Cuban Mojo Shrimp is bursting with flavor! Made with fresh shrimp marinated in zesty lime juice, garlic, and spices, it’s a true taste of the Caribbean.
Did I mention it’s quick to cook? Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Serve it over rice, and watch everyone come back for seconds! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are best. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp works just fine—just thaw it completely. For a twist, you could use scallops or firm white fish instead!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice enhances the flavor. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice can be a substitute, but fresh is always better for taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings out the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Keep in mind, about 1/8 tsp of garlic powder equals one clove of fresh garlic.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-cost option, regular olive oil or even avocado oil can be used.
Herbs and Spices: Ground cumin and dried oregano are key for that authentic mojo taste. If you want a little more heat, try using chili powder or cayenne pepper!
How Do I Perfectly Cook Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they need just the right amount of time. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start your skillet on medium heat. Too high can lead to quick cooking outside without a fully cooked inside.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start to curl, then flip and repeat.
- Look for the shrimp to be opaque—this shows they’re done. If they look shiny and translucent, they need more time!
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
How to Make Cuban Mojo Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
For Cooking:
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- Lime slices for garnish
- Cooked white rice or quinoa, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 20 to 60 minutes for marinating, making the total time around 30 minutes to 1 hour. It’s quick and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Mojo Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika (if you like a smoky flavor), salt, and black pepper. This is your delicious mojo marinade!
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Stir well to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour for the best flavor.
3. Sauté the Onions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. If desired, add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the sliced red onions and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften and become translucent.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the marinated shrimp along with all the marinade to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until they are completely cooked through and opaque.
5. Add Cilantro and Serve:
Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for an additional 30 seconds to combine flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
6. Plate and Garnish:
Serve the Cuban Mojo Shrimp over a bed of cooked white rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh lime slices and more chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Dig into the vibrant and zesty flavors of this Cuban Mojo Shrimp recipe—it’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can do this by transferring them to the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Long Can I Marinate the Shrimp?
It’s best to marinate the shrimp for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors of the marinade, but you can leave it for up to 1 hour. Too long, and the acid from the lime juice may start to “cook” the shrimp, making it a bit mushy.
What Can I Substitute for Lime Juice?
If you don’t have lime juice, lemon juice can be a great alternative. It will give a slightly different flavor but still works well in this recipe. You can also use a vinegar-based dressing for a vinaigrette twist!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp on the stove over low heat, or you can microwave them in short intervals, being careful not to overcook.