Margarita Shrimp Marinade

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Margarita Shrimp Marinade is a quick and easy way to infuse shrimp with bold, delicious flavors. The combination of lime, orange juice, and savory spices adds a bright, citrusy tang, while chili powder and cumin offer a savory depth. The shrimp absorbs all the flavors, becoming tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. Whether you’re grilling or sautéing, this marinade ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. It’s an excellent choice for seafood lovers and perfect for making your next meal feel like a celebration.

Ingredients

To make your Margarita Shrimp Marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade:

1. Mix the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, honey (if using), chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more acidity, add more lime juice; if you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra heat, increase the chili powder or cumin.

Marinate the Shrimp:

1. Add Shrimp to the Marinade: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
2. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. The acid from the lime juice will help tenderize the shrimp and infuse them with flavor. Be cautious not to marinate for more than an hour, as the shrimp may become over-marinated and mushy.

Cook the Shrimp:

1. Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using) or place directly on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
2. Alternatively, Sauté: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Serve and Garnish:

1. Serve the Shrimp: Arrange the cooked shrimp on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings

Variations

• Spicy Margarita Shrimp: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Serve the marinade with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
• Margarita Shrimp Tacos: Use the cooked shrimp in tacos, adding your favorite toppings like shredded cabbage, avocado, and a tangy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftover marinated shrimp, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that marinated shrimp is best cooked immediately after marinating.
• Reheating: To reheat, quickly sauté the shrimp in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, just until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this marinade?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

2. Can I make the shrimp marinade overnight?

It’s best not to marinate shrimp for more than 1 hour. Marinating overnight may result in mushy shrimp due to the acidic lime juice.

3. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also form a C-shape as they cook. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming tough.

4. Can I use this marinade for other seafood?

Yes, this marinade works wonderfully with other seafood like scallops, fish, or lobster. Adjust cooking times based on the type of seafood used.

5. Can I make this marinade without lime juice?

If you don’t have lime juice, you can substitute it with lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.

6. Can I marinate the shrimp for longer than 1 hour?

No, marinating shrimp for too long can make them mushy due to the acidity in the lime juice. Stick to 30 minutes to 1 hour for the best results.

7. Can I serve the shrimp cold?

Yes, you can serve the shrimp cold as part of a salad or shrimp cocktail if desired.

8. Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works great for cooking shrimp if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.

9. Can I freeze the shrimp after marinating them?

It’s best to cook the shrimp right after marinating. If you want to freeze marinated shrimp, cook it first, then freeze the cooked shrimp for later use.

10. Can I use a different oil for the marinade?

Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil in place of olive oil if preferred.

Conclusion

Margarita Shrimp Marinade is a fantastic way to bring fresh, bold flavors to your shrimp. With lime, orange juice, and savory spices, this marinade infuses shrimp with a tangy, flavorful bite that’s perfect for grilling or sautéing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a flavorful dinner, Margarita Shrimp will surely be a hit! Enjoy!

Margarita Shrimp Marinade

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Grilling or Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

Margarita Shrimp Marinade combines lime, orange, and spices to infuse shrimp with a tangy, zesty flavor. Perfect for grilling or sautéing, this marinade adds a refreshing touch to any seafood dish.

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)

2 tablespoons orange juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Mix the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, honey (if using), chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer more acidity, add more lime juice; if you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra heat, increase the chili powder or cumin.
3. Add Shrimp to the Marinade: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Do not marinate for more than an hour to avoid the shrimp becoming over-marinated and mushy.
5. Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers (if using) or place directly on the grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
6. Alternatively, Sauté: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
7. Serve and Garnish: Arrange the cooked shrimp on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

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Notes

For a spicy shrimp version, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

For a vegetarian option, serve the marinade with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

For Margarita Shrimp Tacos, use the cooked shrimp in tacos with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a tangy sauce.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 90mg