Smoky Mezcal-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chile-Lime Sauce
Juicy shrimp marinated in smoky mezcal and spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a tangy chile-lime dipping sauce inspired by Oaxacan coastal flavors. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp (peeled and deveined), mezcal, minced garlic cloves 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 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup mezcal
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup mezcal, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp honey to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Step 3: While marinating, prepare the chile-lime sauce by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers (if wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand).
- Step 5: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque with slight char marks.
- Step 6: Serve hot with chile-lime sauce on the side and garnish with remaining chopped cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Mezcal-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chile-Lime Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Smoky Mezcal-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chile-Lime Sauce?
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 Smoky Mezcal-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chile-Lime Sauce?
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 Smoky Mezcal-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chile-Lime Sauce 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 Smoky Mezcal-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Chile-Lime Sauce?
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.
