high. Grill the shrimp kebabs for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and slightly charred at the edges. The sizzle and quick char give them irresistible smoky notes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the kebabs on a platter, sprinkle with a bit more chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges. The juicy pop of lime just before eating ties all the flavors together beautifully.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Use Fresh Citrus: Freshly squeezed lime and orange juices make all the difference in flavor.
Don’t Over-Marinate: Marinating too long can break down the shrimp and make them mushy.
Temperature Matters: Medium-high heat ensures a quick cook and prevents the shrimp from drying out.
Alternate Skewer Ideas: Add slices of red onion or bell peppers between shrimp for added color and texture.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 51 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

NOTES:

For best flavor, serve the shrimp immediately after grilling. Leftovers can be tossed into salads or tacos for a quick and easy meal.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving, approximate)

Calories: 180
Protein: 24g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.

Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes, you can broil them on high for about 2-3 minutes per side.

How spicy are these kebabs?
The jalapeño adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftover shrimp kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other grilled delights:

CONCLUSION:

Grilled Margarita Shrimp Kebabs are the very taste of summer on a skewer. With their bright, zesty marinade and smoky grill marks, they are a feast for the senses and the soul. Whether you are hosting a backyard gathering or simply craving a taste of sunshine, these kebabs will not disappoint. Try them once, and they just might become your new summer tradition.