Rum-Soaked Mango Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled shrimp and mango chunks marinated in spiced rum, paired with a bright cilantro lime sauce for a fresh seafood delight. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, spiced rum, minced garlic cloves 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 220 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup spiced rum, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Thread marinated shrimp and 1 large peeled, cubed mango pieces alternately onto soaked wooden skewers.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro lime sauce by blending 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp honey until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled skewers drizzled with cilantro lime sauce and extra lime wedges on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rum-Soaked Mango Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Rum-Soaked Mango Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime 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 Rum-Soaked Mango Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime 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 Rum-Soaked Mango Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce 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 Rum-Soaked Mango Shrimp Skewers with Cilantro Lime Sauce?

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.