Cuban Citrus Garlic Mojo Sauce
This vibrant Cuban Mojo sauce is a zesty, garlicky blend of fresh orange juice, aromatic spices, and herbs. It's a versatile condiment that will elevate your grilled meats, veggies, and seafood dishes. Traditionally used in Cuban cuisine, this sauce offers a delightful balance of tang and flavor, ideal for marinating or as a dipping sauce. Gather your ingredients and immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Cuba with this easy-to-make sauce that’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying in your own kitchen.
N/A
Servings
145
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
garlic cloves
8 large (cut into paper-thin slices and finely chopped)
fresh sour orange juice
2/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
water
1/2 cup (none)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground, to taste)
fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a deep saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers softly.
2
Add the sliced and finely chopped garlic cloves, stirring gently to prevent them from browning too much. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and pale golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3
Cautiously stir in the fresh sour orange juice, water, ground cumin, dried oregano, and the initial amounts of salt and black pepper. Be prepared for some sputtering as the cold liquids hit the hot oil.
4
Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stir in the fresh chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
6
Transfer the Mojo sauce into a jar or a bottle with a tight-fitting lid. For best results, allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to enhance its flavor.
7
Serve the Mojo sauce directly from the jar, giving it a good shake before serving to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Citrus Garlic Mojo Sauce?
It is a zesty, garlicky blend of fresh sour orange juice, aromatic spices, and herbs traditionally used in Cuban cuisine.
What are the primary flavor components of this sauce?
This sauce offers a delightful balance of tang from citrus and deep flavor from garlic, cumin, and oregano.
What type of oil is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 8 large garlic cloves for this recipe.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be cut into paper-thin slices and then finely chopped.
What kind of citrus juice is used?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of freshly squeezed sour orange juice.
How is the garlic cooked?
The garlic is cooked in shimmering olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and pale golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
What spices are included in the Mojo sauce?
The sauce includes 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Is water added to the sauce?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is stirred into the mixture along with the citrus juice and spices.
Should I be careful when adding the liquids?
Yes, be prepared for some sputtering when the cold liquids hit the hot oil.
Does the sauce need to boil?
Yes, you should raise the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous rolling boil before reducing it to a simmer.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
Add the 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro once the sauce has been removed from the heat and cooled to room temperature.
How should the sauce be stored?
Transfer the Mojo sauce into a jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid and keep it in the refrigerator.
How long should the sauce rest before serving?
For the best flavor, allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Should I shake the sauce before using it?
Yes, give the jar a good shake before serving to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
What dishes pair well with this sauce?
It is an excellent accompaniment for grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood dishes.
Can this sauce be used as a marinade?
Yes, it is ideal for marinating or can be used as a dipping sauce.
Is this Mojo sauce gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is the recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cuban Mojo sauce is vegetarian-friendly.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 145 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this sauce?
The sauce contains 17g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the sauce?
There are 2.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does it contain?
The sauce contains 0.25g of protein per serving.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What seasoning is used for the final taste?
The sauce is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is the cilantro added while the sauce is hot?
No, the cilantro should be stirred in only after the sauce has cooled to room temperature.
What is the texture of the garlic in the final sauce?
The garlic is finely chopped and pale golden, providing a rich aromatic texture to the oil and juice base.
Is this sauce considered a condiment?
Yes, it is a versatile condiment that elevates various dishes.
What type of orange juice is best?
Freshly squeezed sour orange juice is best for the authentic Cuban flavor profile.