Cuban Mojo Sauce

Authentic Cuban Mojo Sauce Recipe | Made with Garlic, Cumin & Sour Orange Juice

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cuban Mojo Sauce is a flavorful and tangy sauce that is a staple in Cuban cuisine. It is made with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, sour lime juice, cumin, and black pepper. This versatile sauce can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or condiment to add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes.

History

Mojo sauce has its origins in the Canary Islands, off the coast of Spain, and was brought to Cuba by Spanish settlers. The sauce has evolved over time to include local ingredients like sour lime juice, which adds a unique tanginess to the sauce. Today, Mojo sauce is a popular condiment in Cuban cuisine and is used to enhance the flavor of dishes like Cuban sandwiches, grilled meats, and fried plantains.

Ingredients

0.33 cup olive oil
6 to 8 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced or minced
0.67 cup sour orange juice or lime juice (or equal portions of orange juice and lime juice)
0.5 tsp ground cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Heat the olive oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly toasted.
Ensure that the garlic doesn't brown as it may result in an acrid taste. Cook for approximately 30 seconds.
Add the sour orange juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Be cautious as the sauce may sputter.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Allow the sauce to cool before serving.
For the best flavor, serve the Mojo sauce within a couple of hours of preparation. However, it can be stored in a well-capped jar or bottle in the refrigerator for several days.
Use the Mojo sauce as a condiment for Cuban sandwiches, boiled yuca, grilled seafood and meats, fried green plantain chips, etc.

Variations

Add chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh herb flavor.
Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a different citrusy twist.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be careful not to brown the garlic when cooking it in the olive oil, as it can result in a bitter taste.

- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can add more cumin or black pepper for a spicier sauce, or more lime juice for a tangier flavor.

- For the best results, allow the sauce to cool before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Cuban Mojo Sauce can be served as a dipping sauce for fried plantains, a marinade for grilled meats, or a condiment for Cuban sandwiches. It pairs well with seafood, chicken, pork, and vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful Cuban Mojo Sauce is to cook the garlic in olive oil until fragrant and lightly toasted. This helps to release the garlic's natural oils and infuse the sauce with a rich flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find sour lime juice, you can use a combination of regular lime juice and orange juice to achieve a similar tangy flavor. You can also substitute lemon juice for lime juice if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Cuban Mojo Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the sauce even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cuban Mojo Sauce in a small bowl or jar with a drizzle of olive oil on top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a slice of lime for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Cuban Mojo Sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and rice. It also complements dishes with bold flavors like Cuban sandwiches and fried plantains.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cuban Mojo Sauce in a well-sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave the sauce for a few seconds or heat it gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cuban Mojo Sauce contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cuban Mojo Sauce contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cuban Mojo Sauce contains approximately 22 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cuban Mojo Sauce contains approximately 0 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cuban Mojo Sauce is a good source of Vitamin C, thanks to the sour lime juice used in the recipe.

Alergens

Cuban Mojo Sauce is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with food allergies or intolerances.

Summary

Cuban Mojo Sauce is a flavorful condiment that is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. It is a good source of Vitamin C and is suitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies.

Summary

Cuban Mojo Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that adds a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. Made with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and sour lime juice, this sauce is easy to prepare and can be stored for several days. Serve it as a marinade, dipping sauce, or condiment to enhance the flavor of your favorite Cuban dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Cuban Mojo Sauce. It was many years ago, during a trip to Cuba with my husband. We were exploring the vibrant streets of Havana, immersing ourselves in the rich culture and history of this beautiful country.

One evening, we stumbled upon a small, family-run restaurant tucked away in a quiet alleyway. The aroma of garlic and citrus filled the air, drawing us in like moths to a flame. As soon as we tasted the Mojo Sauce that accompanied our meal, we were hooked. It was tangy, garlicky, and bursting with flavor – unlike anything we had ever tasted before.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible sauce. I approached the chef, a kind and talented woman named Maria, and asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed.

Over the next few days, I spent hours in Maria's kitchen, watching and learning as she expertly combined the ingredients to create the perfect Mojo Sauce. She explained the importance of using fresh garlic, sour oranges, and a touch of cumin to achieve the right balance of flavors. I took notes, asked questions, and soaked up every bit of knowledge that she shared with me.

As I practiced making the sauce on my own, I discovered that the key to a truly authentic Cuban Mojo Sauce lies in the preparation. The garlic must be crushed with a mortar and pestle, releasing its pungent aroma and flavor. The sour oranges must be juiced by hand, ensuring that every drop is captured and added to the sauce. And the cumin must be toasted gently in a dry pan, awakening its earthy essence.

After many attempts and tweaks, I finally perfected my own version of Maria's recipe. The Mojo Sauce that I made was just as delicious as the one we had enjoyed in that cozy little restaurant in Havana. I proudly shared it with my family and friends, who were amazed by its bold and zesty taste.

As the years passed, I continued to make Cuban Mojo Sauce whenever I had the chance. It became a staple in our household, accompanying everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. Each time I made it, I thought of Maria and the magical experience of learning how to recreate her masterpiece.

I also added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it my own. I found that adding a pinch of smoked paprika gave the sauce a subtle depth of flavor, while a splash of rum added a touch of sweetness and complexity.

My grandchildren grew up loving my Cuban Mojo Sauce, and they often requested it for family gatherings and special occasions. They marveled at the story behind the recipe, and I delighted in sharing with them the memories of my time in Cuba and the wonderful people I had met along the way.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, the familiar scent of garlic and citrus wafting through the air, I can't help but smile at the thought of passing down this recipe to the next generation. I know that one day, my grandchildren will make their own version of Cuban Mojo Sauce, perhaps adding their own unique twists and flavors to create something truly special.

But no matter how much the recipe may evolve, the spirit of adventure and discovery that inspired me to learn how to make Cuban Mojo Sauce will always remain the same. It is a reminder of the joy of exploring new cultures, trying new things, and embracing the flavors of the world – one delicious dish at a time.