Cachaça-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lime

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp marinated and glazed in a sweet and tangy cachaça-lime sauce, grilled to smoky perfection for a Brazilian-style seafood treat. This Brazilian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs large shrimp, cachaça, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 170 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup cachaça, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to infuse flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Thread the marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an added zesty kick.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cachaça-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lime take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cachaça-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lime?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cachaça-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lime?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cachaça-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lime for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cachaça-Glazed Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lime?

Brazilian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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