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!
Cuban Mojo Shrimp 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!
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
Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe Ingredients
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!
Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe 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.
Cuban Mojo Shrimp Recipe 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
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recipes are gathered in person and written for real-world cooking conditions.
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3 comments
This Cuban Mojo Shrimp was so quick and easy to make! The shrimp absorbed the garlicky, citrus marinade perfectly and had a wonderful sear on the outside. Served over a bed of rice with a side of plantains, it looked just as good as it tasted. My guests couldn’t stop talking about how fresh and flavorful it was—definitely a new go-to recipe!
I dont know about you guys, but I think adding pineapple chunks to this Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe would take it to the next level. Sweet and savory flavors, anyone? Whos with me on this culinary adventure?
I dont know about you, but I think the key to a good Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe is the freshness of the ingredients. Anyone else agree? Lets discuss!
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