Tequila Lime Shrimp Skewers
Juicy shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of tequila, fresh lime, and garlic, then threaded onto skewers and grilled until lightly charred. These skewers come together in under 30 minutes and deliver big, bright flavor that tastes like summer on a plate.
For 4 servings
- prep
Make the tequila lime marinade.
1.In a medium bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt.2.Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade in a small bowl for basting later. - prep · ~15 min
Marinate the shrimp.
Add shrimp to the remaining marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes — no longer, or the lime juice will start to cook the shrimp.
TIPDon't marinate longer than 20 minutes. The acid in the lime will turn the shrimp mushy. - prep
Thread shrimp onto skewers.
Thread 5 to 6 shrimp onto each skewer, piercing through the tail and head end so they curl into a C-shape. Keep a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
- grill · ~6 min
Grill the shrimp skewers.
1.Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly brush with oil.2.Place skewers on the hot grill and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and have light char marks.3.Brush with the reserved marinade during the last minute of cooking.TIPLook for the shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly — that's how you know they're done. - garnish
Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Transfer skewers to a platter, scatter chopped cilantro over the top, and serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- 2Pat shrimp dry before marinating to help the marinade cling better.
- 3Don't overcrowd shrimp on skewers; leave a small gap for even heat circulation.
- 4Grill over direct high heat for a quick sear; shrimp cook in just 2-3 minutes per side.
- 5Brush with reserved marinade only in the last minute to avoid raw marinade on cooked shrimp.
- 6Serve immediately off the grill; shrimp turn rubbery if left to sit.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy mango
Add 2 tablespoons of pureed mango and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne to the marinade for a sweet-heat twist that pairs beautifully with the tequila.
low oilLow-oil
Replace olive oil with an equal amount of plain yogurt to reduce fat while keeping the shrimp moist and adding a tangy layer.
herb forwardHerb-forward
Swap cilantro garnish for fresh mint and add 1 tablespoon of chopped oregano to the marinade for a more herbaceous, Mediterranean vibe.
smoky chipotleSmoky chipotle
Substitute red chili powder with 1 teaspoon of chipotle in adobo (minced) for a smoky, earthy heat that complements the grilled char.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp provide high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle maintenance and repair.
Rich in Selenium
Shrimp are a natural source of selenium, an antioxidant mineral that supports thyroid health and immune function.
Vitamin C Boost
Fresh lime juice contributes vitamin C, which aids collagen production and helps absorb iron from other foods.
Antioxidant Properties
Garlic and cumin contain plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat very dry before marinating to avoid diluting the flavors.
