Smoky Grilled Shrimp with Mojo Sauce

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

Succulent shrimp marinated in citrusy garlic sauce and grilled to a golden finish, served with a vibrant herb garnish. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 36 minutes blends Shrimp, Garlic, 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 320 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 6 min Serves 2 Puerto Rican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until fully blended.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, tossing to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high (375°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Grilled Shrimp with Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 36 minutes (30 min prep + 6 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Smoky Grilled 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 Smoky Grilled 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 Smoky Grilled 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 Smoky Grilled 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.

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