Charred Mezcal-Infused Shrimp with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro

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

Shrimp marinated in smoky mezcal and spices, quickly charred and served with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, mezcal, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 25 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp mezcal, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp salt. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare pickled onions by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tbsp sugar in a small bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves, then add 1 small thinly sliced red onion. Let sit for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Add marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and charred at edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Serve shrimp on warm corn tortillas topped with pickled red onion and extra cilantro for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Mezcal-Infused Shrimp with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (25 min prep + 5 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 Charred Mezcal-Infused Shrimp with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mezcal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Mezcal-Infused Shrimp with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?

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 Charred Mezcal-Infused Shrimp with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro 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 Charred Mezcal-Infused Shrimp with Pickled Red Onion and Cilantro?

Mexican 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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