Half-Naked Grilled Shrimp Recipe

This Half-Naked Grilled Shrimp recipe combines tender shrimp with gold tequila, fresh cilantro, onion, and garlic for a bright, flavorful barbecue dish that cooks in just minutes. Featured on License to Grill with Rob Rainford, the shrimp are quickly marinated before being grilled over high heat until lightly golden and perfectly cooked.

The Inspiration

Shrimp are ideal for fast outdoor cooking because they require very little time on the grill while readily absorbing the flavours of a marinade. In this recipe from License to Grill, Rob Rainford pairs them with tequila, cilantro, garlic, and onion to create a simple but lively combination that feels right at home at a summer barbecue.

Gold tequila brings a distinctive character to the marinade, complementing the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding a warm, slightly earthy note. Fresh cilantro introduces an herbaceous freshness that keeps the dish bright, while chopped onion and minced garlic provide the savoury backbone.

Featured in the Toga Party episode, these Half-Naked Grilled Shrimp bring a fresh seafood option to a menu filled with bold outdoor flavours. They can be served as an appetizer, small plate, or light main course and pair easily with grilled vegetables, salads, rice, or other barbecue favourites.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of Vegetable Oil (125ml)
• ½ Cup of Gold Tequila (125ml)
• ½ Cup of Cilantro Chopped (125ml)
• 1/3 Cup Chopped Onion (66ml)
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic (15ml)
• 20 Medium sized Shrimp, peeled and deveined

Method

• Place the shrimp in a large seal-able plastic bag. Mix together the remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour in the bag over the shrimp. Toss to coat well and marinate in the refrigerator for no more than 30 minutes.
• Preheat the grill to high 400 degrees Fahrenheit
• Remove the shrimps from the marinade. Season with salt. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook until they are no longer translucent on one side. Approximately 1 -2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

These Half-Naked Grilled Shrimp are a versatile choice for summer entertaining, backyard barbecues, or casual dinners. Serve them as an appetizer with fresh lime or lemon wedges, grilled vegetables, or a simple dipping sauce. Their tequila, cilantro, garlic, and onion flavours are bold enough to stand on their own while still pairing naturally with fresh accompaniments.

For a more complete meal, serve the shrimp over rice or alongside grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. They also work well with grilled peppers, zucchini, or a fresh tomato salad, where the vegetables provide a colourful contrast to the golden shrimp.

For the Toga Party theme, arrange the shrimp on a large platter as part of a shared spread with olives, grilled vegetables, fresh bread, and other small plates. Because they cook so quickly, they are especially convenient when entertaining and can be served directly from the grill while still warm.

Final Thoughts

This Half-Naked Grilled Shrimp recipe proves that a short ingredient list can still deliver plenty of flavour. Gold tequila, fresh cilantro, onion, and garlic create a bright marinade that complements the natural sweetness of shrimp without overwhelming it.

Find more recipes from License to Grill here!

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