Grilled Mezcal-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Butter

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

Juicy shrimp marinated in smoky mezcal and grilled to perfection, served with a bright cilantro-lime butter that enhances their natural sweetness. This mexican-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 33 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, mezcal, olive oil 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: 8 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
  3. Step 3: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred on the edges.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp skewers from grill and immediately brush with the cilantro-lime butter while hot. Serve with extra lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mezcal-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Butter take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (25 min prep + 8 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 Grilled Mezcal-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Butter?

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 Grilled Mezcal-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Butter?

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 Grilled Mezcal-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Butter 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.

Is Grilled Mezcal-Infused Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro-Lime Butter gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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