Mojo criollo is a Cuban marinade that is citrusy, garlicky, and very easy to make! You can use this marinade for beef, poultry, pork, or even seafood. It can also be doubled as a sauce if you cook it.
This is my favorite version of citrus/garlic marinades. The citrus element from sour oranges gives this marinade a unique taste that reminds me so much of my grandfather’s cooking.
You can use this marinade for any protein, but it’s most commonly used for chicken or pork dishes. It is especially great for Lechon Asado, one of my favorite Cuban dishes and my favorite preparation of pork shoulder! I will post a recipe for that soon.
Mojo seasonings can vary but most consist of oregano, cumin, garlic, black pepper, and optional jalapeno. Mojo should be slightly peppery with a bite from the onions and garlic and the option of how spicy is left up to you whether you want to add jalapeno or not.
How to make it
Here are step-by-step instructions with pictures. You can find a printable recipe card at the end of this post as well.
*This recipe make enough marinade for about 3 pounds of meat.
- Squeeze 1 cup of sour orange juice (aka bitter orange or seville orange). If you can’t find sour oranges, you can use this mixture:
-
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp grapefruit juice2.
2. Add 1/2 cup of olive oil and set aside.
3. Combine the following ingredients in a mortar and pestle and grind into a paste:
- 10 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
4. Add the minced onion and press to release juices
5. Add the sour orange juice and olive oil and mix thoroughly.
Please be careful about the marinating times for your meat. They are not all created equal! And there is such a thing as over tenderizing, especially with a citrus marinade.
- Pork & Poultry- at least 2 hours but overnight is much better
- Beef- only 2-4 hours. This will depend on the cut of meat. If it is a tougher cut, closer to 4 hours would be better. Citrus marinades can really change the texture of beef so it’s important not to leave it marinating for too long!
- Seafood- 10-15 minutes only. The citrus will start to “cook” the seafood if you leave it for too long. It is not necessary to marinate for any longer than that.
How to use mojo criollo as a sauce
This marinade can double as a sauce, but you need to cook it first. Just throw it into a small saucepan and let simmer until it has reduced a little and gets thicker.
Mojo sauce is great for meats, to put on rice, or use as a dipping sauce for pretty much anything. It is especially delicious with Cuban fried plantains, tostones!
Cuban MOJO Recipe | No, Mojo-Marinade and Mojo-Sauce are NOT the same!
FAQ
What is mojo flavor?
What is dry mojo seasoning?
What is mojo sauce made of?
What are the ingredients in Goya mojo?
What is dry Mojo seasoning?
Cuban cuisine has made mojo their own more than any other region or type of ethnic food. Dry mojo seasoning like what you would choose as an addition to your spice rack will almost certainly be a Cuban mojo mixture. Most dry mojo seasonings contain a combination of ingredients that include cumin, garlic, black pepper, onion, lime and orange.
What does Mojo seasoning taste like?
Most dry mojo seasonings contain a combination of ingredients that include cumin, garlic, black pepper, onion, lime and orange. Together, you get a taste that is slightly peppery, a bit tangy, somewhat spicy yet sweet and citrusy with a bite.
What is Mojo marinade?
This recipe is a balanced mix of tangy citrus, rich olive oil, pungent garlic, and a few simple seasonings. No bells and whistles, just a mouthwatering combo of yumminess. If you’re not familiar with mojo marinade, it’s pronounced “mo-ho” and it is amazing.
What is Cuban mojo marinade?
A homemade Cuban mojo marinade (mojo criollo) made with sour oranges, lots of garlic, spices, and olive oil. This marinade will give chicken, meat, shrimp, and pork the most delicious citrusy-garlicky flavor ever! This post may contain affiliates. Please see my affiliate notice for details. Welcome to the best marinade you’ll ever make!