Fiesta-Worthy Cuban Mojo Shrimp

As a Cuban-American, I have a deep appreciation for the flavors of my culture. One of my favorite dishes is Cuban-Style Mojo Shrimp. This dish is a savory combination of garlic, citrus, and spices that create a flavor combination that is truly unique. Every time I make this dish, I can’t help but be reminded of the wonderful tastes of my Cuban heritage.

Cuban-Style Mojo Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh shrimp – peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup vinegar
• ½ cup lime juice
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup grapefruit juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a medium bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, garlic, Mexican oregano, red pepper flakes, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are combined.
• Place the prepared shrimp into a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the shrimp and stir to coat.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through.
• Serve the Cuban-Style Mojo Shrimp warm with a sprinkling of chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 140
• Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 16g

The history and origins of cuban mojo shrimp

The history and origins of Cuban Mojo Shrimp trace back to the Caribbean islands, where the flavors and techniques of Spanish, African and Native American cultures have come together to create the unique and beloved dish. Mojo is a term derived from the Spanish word for “sauce” and refers to the citrus marinade made with olive oil, garlic, onions, cumin, oregano, and other herbs and spices. The resulting marinade is then used to flavor shrimp, chicken, or pork, which is then cooked over an open flame or in a skillet.

Cuban mojo shrimp has long been a staple of Cuban cuisine, but its influence reaches far beyond the Caribbean. In the United States, mojo-style shrimp is a popular dish in Latin cuisine, often served over rice with a side of plantain and black beans. In Mexico, it’s known as camarones al mojo de ajo, and it’s popular in other Latin countries as well.

The unique combination of flavors makes Cuban-style mojo shrimp a beloved dish. It has a bright, acidic flavor from the citrus, a subtle sweetness from the onions and garlic, and a savory complexity from the herbs and spices. The result is an easy-to-prepare dish that is packed with flavor.

Cuban mojo shrimp has become a global phenomenon, beloved by diners all over the world. Its roots in the Caribbean have made it a beloved staple of Latin cuisine, and its popularity continues to grow as its influence reaches far beyond the islands.

A guide to authentic cuban mojo shrimp

This guide will provide you with the essential ingredients, techniques, and tips needed to make an authentic Cuban mojo shrimp dish.

Ingredients:

• pounds of large fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed.
• ¼ cup of olive oil.
• cloves of garlic, minced.
• tablespoons of tomato paste.
• tablespoons of orange juice.
• tablespoons of lime juice.
• tablespoons of white vinegar.
• teaspoon of cumin.
• ½ teaspoon of oregano.
• teaspoon of salt.
• teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
• tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro.

Techniques:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring often.
• Add the tomato paste, orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
• Add the shrimp and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add the cilantro and stir to combine.

Tips:

• Serve the mojo shrimp over cooked white rice.
• Make sure to use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
• Adjust the seasonings to taste.
• If desired, you can add some diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the dish.

Health benefits of cuban mojo shrimp

Cuban-style mojo shrimp is a delicious and healthy meal that offers many health benefits.

• This dish is low in calories, but high in nutritional content. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• It is also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
• Mojo shrimp is also a great source of selenium, which is an essential mineral for maintaining healthy thyroid and immune function.
• The combination of garlic, onions, and other herbs and spices in the sauce used to prepare the shrimp adds further health benefits.
• To make mojo shrimp a nutritious and healthy meal, serve it with a side of brown rice and a vegetable salad. The brown rice is a great source of fiber, while the salad provides additional vitamins and minerals.
• To reduce the amount of fat and calories in the meal, use olive oil instead of butter for cooking the shrimp.
• Additionally, adding a variety of herbs and spices to the recipe, such as cumin, oregano, and cilantro, will boost the flavor while providing additional health benefits.
• Finally, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to maximize the nutritional value of the meal.

The flavors of cuban mojo shrimp

Exploring the flavors of Cuban Mojo Shrimp can be a rewarding experience. Mojo shrimp, a traditional Cuban dish, is known for its unique flavor combination that results from a mix of herbs, spices, and citrus juices. To get the most out of the flavor of mojo shrimp, it is important to understand the ingredients that make up this delicious dish and how to best combine them.

When exploring Cuban mojo shrimp, one of the most important elements is the blend of herbs and spices. This combination is composed of garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika, which gives the dish its signature flavor. The spices are then complemented by the addition of citrus juices, most commonly lime, orange, and lemon. These juices add a zesty, acidic flavor to the shrimp, balancing out the herbs and spices.

Once all the necessary ingredients have been gathered, the process of combining them to create the perfect Cuban mojo shrimp dish can begin. To start, garlic and spices are sautéed in oil over low heat. The citrus juices are then added, followed by the shrimp, which should simmer in the mixture for a few minutes until cooked through. The final step is to season with salt and pepper to taste.

When done correctly, Cuban mojo shrimp can be an incredibly delicious dish. The combination of herbs, spices, and citrus juices creates a unique flavor that is both bold and refreshing. With a little knowledge about the ingredients and the process for creating mojo shrimp, anyone can experience the flavor that makes this Cuban dish so special.

Cuban mojo shrimp around the world

Cuban mojo shrimp is a popular dish that has been adopted and adapted around the world. Cuban-style mojo is made with garlic, lime juice, olive oil, oregano, and cumin, and the flavors are often adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients. For example, in Spain, mojo shrimp is usually served with a spicy tomato sauce. In the Caribbean, mojo shrimp is often served with coconut rice and other Caribbean vegetables.

In the United States, mojo shrimp has been embraced as a popular seafood dish, often served with classic American sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or macaroni and cheese. In the Southeast, mojo shrimp is often served over grits or with rice and black beans. California and other West Coast regions are known for their interpretations of mojo shrimp, which often feature more Asian flavors and ingredients, such as ginger, soy sauce, and chili peppers.

No matter where it is served, Cuban mojo shrimp is a favorite seafood dish. Its unique blend of flavors and adaptability to local ingredients and tastes has made it a hit with food-lovers all over the world. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Cuban mojo shrimp is sure to be a crowd pleaser.