Authentic Cuban Mojo Sauce: A Zesty Citrus and Garlic Recipe
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Category
Sauce
Cuisine
Caribbean
Author:
Ryan Nelson
Servings
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Delve into the heart of Cuban cuisine with our "Authentic Cuban Mojo Sauce: A Zesty Citrus and Garlic Recipe". This classic sauce captures the essence of Cuban culinary tradition, blending the bright flavours of sour oranges and limes with the warm, aromatic depth of garlic and onions. Infused with the earthy spices of cumin and oregano and finished with a burst of fresh coriander, this Mojo Sauce is a symphony of tastes. Its tangy, garlicky profile makes it an exceptional marinade for meats, a vibrant dressing for salads, or a delightful dipping sauce for bread and vegetables.
Simple to prepare yet rich in flavour, this Mojo Sauce is perfect for those seeking to add a touch of Cuban zest to their cooking. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or just looking for a fresh condiment, this sauce promises to be a versatile and much-loved addition to your culinary collection.
Ingredients
- 6-8 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 2 large oranges (preferably sour oranges, if available)
- Juice of 1-2 limes
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano (dried)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Citrus Juice:
If you have sour oranges, use them directly for juice. If not, combine the orange and lime juices to mimic the flavour.
Sauté the Garlic and Onion:
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until they are just beginning to brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine Ingredients:
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the orange and lime juices, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Let the Flavours Blend:
Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour so the flavours can meld together. This step is crucial for developing the Mojo's distinctive taste.
Add Fresh Coriander:
Just before serving, stir in the chopped coriander for added freshness and flavour.
Serve or Store:
- The Mojo Sauce can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Recipe Note
Serving Suggestions:
Mojo sauce is traditionally used as a marinade or sauce for roasted pork, chicken, or fish.It's also great as a dressing for salads or vegetables.Try it as a dip for bread or a topping for potatoes.
Enjoy your homemade Cuban Mojo Sauce, a zesty and flavourful addition to a variety of dishes!
Recipe Nutrition
Assuming the recipe yields about 4 servings, here's a rough nutritional estimate per serving:
Calories: Approximately 60-80 kcal per serving - The majority of calories come from the olive oil.
Carbohydrates: 5-7 grams - Primarily from the juices (orange and lime) and onion.
Fibre: 0.5-1 gram - Provided by the garlic, onion, and coriander.
Protein: Less than 1 gram - Minimal protein content.
Fat: 5-7 grams - Mostly from the olive oil.
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin C: Good amounts from the citrus juices.
- Vitamin A: Small amounts from coriander.
- Potassium: Contributed by the citrus juices and garlic.
Sodium: Minimal to none, unless salt is added.
Sugar: Natural sugars from the citrus juices and onion.
It's important to note that Mojo Sauce is typically used as a marinade, dressing, or condiment, so the entire amount of the sauce's nutrients may not be consumed in one serving. These values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used.
