Margarita Shrimp Marinade

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Imagine tender, juicy shrimp swimming in a bright, zesty marinade infused with all the bold flavors of a classic margarita. Fresh lime, a splash of orange, a hint of tequila, and a blend of savory spices make every bite a burst of sunshine. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this Margarita Shrimp Marinade elevates your seafood to a whole new level of irresistible.

Perfect for a quick appetizer, a festive taco night, or a vibrant addition to your summer cookouts, this marinade blends citrusy sharpness with the perfect balance of savory and spicy notes. The shrimp soak up the flavor beautifully, delivering a dish that’s light, refreshing, and packed with personality.

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Ingredients for Margarita Shrimp Marinade

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup tequila (silver or blanco)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Lime slices and additional chopped cilantro for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the tequila, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, and honey. Once the liquids are well combined, stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The mixture should smell vibrant and tangy — a little preview of the flavors about to soak into the shrimp.

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Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place the cleaned shrimp into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp, making sure they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. This allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors without becoming tough.

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Step 3: Preheat Your Cooking Surface

If you plan to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For stove-top cooking, preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure your grill grates or skillet are lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid. Grill or sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred on the edges. Be careful not to overcook; shrimp cook very quickly!

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh lime slices and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro for that extra burst of freshness. Serve immediately, perhaps alongside a margarita to match!

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Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover Margarita Shrimp, store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or serve them cold over salads or tacos. Freezing is not recommended after cooking, as shrimp can become rubbery upon thawing. If you’d like to prepare ahead, you can freeze the raw shrimp in the marinade for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg

Please note that actual nutrition can vary based on the exact size of shrimp and any optional additions you include.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Longer than that can start to “cook” the shrimp due to the lime juice.

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Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to prevent excess water from diluting the flavors.

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Is it necessary to use tequila?

Tequila gives the marinade its authentic margarita flavor, but if you’d prefer, you can substitute with additional lime juice or even a splash of sparkling water.

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Can I grill these shrimp on skewers?

Yes! Skewering the shrimp makes grilling easier and prevents them from falling through the grates. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to avoid burning.

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What sides go well with Margarita Shrimp?

Fresh salads, rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or warm tortillas make excellent companions. Think light and vibrant dishes to match the shrimp’s zesty flavor.

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Can I make this marinade spicier?

Definitely. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to turn up the heat.

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What other seafood can I use with this marinade?

This marinade works beautifully with scallops, white fish like cod or tilapia, and even lobster tails.

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How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye!

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