Grilled Mezcal-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Charred Pineapple Salsa
Juicy shrimp marinated in smoky mezcal and lime, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant pineapple salsa featuring a hint of chile heat. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, mezcal, fresh lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1/4 cup mezcal
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1 small, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp for salsa olive oil
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp 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.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup diced fresh pineapple and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; char for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly blackened.
- Step 3: Remove pineapple and pepper from heat, then mix with 1 small finely chopped jalapeño, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Season salsa with a pinch of salt and set aside.
- Step 4: Thread marinated shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat. Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
- Step 6: Serve shrimp skewers topped with generous spoonfuls of charred pineapple salsa alongside lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Mezcal-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Mezcal-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mezcal-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Charred Pineapple Salsa 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 Grilled Mezcal-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Charred Pineapple Salsa?
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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