Spicy Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

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!

Spicy Cuban Mojo Shrimp

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!

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)

Spicy Cuban Mojo Shrimp Ingredients

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.

Spicy Cuban Mojo Shrimp Cooking TIps

Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe Cooking Tips

• Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Peel and devein the shrimp before marinating for easier eating and even seasoning.
• Mojo sauce traditionally combines garlic, sour orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil.
• Fresh garlic gives the dish bold Cuban flavor and aroma.
• Cumin, oregano, and black pepper complement the citrus marinade well.
• Marinate the shrimp briefly because seafood absorbs citrus flavors quickly.
• Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat for quick and even searing.
• Avoid overcooking because shrimp can become rubbery very quickly.
• Butter can add extra richness to the mojo sauce if desired.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley brightens the finished dish.
• Onion slices can add sweetness and extra flavor while cooking.
• Lime wedges add extra freshness before serving.
• Serve hot with rice, black beans, vegetables, or crusty bread.
• Spoon extra mojo sauce over the shrimp just before serving for maximum flavor.

Spicy Cuban Mojo Shrimp Storage TIps

Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe Storage Tips

• Allow the shrimp to cool before transferring them into storage containers.
• Store the shrimp and mojo sauce together to help maintain moisture and flavor.
• Citrus and garlic flavors may become stronger after overnight refrigeration.
• Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
• Add a small splash of broth or mojo sauce during reheating if needed.
• Store rice, beans, or side dishes separately from the shrimp.
• Freeze only if necessary, since shrimp texture may soften after thawing.
• Use airtight freezer-safe containers to help preserve flavor quality.
• Defrost frozen shrimp gradually in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Citrus-based sauces may separate slightly after refrigeration, which is normal.
• Fresh herbs or lime wedges should be added after reheating for brighter flavor.
• Avoid microwaving on high heat because it may toughen the shrimp.
• Use clean utensils when handling leftovers to help maintain freshness.
• Discard leftovers if the shrimp develop strong odors, sliminess, or unusual discoloration.

Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Plump, juicy shrimp sautéed in a garlicky citrus marinade, creating a bold, tangy, and utterly delicious dish perfect for seafood lovers.

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Marinating Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course, marinade

Cuisine: Cuban

Calories: 250

Ingredients Instructions Nutrition

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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 Facts

Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe

Serving Size

 

1 person

Amount per Serving

Calories

250

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

14

g

22

%

Saturated Fat

 

2

g

13

%

Trans Fat

 

0.01

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

2

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

10

g

Cholesterol

 

183

mg

61

%

Sodium

 

140

mg

6

%

Potassium

 

430

mg

12

%

Carbohydrates

 

8

g

3

%

Fiber

 

0.5

g

2

%

Sugar

 

4

g

4

%

Protein

 

23

g

46

%

Vitamin A

 

105

IU

2

%

Vitamin C

 

28

mg

34

%

Calcium

 

94

mg

9

%

Iron

 

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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.

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BdRecipes

Laurel Rodgers is a recipe collector and co-founder of World Travel Recipes. Since 2014, she and John Rodgers have traveled to 165 of the 195 countries, gathering over 5,000 recipes directly from local cooks, markets, and small restaurants. Laurel participates in cooking classes, works with host families, and documents recipes as they are prepared. She manages recipe organization and ensures each recipe is written so it can be followed in a real home kitchen.
Recipes are gathered in person and written for real-world cooking conditions.

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