Charred Mezcal-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Pickled Red Onion

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

Bright and smoky shrimp marinated in mezcal and lime juice, char-grilled on skewers, and topped with tangy pickled red onions for a fresh Oaxacan-inspired appetizer. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, mezcal, (about 2 limes) lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mezcal, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 thinly sliced small red onion in a jar. Stir until sugar dissolves, then let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to pickle.
  4. Step 4: Thread marinated shrimp onto 4 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  5. Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque with charred edges.
  6. Step 6: Remove shrimp from grill and arrange on a platter. Spoon pickled red onions over the top along with 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Mezcal-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Pickled Red Onion 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 Charred Mezcal-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Pickled Red Onion?

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-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Pickled Red Onion?

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-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Pickled Red Onion 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-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Pickled Red Onion?

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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