June 7, 2025

Cuban Mojo Sauce Recipe: Traditional Garlic Citrus Marinade

This Cuban mojo sauce recipe is an authentic mojo criollo that serves as a traditional Cuban marinade, perfect for enhancing the flavor of meats. With its vibrant combination of garlic, citrus, and spices, this sauce is a staple in Cuban cuisine, ideal for marinating pork, chicken, or seafood.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make mojo sauce at home using simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a citrus garlic marinade for meats or a vegan Cuban mojo recipe, this easy Cuban mojo sauce will elevate your dishes with its zesty flavor.

Understanding Cuban Mojo Sauce

Cuban mojo sauce is a vibrant and flavorful addition to many dishes, particularly in the realm of grilling and marinating. This authentic mojo criollo is a traditional Cuban marinade that combines the zest of citrus with the robust flavor of garlic and herbs.

Often used for marinating pork, chicken, and seafood, this sauce stands out for its bright yellow-orange hue, which is a visual testament to its fresh ingredients.

Learning how to make mojo sauce at home is straightforward, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to enhance their culinary repertoire with a touch of Cuban cuisine.

Ingredients That Shine

The key components of this Cuban garlic citrus marinade include sour orange juice, which provides a unique tanginess that cannot be replicated.

For those unable to find sour oranges, a mix of orange and lime juice serves as a suitable substitute, ensuring that the essence of the sauce remains intact.

Other ingredients such as minced garlic, olive oil, and spices like oregano and cumin contribute to the depth of flavor, making this mojo sauce not just a marinade, but a versatile condiment as well.

Preparation Made Simple

Creating this easy Cuban mojo sauce takes only about 10 minutes, making it a quick option for those busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

To prepare, simply whisk together the sour orange juice, olive oil, and minced garlic along with the spices until well combined.

This simple process yields a delicious marinade that can be used immediately or stored for later use, allowing for flexibility in meal planning.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

For the best results, marinate your choice of meat for at least 30 minutes, although refrigerating for up to 24 hours will intensify the flavors.

This Cuban mojo marinade chicken is particularly popular, as the citrus and garlic penetrate the meat, creating a succulent and flavorful dish.

Whether you’re grilling pork or preparing seafood, this marinade elevates the taste, making every bite memorable.

Serving Suggestions

Once your meats are marinated, the mojo sauce can also be repurposed as a dipping sauce or a drizzle over grilled dishes.

Garnishing with fresh cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation.

This Cuban-style garlic dipping sauce is perfect for entertaining, offering guests a taste of authentic Cuban flavors right at home.

Exploring Variations

While the traditional recipe is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways to customize this sauce.

For a vegan Cuban mojo recipe, simply ensure that the marinade is used with plant-based proteins or vegetables, allowing everyone to enjoy its vibrant flavors.

Experimenting with different herbs or adding a touch of heat with red pepper flakes can also create a unique twist on this classic Cuban dish.

Easy Cuban Mojo Sauce Recipe

A bowl of Cuban mojo sauce with garlic and herbs, surrounded by citrus fruits and grilled meats.

This mojo sauce features a blend of sour orange juice, garlic, and spices, creating a tangy and aromatic marinade. The recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and can be used for grilling or marinating various proteins, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

1 cup sour orange juice (or substitute with a mix of orange and lime juice)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 head of garlic, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the sour orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Marinate: Use the mojo sauce immediately to marinate your choice of meat for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
Serve: Use the remaining sauce as a dipping sauce or drizzle over grilled meats. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.