The Best Cuban Mojo Recipe

Introduction

Cuban Mojo is a quintessential sauce or marinade that hails from Cuba’s vibrant culinary landscape. Infused with the zesty tang of citrus and the aromatic allure of garlic, it boasts a complex flavor profile that is refreshingly sour, subtly sweet, and pleasantly garlicky. At its heart, Cuban Mojo is a harmonious blend of sour orange juice (or a mix of sweet orange and lime juices), minced garlic, oregano, and cumin. The inclusion of olive oil lends a smooth richness, while the optional addition of cilantro adds a hint of fresh, herbaceous brightness. It’s often heated to allow the flavors to fuse together, enhancing its depth and complexity. Traditionally used to marinate roast pork, Cuban Mojo is versatile enough to complement chicken, beef, fish, or vegetables, imbuing them with its unique, mouthwatering character. Whether used as a marinade or a sauce, Cuban Mojo transforms everyday dishes into memorable, flavor-packed meals.

Recipe

The Best Cuban Mojo Recipe

Use the Cuban Mojo as a marinade or sauce as desired. For marinades, let your protein sit in the mojo for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. If using as a sauce, simply drizzle over your prepared meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Equipment

• mortar and pestle

Ingredients

  

• 8 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 cup orange juice traditional Cuban recipes use sour orange juice, but if you can’t find that, mix half sweet orange juice and half lime or lemon juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro optional
• Instructions:

Instructions

 

• In a mortar and pestle, combine the minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Grind the ingredients together until you have a paste. This process will help release all the flavors.
• Transfer the garlic-spice paste into a bowl, add in the orange juice, and lime juice. Stir well to combine.
• Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the garlic-juice mixture to the hot oil. Be careful as the mixture might splatter. Turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This process will allow the flavors to fuse together.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. If you’re using cilantro, add it in once the sauce is cooled. Stir well to combine.