Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a quick and easy party food when your guests are craving a little sunshine. Marinated in Mexican-inspired seasonings, tequila, and oil, this recipe is without a doubt our favorite way to enjoy shrimp and heat things up in the kitchen!

Why you’ll love these shrimp skewers

Tequila lime shrimp is a classic Mexican-inspired dish full of flavor. When combined, the seasonings mix with the tequila (the alcohol burns off) to create a bold meal that tastes gourmet but couldn’t be easier! It’s guaranteed to become your new favorite way to eat shrimp. 

Wooden vs. Metal Skewers

Both wooden and metal skewers work just fine. For budgeting purposes, if you’re planning on making a large number of shrimp or grilling frequently, I suggest investing in metal skewers to reuse for years. If you do use wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before placing them on the grill. This keeps them from burning on the heat and prevents any splinters from occurring. 

How to Season Grilled Shrimp 

The marinade does all the seasoning for you! Once cooked, these shrimp should be full of flavor. If you want to add even more, just sprinkle on your desired spices after pulling the skewers off the grill. 

Ingredients you’ll need

To get started making this recipe, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients first.

Here is what you’ll need:

What skillet to use?

While you can certainly use your grill outside or a regualr 12-inch pan, I really like using the grill pans for this recipe. I get those grill marks and slight charing without overcooking the shrimp. Make sure it is screaming hot so you do not have to let the shrimp sit long to cook and achieve grill marks. Be sure to measure your skewers before hand as well. I often have to trim mine to get them to fit.

Why Cook with Tequila

If you don’t like alcoholic drinks made with tequila, don’t let that deter you from using it in your recipes! When added to recipes like this grilled shrimp marinade, it actually contains a sweet and slightly woody flavor that enhances the whole dish. When cooked, it reduces to add a depth of flavor similar to sherry or cooking wine and pairs particularly well with seafood recipes such as shrimp. We’ve even added Citron to enhance the citrus flavors that pair so well with seafood.

What Kind of Tequila Should I Use? 

To create the perfect Mexican shrimp marinade, I highly recommend splurging a bit for a small bottle of high-quality tequila. Cheaper silver tequila will work, but the flavors will be a little bit lackluster due to the fact that Blanco tequila is not aged. Instead, it is bottled immediately after the distillation process takes place leaving it with a bolder, more herb-like flavor. Meanwhile, slightly more expensive tequila types are aged in oak barrels that take some of the flavor away and replaces them with the woody, sweet flavors we’re looking to add.

How Long to Let Shrimp Marinate

You don’t want to let the shrimp marinate for less than an hour. For the best results, the longer they soak the better they taste. Therefore, I recommend letting them sit in a covered bowl or airtight container in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight. 

How to Reheat Grilled Shrimp

I know reheating previously cooked shrimp can be a difficult task. Luckily, I’ve found 3 methods to make it just a little bit easier by baking, sauteing, or microwaving any leftovers. 

1. Baking – Line a baking sheet with tin foil or parchment paper, and reheat the shrimp for a few minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them over halfway through. 
2. Sauteing – Heat a skillet over medium-heat, add a little oil to the pan, and reheat the shrimp until the desired temperature is reached. 
3. Microwaving – Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish in a single layer, and cover it with a lid. Cook the shrimp for 1-minute intervals until they are heated through. 

What to Serve with Tequila Lime Shrimp

These grilled shrimp skewers pair well with pretty much anything! Toss them over rice, eat them right off the skewer,  add them to salads, or use them to make grilled shrimp tacos. If you want to make it a complete meal, try serving them with roasted veggies, rice, and beans. Of course, don’t forget the guacamole, cheese, salsa, cilantro, and any other toppings you might need.