Charred Mezcal-Lime Shrimp with Chili Salt

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

Quickly seared shrimp marinated in smoky mezcal and tangy lime, finished with a sprinkle of spicy chili salt for a vibrant appetizer. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, mezcal, freshly squeezed 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: 25 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes on one side until edges begin to char.
  4. Step 4: Flip shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes more until opaque and firm but not rubbery.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp from skillet, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Mezcal-Lime Shrimp with Chili Salt 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-Lime Shrimp with Chili Salt?

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 with Chili Salt?

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 with Chili Salt 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 with Chili Salt?

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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