We love exploring the vibrant flavors of different cultures, and Cuban cuisine is one of our favorites.
One dish that stands out is the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe. This recipe features a marinade packed with citrus flavors, garlic, and spices, making it a tasty and refreshing meal.
It’s perfect for a quick dinner or when entertaining guests, and it brings a taste of the tropics right to your table.
As we traveled through Cuba, we discovered how essential mojo sauce is to their cooking. The combination of sour oranges, lime, and garlic creates a zesty flavor that perfectly complements shrimp.
We found that this dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Join us as we share this delightful Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe, along with some tips and tricks we picked up along the way.
Let’s dive into the steps to create a meal full of authentic Cuban flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe
We’re excited to share why this Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe should be on your must-try list.
First, the flavor is incredible. The combination of citrus juices from lime and grapefruit gives the shrimp a bright and refreshing taste. Adding garlic and herbs enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
The cooking process is quick and easy.
We marinate the shrimp for just 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how bold you want the flavor. After that, a quick fry or grill makes them ready to serve in no time.
Cuban food is known for its rich flavors and vibrant ingredients. This recipe brings a taste of Cuba right into our kitchen. The shrimp’s juicy texture pairs perfectly with rice or salad.
This dish is also perfect for sharing at gatherings or family dinners. The colorful presentation and delightful aroma will impress anyone at the table.
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, this recipe fits the bill too! It’s a great choice if you want something flavorful without heavy sides.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Cuban mojo shrimp stands out for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. The mojo marinade combines citrus and spices, creating a tangy and aromatic experience.
Key Ingredients
- Citrus Base: Traditional recipes use Seville oranges, but lime and grapefruit work just as well.
- Herbs and Spices: Garlic, oregano, and cumin add depth to the flavor profile.
This dish captures the spirit of Cuban cuisine, making it a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
Versatile and Flavorful
We love that this shrimp dish can be served in many ways. It’s perfect on tacos, tossed in salads, or enjoyed with rice. Each bite offers a burst of citrus and spice, making every meal feel special.
The simplicity of the recipe ensures that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. Marinating the shrimp allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, enhancing the dish’s appeal.
A Taste of Cuba
For us, cooking Cuban recipes transports us back to the vibrant streets of Havana. The blend of flavors in this dish reflects the culture and warmth of Cuban foods. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience we cherish and enjoy sharing with others.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make delicious Cuban Mojo Shrimp, we need a few basic cooking tools. Here’s a handy list:
- Mixing Bowl: We use this for preparing the marinade. A glass or ceramic bowl works best.
- Large Bowl or Resealable Plastic Bag: This is great for marinating the shrimp. It helps the flavors stick.
- Nonstick Skillet or Grill: A skillet is perfect for cooking the shrimp over medium heat. A grill can give it that smoky flavor.
- Tongs or Spatula: We use these to turn the shrimp while cooking, ensuring they get evenly browned.
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Each piece of equipment plays an important role in creating tasty shrimp full of flavor. Enjoy cooking!
Cooking Instructions
To make delicious Cuban Mojo Shrimp, we’ll follow these simple steps.
Steps to Cook:
- Marinate the Shrimp:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and coat well. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes. - Heat the Pan:
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. - Cook the Shrimp:
Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. - Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate. We love serving them with rice or a fresh salad. - Enjoy:
Drizzle with extra lime juice if desired. This dish is bright and flavorful!
Cooking Cuban Mojo Shrimp is quick and easy. We always enjoy this lively meal that brings a taste of Cuba to our table.
Cooking Tips
When we make Cuban Mojo Shrimp, there are a few things we keep in mind for the best results.
Marinating: Always marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in well.
Don’t exceed 30 minutes, as it can make the shrimp mushy.
Garlic: We love garlic in this dish. You can crush it into a paste or mince it finely. If you prefer pureed garlic, remove it before cooking to avoid burning.
Cooking Method: Use a nonstick skillet for easy cooking. Heat it over medium heat.
Cook the shrimp in a single layer. This allows even cooking and prevents steaming.
Each side should take about 1 to 1.5 minutes.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks fast. As soon as they turn bright pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking can make them tough.
Serving Suggestions: We enjoy pairing our shrimp with rice, a fresh salad, or crusty bread. A drizzle of extra marinade or mojo sauce adds a nice touch.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for a couple of days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture.
Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe
Lime juice
Orange juice
Grapefruit juice
Lemon juice
Vinegar
Extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic
Dried Mexican oregano
Red pepper flakes, or to taste
Ground cumin
Salt and ground black pepper
Fresh shrimp
Chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)
Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe
Preparing the Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine lime, orange, grapefruit, and lemon juices with vinegar, oil, garlic, Mexican oregano, red pepper flakes, and cumin. Blend until the garlic is puréed, about 1 minute. Season with salt and black pepper, then pulse once more.
Marinating the Shrimp
Pour the marinade into a 1-gallon resealable bag, add shrimp, and coat well. Remove excess air, seal, and refrigerate for 15 minutes, keeping shrimp in a single layer. Remove shrimp, shaking off excess marinade, and reserve the marinade.
Cooking the Shrimp
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1 to 1 ½ minutes per side until opaque, pink and white, and curled into a “C” shape. Transfer to a plate.
Reducing the Sauce and Serving
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bring to a boil, and reduce to about ⅔ cup, approximately 6 minutes. Serve shrimp with the sauce on the side for dipping or toss shrimp in the sauce. Garnish with cilantro.
FAQs For the Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe
Question: What ingredients are needed for a Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe?
A: A Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe typically includes shrimp, sour orange juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Question: How do I make an authentic Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe?
A: To make an authentic Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe, marinate shrimp in a mixture of sour orange juice, garlic, and spices, then sauté them in olive oil until cooked through. Serve with rice or plantains for a traditional dish.
Question: Can I make a Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe with bottled orange juice?
A: Yes, a Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe can be made with bottled orange juice, but for the best flavor, mix it with lime juice to mimic the traditional sour orange taste.
Question: What is the best way to serve a Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe?
A: A Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe is best served with white rice, black beans, tostones, or a fresh salad to complement the citrusy garlic flavors.
Question: Can I grill the shrimp for a Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe?
A: Yes, a Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe can be grilled by marinating the shrimp and cooking them over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until slightly charred and fully cooked.
Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup grapefruit juice
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil extra-virgin
- 5 cloves garlic peeled and chopped
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried Mexican
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound shrimp fresh peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped fresh Optional
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
- In a blender or food processor, combine lime, orange, grapefruit, and lemon juices with vinegar, oil, garlic, Mexican oregano, red pepper flakes, and cumin. Blend until the garlic is puréed, about 1 minute. Season with salt and black pepper, then pulse once more.
Marinating the Shrimp
- Pour the marinade into a 1-gallon resealable bag, add shrimp, and coat well. Remove excess air, seal, and refrigerate for 15 minutes, keeping shrimp in a single layer. Remove shrimp, shaking off excess marinade, and reserve the marinade.
Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1 to 1 ½ minutes per side until opaque, pink and white, and curled into a "C" shape. Transfer to a plate.
Reducing the Sauce and Serving
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bring to a boil, and reduce to about ⅔ cup, approximately 6 minutes. Serve shrimp with the sauce on the side for dipping or toss shrimp in the sauce. Garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition
1 comment
This shrimp recipe was so easy to make and bursting with flavor! The marinade gave the shrimp a bright, citrusy taste with the perfect balance of garlic and spices. Served over rice with a squeeze of lime, it was a hit. My guests couldn’t stop talking about how fresh and delicious it was!