What ingredients are traditionally used in mojo marinade?

Mojo marinade typically includes a combination of citrus juices like bitter orange or a blend of orange, lime, and lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, and fresh cilantro. Some versions also add jalapeno or other mild peppers for a subtle heat. This mix creates a bright, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that tenderizes meat while adding freshness.

How long should I marinate different meats with mojo marinade?

Marinating times vary by protein: pork shoulder or tougher cuts need 4 to 24 hours, pork chops and chicken thighs benefit from 2 to 6 hours, steak usually requires 1 to 4 hours depending on cut, and seafood like shrimp or fish should be marinated only 10 to 30 minutes to prevent a mushy texture.

Can mojo marinade be used both as a marinade and a sauce?

Yes, mojo can be used as both a marinade and sauce. After marinating, the leftover mojo can be heated and reduced in a saucepan to thicken, turning it into a flavorful dipping sauce or a topping for grilled meats, rice, and vegetables.

What can I use as a substitute if I don’t have sour orange juice for mojo marinade?

If sour orange juice is unavailable, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup fresh orange juice with ½ cup fresh lemon juice and ½ cup fresh lime juice. This blend replicates the tangy citrus flavor essential to authentic mojo.

How should I store mojo marinade and how long does it keep?

Store mojo marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months. When freezing, use a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the refrigerator before use. Always discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw meat unless it’s boiled first.

Mojo Marinade Recipe for Pork, Chicken, Fish, and More

Name: mojo marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Caribbean/Cuban
Ingredients: – 8 to 10 large garlic cloves, mashed into a smooth paste with about 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1 1/2 cups sour orange juice, or substitute with 1 cup fresh navel orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; – 1/3 cup minced white onion (about 1/2 small onion, finely minced); – 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano; – 1/3 cup olive oil or any neutral oil (extra virgin olive oil preferred); – Salt to taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon; – Black pepper to taste, starting with 1/4 teaspoon; – 2 teaspoons ground cumin; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1 teaspoon onion powder; – 1 to 2 seeded and chopped jalapeños for mild heat; – Fresh cilantro or parsley for brightness

Description

🍋 Mojo Marinade brings a vibrant blend of garlic and citrus tones that elevate pork, chicken, fish, and more.
🌿 This authentic Cuban marinade adds bright, fresh flavors that complement a wide range of proteins for versatile cooking.

Ingredients

– 8 to 10 large garlic cloves, mashed into a smooth paste with about 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 1/2 cups sour orange juice, or substitute with 1 cup fresh navel orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

– 1/3 cup minced white onion (about 1/2 small onion, finely minced)

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 2 tablespoons fresh oregano

– 1/3 cup olive oil or any neutral oil (extra virgin olive oil preferred)

– Salt to taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon

– Black pepper to taste, starting with 1/4 teaspoon

– 2 teaspoons ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 to 2 seeded and chopped jalapeños for mild heat

– Fresh cilantro or parsley for brightness

Instructions

Gather Ingredients: Include fresh garlic, citrus juices (sour orange or substitute), olive oil, minced onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Freshness is key for vibrant flavors.

Make Garlic Paste: Using a mortar and pestle or finely minced by hand or food processor, mash garlic cloves with salt to create a fragrant paste.

Mix Citrus Juices: Prepare sour orange juice or combine fresh navel orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice for a substitute.

Combine Ingredients: In a bowl or jar, add garlic paste, minced onion, oregano, oil, salt, pepper, and citrus juices.

Emulsify: Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Taste and Adjust: Modify salt, pepper, or optional spices like cumin to suit your preferences.

Marinate: Pour over your choice of protein or vegetables ensuring even coverage. Refrigerate to marinate typically 2 to 4 hours or overnight for tougher cuts.

Cook and Serve: Cook the marinated ingredients by grilling, roasting, or baking. Optionally, reduce leftover marinade over low heat to make a flavorful sauce.

Notes

🧄 Make a smooth garlic paste using a mortar and pestle for best flavor infusion.
⏳ Adjust marinating times carefully based on protein type to avoid over-acidifying delicate seafood.
🌶️ Customize spice level by adding jalapeños or fresh herbs like cilantro for extra brightness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Sauce/Marinade
Method: Mixing/Marinating
Cuisine: Caribbean/Cuban

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 37 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 1 mg
Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.1 g
Protein: 0.2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Mojo Marinade, Cuban Marinade, Citrus Marinade, Garlic Marinade