Cuban Mojo Shrimp are bursting with flavor! These tasty shrimp are marinated in a zesty mix of citrus juice, garlic, and spices that give them a fresh, tropical twist.
Cooking them is a breeze! I love how quick they come together, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun gathering. Serve them over rice or in tacos for an instant fiesta! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large raw shrimp give the best texture and flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen shrimp work just as well! Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold water before cooking.
Citrus Juices: Lime and orange juice make the mojo marinade bright and tangy. If you’re out of fresh citrus, bottled juice is a temporary fix, but I always prefer fresh when possible for better taste.
Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika are key! If you want a bit more heat, add more cayenne. For a smoky flavor without the paprika, you can use chili powder instead.
Cilantro: This herb adds freshness at the end. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or scallions are good substitutes for a different flavor.
Butter: Adding a tablespoon of butter makes the dish richer. You can skip it if you’re looking to keep it lighter or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
How Do You Marinate Shrimp for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating shrimp is super easy and essential for this recipe! The flavors need time to soak in, so always let your shrimp sit in the marinade. Here’s how:
- Combine lime and orange juice with garlic and spices in a bowl.
- Add the shrimp, ensuring they’re all coated well.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes — this is the perfect time for the flavors to infuse without overcooking the shrimp.
One tip: don’t marinate for too long (over 30 minutes) since the acidity can toughen the shrimp.
How to Make Cuban Mojo Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe takes about 45 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and marinating the shrimp, and around 15-20 minutes cooking. With a little patience, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Mojo Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine fresh lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely mixed and smells amazing!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Time to add the shrimp! Toss them in the marinade, ensuring each shrimp is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator to marinate for 20-30 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to seep into the shrimp.
3. Sauté the Onions:
While the shrimp is marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using butter, add that in first. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This adds a lovely sweetness to the dish.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
After the shrimp have marinated, raise the heat and add the shrimp along with the marinade to the hot skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn pink and opaque when they’re done. Be sure not to overcook them, or they’ll get rubbery!
5. Add Fresh Cilantro:
Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the chopped cilantro. Cook for an additional 30 seconds just to let the cilantro flavor release into the dish.
6. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer your flavorful shrimp to a serving dish, spooning the lovely mojo sauce over the top. Garnish it with extra cilantro leaves and some lime wedges for that fresh touch!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Cuban Mojo Shrimp warm, ideally over a bed of quinoa or rice, or even with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious mojo sauce. Enjoy your vibrant, zesty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper in the marinade or consider using a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking. You can also serve it with a side of spicy salsa for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the shrimp a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor! However, I recommend cooking them fresh right before serving since they taste best when they’re hot and juicy.
What Should I Serve with Cuban Mojo Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with quinoa or rice to absorb the delicious mojo sauce. You can also serve it with crusty bread or in tacos! Adding a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad complements the meal nicely.
