Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

Cuban mojo shrimp is a flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. This recipe is all about combining fresh citrus, garlic, and spices to create a vibrant marinade.

With its bright flavors and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party.

During our travels, we’ve enjoyed countless versions of traditional Cuban dishes, and mojo shrimp stands out as a favorite. The balance of zesty lime and rich garlic creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.

We can’t wait to share our simple and delicious version of this iconic dish with you.

Join us as we guide you through making this quick and tasty meal. We’ll show you how easy it is to prepare and serve the shrimp, giving you a little slice of Cuba in every bite.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

We adore Cuban mojo shrimp because it combines fresh flavors that excite the palate. The citrusy marinade is made with lime, orange, and garlic, giving the shrimp a bright and zesty taste.

Quick Cooking: This dish cooks up fast. In just a few minutes, you can have delicious shrimp ready to enjoy.

Versatile Dish: Whether we’re having a casual dinner or a special gathering, these shrimp fit right in. They pair beautifully with rice, salad, or even on a skewer.

Healthier Option: Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. It’s a great choice for a health-conscious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Easy Preparation: The marinade is simple to make. Just whisk together the ingredients, marinate the shrimp, and cook.

Gathering with Friends: Sharing this dish brings everyone together. It’s fun to enjoy a taste of Cuba while connecting with loved ones.

Cuban Connection: By trying this recipe, we get to experience a little piece of Cuban culture. Each bite reflects the lively spirit of the island’s cuisine.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Cuban Mojo Shrimp stands out because of its vibrant flavors. The marinade is a wonderful mix of citrus, garlic, and spices, which gives it a fresh and tangy taste.

Key Ingredients:

• Citrus Fruits: We use lime, orange, and sometimes grapefruit. These add brightness and a lively zing.
• Garlic: This ingredient adds depth and a robust flavor profile.
• Spices: Cumin and oregano give the dish its traditional Cuban essence.

This recipe captures the spirit of Cuban food, which is known for its bold flavors and colorful presentation. We love how it blends influences from Spain and Africa.

Preparation is Easy:
The shrimp marinate for a couple of hours, allowing all the flavors to soak in. This simple step makes all the difference in taste.

We can serve the shrimp in many ways. They’re delicious in tacos, on a salad, or just on their own. This versatility makes them a favorite in our kitchen.

Each bite reminds us of our travels in Cuba, where we first tasted this dish. It’s a trip down memory lane, making it even more special for us.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To make Cuban Mojo Shrimp, we need some essential cooking tools. Here’s a list of what we recommend:

• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl to mix the marinade.
• Large Bowl or Resealable Plastic Bag: For marinating the shrimp.
• Grill or Large Skillet: We often use a grill for that smoky flavor, but a skillet works great too.
• Tongs or Spatula: To handle the shrimp while cooking.

These tools help keep the process smooth and easy.

We also suggest having some measuring spoons ready for precise amounts. Having a good knife and cutting board will help with chopping herbs and garlic.

Finally, don’t forget about a plate to serve the shrimp once they’re done cooking.

With these items handy, we can enjoy creating this tasty dish together!

Cooking Instructions

To make our Cuban Mojo Shrimp, start by gathering your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
2. Marinate the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the bowl. Let them soak in the marinade for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to add great flavor.
3. Heat the pan. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little olive oil if desired.
4. Cook the shrimp. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 1.5 minutes on each side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and are opaque.
5. Plate and serve. Transfer the shrimp to a plate. You can garnish with extra lime juice or serve with rice or a fresh salad.

That’s it! Enjoy your tasty Cuban Mojo Shrimp. It’s a quick and delightful dish perfect for any meal.

Cooking Tips

When making Cuban Mojo Shrimp, we love to keep a few simple tips in mind to elevate the dish.

1. Marinate Properly: A good marinade is key. We recommend marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes.

This helps the flavors soak in.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lime and orange juice makes a noticeable difference. Fresh garlic adds great flavor too.
3. Don’t Overcook: Watch the shrimp closely while cooking. They should turn opaque and slightly curl.

This usually takes about 6-7 minutes for jumbo shrimp.

4. Broiling: Broiling the shrimp gives them a nice char. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Using a broiler pan allows drippings to escape.

5. Save the Marinade: Consider saving any unused marinade. You can brush it on during cooking for extra flavor.
6. Serving Suggestions: Pair the shrimp with rice, avocado, or a fresh salad. This balances the tangy flavors of the mojo sauce.

Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

Cloves garlic finely chopped
Fresh oregano chopped
Ground cumin
Kosher salt
Coarse ground black pepper
Fresh orange zest
Fresh orange juice
Fresh lime juice
Fresh lemon juice
Olive oil
Deveined shell-on shrimp
Serve with White rice and black beans

Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

Marinate the Shrimp
In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 8.

Roast the Shrimp
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a large baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 8 to 12 minutes, until pink and no longer opaque.

Prepare the Sauce & Serve
Simmer the reserved marinade in a saucepan over low heat until hot and slightly reduced, then let it cool slightly. Serve the shrimp with white rice, black beans, plantains, and the warm sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

FAQs For the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

Question: What is the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe?
A: The Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe is a delicious dish featuring shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic mojo sauce made with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices.

Question: How long should I marinate the shrimp for the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe?
A: The Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe recommends marinating the shrimp for at least 15-30 minutes to absorb the bold flavors without over-marinating, as shrimp can become mushy if left too long.

Question: What is the best way to cook the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe?
A: The Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe can be cooked by grilling, sautéing, or pan-searing the shrimp for a few minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Question: What can I serve with the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe?
A: The Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe pairs well with rice, black beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh tropical salad to complement its vibrant flavors.

Question: Can I make the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance, but for the best texture, the Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe recommends marinating the shrimp just before cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.

RECIPE CARD

Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

Succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky, citrusy mojo sauce, seared to perfection, and served with fresh herbs for a tropical seafood delight.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Refrigerate Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 22 minutes mins

Course Main Course, marinade

Cuisine Cuban

Servings 4

Calories 367 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 6 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano fresh chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin ground
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper coarse ground
• 1 tablespoon orange zest fresh
• 1 cup orange juice fresh
• 1/2 cup lime juice fresh
• 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 pounds shrimp deveined shell-on

Instructions

 

Marinate the Shrimp

• In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 8.

Roast the Shrimp

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a large baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 8 to 12 minutes, until pink and no longer opaque.

Prepare the Sauce & Serve

• Simmer the reserved marinade in a saucepan over low heat until hot and slightly reduced, then let it cool slightly. Serve the shrimp with white rice, black beans, plantains, and the warm sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 367kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 47gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 365mgSodium: 855mgPotassium: 833mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 165IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Roasted Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

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