Shrimp and Plantain Skewers with Mojo Sauce

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

Grilled shrimp and plantains marinated in zesty lime-garlic sauce, served with a vibrant herb-infused dipping sauce. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends medium, peeled and deveined shrimp, divided olive oil, divided lime juice 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 400 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Thread the shrimp (1 lb) and plantain slices (2 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices) onto skewers, alternating.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Brush this mixture over the skewers.
  3. Step 3: Place skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, turning once, until shrimp are pink and plantains are golden.
  4. Step 4: While skewers bake, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (1/4 cup) to make the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve skewers with the sauce drizzled over them.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shrimp and Plantain Skewers with Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Shrimp and Plantain Skewers 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 Shrimp and Plantain Skewers 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 Shrimp and Plantain Skewers with Mojo 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 Shrimp and Plantain Skewers 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.

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