Cuban Mojo Sauce

Traditional Cuban mojo marinade is the cornerstone for Cuban cuisine. This marinade is used on most Cuban proteins like roast Cuban pork, roast chicken and even on seafood. This mojo marinade is the key to infusing your dishes with the vibrant citrusy, garlicky flavor that cuban food is most known for.

Growing up with a Cuban chef for a dad, meant that I was spoiled with delicious Cuban food my entire childhood. My family’s mojo marinade recipe has been passed down for generations. This marinade is the best homemade Cuban mojo marinade recipe as it has been perfected over decades of use and refining.

Why You'll Love Cuban Mojo Marinade

• If you're looking to add some Caribbean flare to your proteins, this marinade is bold and delicious.
• This Cuban marinade is perfect for garlic lovers
• Versatile garlic and citrus marinade that is great on everything from beef, fish, pork and chicken.
• This Cuban mojo sauce has a long shelf life that can be frozen.

Mojo Cuban Marinade Ingredients

This traditional cuban mojo recipe is made of the following ingredients:

• Sour oranges
• Garlic
• Bay leaves
• Oregano
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Sugar
• Salt
• Sazon Completa

How to Make Mojo Sauce

Using a liter sized container with a lid and a funnel, add all of the ingredients to the container.

While squeezing in the sour oranges, either use a strainer or your hands to catch the seeds from the oranges.

Once you've added all the ingredients to your container, tightly place the lid on the bottle and give the contents a good shake before using.

Mojo Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Don't have sour oranges? You can use ⅔ orange juice and ⅓ lime juice.

Spicy Mojo: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sliced jalapeño to your mojo marinade for a fiery kick.

Citrus Infusion: Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerine in your marinade for a refreshing twist.

You can also run the entire marinade through a food processor or blender instead of mincing the ingredients by hand.

Tips for this mojo Cubano

• Before using this marinade, be sure to give the container a vigorous shake. The garlic and spices will settle at the bottom of the jar after a few minutes.
• For small cuts of meat, like thin steaks, chicken thighs and fish filets marinade for only 1-2 hours. This is a strong marinade that doesn't require a lot of time to permeate the meat.
• For larger cuts of meat such as pork shoulders, whole chickens and turkeys, I recommend marinating for 24-48 hours.

How to use this Mojo Recipe

This marinade is fantastic on chicken and even steak, but it’s best used for marinating pork. I use this Cuban mojo marinade to make my dad’s lechon during the holidays.

This is also great with pollo a la plancha, vaca frita and bistec de palomilla.

Storage for this Cuban mojo sauce

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and flavor of your Cuban mojo marinade. Here's how to store it:

Refrigerate for Short-Term Storage:

• Airtight Container: Transfer the marinade to an airtight glass jar or container. This helps prevent contamination and preserves the flavors.
• Storage Duration: Mojo marinade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing for Longer Storage:

• Portioning: If you plan to freeze the marinade, consider portioning it into smaller containers for easier use later.
• Airtight Containers: Place the marinade in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they are tightly sealed.
• Storage Duration: Frozen mojo marinade can last for up to 3 months.

Important Tips:

• Labeling: Always label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Thawing: When thawing frozen mojo, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: If the marinade becomes too thick after freezing, you can add a small amount of water or citrus juice to thin it out before using.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade Cuban mojo marinade whenever you crave it!

Check out these other Cuban recipes