Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Mojo Sauce
Juicy shrimp seared in a zesty mojo sauce made with orange, lime, and fresh oregano, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends large, peeled and deveined shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 4 cloves minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp chopped oregano, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 1 minute until heated through. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Mojo Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Mojo Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Mojo Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Mojo Sauce?
Puerto Rican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 10-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
