Light Rum Mojito Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp marinated in zesty lime, mint, and light rum, served on skewers for a refreshing appetizer. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, light rum, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup light rum
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup light rum, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Step 4: Grill shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque, basting occasionally with leftover marinade. Remove from grill and serve immediately garnished with extra mint if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Light Rum Mojito Shrimp Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Light Rum Mojito Shrimp Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep light rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Light Rum Mojito Shrimp Skewers?
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 Light Rum Mojito Shrimp Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Light Rum Mojito Shrimp Skewers?
Caribbean 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.