Elevate your meals with the bold, zesty flavors of Cuban Garlic Sauce, or Mojo Cubano—a versatile, citrus-infused condiment that’s a cornerstone of Cuban cuisine. This vibrant sauce combines the pungent aroma of sautéed garlic with the tangy brightness of freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, balanced by the earthy warmth of ground cumin and fresh oregano. A touch of white vinegar adds depth, while bay leaves infuse subtle herbal notes. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a rich and aromatic garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled seafood, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. Whether you’re marinating, drizzling, or dipping, this Mojo Cubano recipe is your go-to for infusing dishes with authentic tropical flavor and zestful Cuban flair.
Peel the garlic cloves and finely mince them or mash them into a paste using a mortar and pestle for better flavor extraction.
In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned (be careful not to burn the garlic).
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid splattering when mixing in the citrus juices.
Stir in the orange juice, lime juice, and white vinegar into the saucepan. Mix well to combine.
Add the ground cumin, salt, black pepper, chopped oregano, and bay leaves to the mixture. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
Return the saucepan to low heat and warm the sauce gently for about 2–3 minutes while stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors together without boiling the sauce.
Remove from heat and let the mojo cool to room temperature. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
Transfer the Cuban garlic sauce to a serving bowl or jar. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Calories |
1120 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 112.9 g | 145% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.5 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2375 mg | 103% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 3.4 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 126 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 418 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.