Mojo criollo, also known as mojo, is a traditional Cuban marinade and sauce made with bitter orange juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices. The key ingredients that give mojo criollo its distinctive flavor are bitter orange juice, garlic, and cumin. Goya’s Mojo Criollo is a ready-made version of this versatile Cuban sauce that can be used to marinate meats, add flavor to stews and beans, or serve as a dipping sauce.
What is Mojo Criollo?
Mojo criollo is a thin, orange-colored sauce that originated in Cuba’s Canary Islands. “Mojo” comes from the Spanish word “mojar” which means “to wet.” As its name implies, mojo criollo is used to marinate and baste meats to infuse them with flavor. This wet marinade helps tenderize tougher cuts of meat while also adding the bright, robust flavors of garlic, bitter orange, cumin, and olive oil.
There are a few different varieties of mojo sauce in Cuban cuisine, but mojo criollo is the most common. It’s made with Seville or bitter orange juice, which gives it a tangy, citrusy flavor. Other ingredients like oregano, garlic, cumin, and olive oil round out the flavors to create a versatile sauce. When made fresh, the garlic and oranges are crushed together to extract their flavors and create a loose sauce-like marinade.
Key Ingredients in Mojo Criollo
While there are some variations, mojo criollo typically contains these core ingredients:
- Bitter orange juice: Seville or bitter oranges give mojo criollo its signature citrus flavor. Regular orange juice can be substituted.
- Garlic: Chopped or crushed garlic adds a punch of flavor and aroma.
- Olive oil: Olive oil adds richness and binds the sauce.
- Cumin: Ground cumin provides earthiness.
- Oregano: Dried oregano enhances the savory flavors.
- Lime juice: A squirt of lime brightens up the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Salt enhances the flavors and pepper provides a touch of heat.
How to Make Fresh Mojo Criollo
Making authentic mojo criollo from scratch is easy to do at home. Here are the basic steps:
- In a mortar and pestle, crush 2 cloves of garlic and 1/2 tsp of cumin to form a paste.
- Add the juice from 2 bitter oranges (about 1/4 cup juice) and mash well to dissolve the garlic-cumin mixture.
- Stir in 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of dried oregano, the juice from 1 lime, 1/2 tsp of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The sauce should taste tangy, garlicky, and savory.
- Use immediately or store refrigerated for up to 4 days. Shake or stir before using.
For a smoother sauce, all the ingredients can be blended instead of mashed with a mortar and pestle.
How to Use Goya Mojo Criollo
Goya’s Mojo Criollo makes enjoying the flavors of authentic mojo sauce easy and convenient. Here are some of the most popular ways to use this versatile pre-made product:
As a Meat Marinade
Mojo criollo is traditionally used to marinate meats before grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. The acidic orange juice helps tenderize tougher cuts while the garlic, cumin, and oregano infuse tons of flavor. Pork, beef, chicken, and fish all benefit from a mojo marinade. For best results, marinate meats for 30 minutes up to overnight in the refrigerator.
For Roasting or Baking Potatoes
Drizzle mojo criollo over potatoes before roasting or baking for incredible oven-baked fries or roasted potatoes. The mojo adds great flavor to the crispy exterior of the potatoes.
As a Dip for Bread or Plantain Chips
Use Goya’s mojo criollo as a quick dip for slices of Cuban bread or fried plantain chips. The garlic and citrus flavors pair perfectly with starchy side dishes.
In Rice, Bean, and Stew Dishes
Add a few spoonfuls of mojo criollo to rice, beans, soups, and stews for a burst of tangy garlic flavor. It can replace vinegar or wine in many dishes.
As a Salad Dressing
Whisk together mojo criollo, olive oil, and a bit of honey for a quick salad dressing. Drizzle over mixed greens, grains, beans, or roast vegetables.
In Sandwiches and Wraps
Use mojo criollo as a sandwich spread or drizzle in wraps in place of traditional condiments like mustard or mayo.
As a Grilling Glaze
Brush mojo criollo over meats and vegetables on the grill to add delicious flavor. The sugar in the sauce helps caramelize and char the exterior.
Tips for Using Mojo Criollo
- For best flavor, allow meats to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use mojo criollo to marinate less tender cuts of meat like skirt steak, flank steak, chicken thighs, or pork shoulder.
- Don’t discard leftover marinade! Boil for a few minutes then pour over rice or beans.
- If the sauce is too strong, dilute with more olive oil or orange juice.
- Store opened mojo criollo in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
- Try substituting mojo for lime juice in guacamole or salsa recipes.
- Use as a baste during the last few minutes of grilling meats or seafood.
- For extra flavor, add some diced onions, peppers, or cilantro to the marinade.
How to Store Mojo Criollo
To retain the best flavor and freshness, be sure to store Goya’s Mojo Criollo properly:
- Keep unopened bottles of mojo criollo in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerate opened bottles to maximize shelf life.
- Use within 6 months for peak flavor.
- If mold develops, discard the sauce.
- Never freeze mojo criollo, as this can negatively impact texture.
- Store in original container or transfer to an airtight glass jar.
- If the sauce separates, shake vigorously before using.
Where to Buy Mojo Criollo
Look for Goya’s Mojo Criollo sauce in the international aisle at major grocery stores. It’s also widely available online from retailers like Amazon. Alternatively, visit Latin markets or specialty food stores for a wide selection of mojo criollo and other Cuban products. When buying, opt for bottles without browning or separation of ingredients for optimal freshness.
How to Make Mojo Criollo Extra Garlicky
Love the flavor of garlic? Try tweaking Goya’s Mojo Criollo to amp up the garlic intensity. Here are some easy ways to make this sauce extra garlicky:
- Add 2-3 more cloves of minced or crushed garlic.
- Use roasted garlic for a mellower, sweeter flavor.
- Finish with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil.
- Stir in a spoonful of garlic paste.
- Use the garlic marinade to soak meats before adding mojo criollo.
- Mix in some garlic powder or garlic salt.
- Garnish dishes with extra sliced or roasted garlic.
Keep tasting and adding more garlic until you reach the ideal pungency you desire. Be sure to balance out the garlic with extra citrus juice as needed.
Mojo Criollo Recipe Variations
The basic mojo criollo recipe can be tweaked endlessly to suit different tastes and uses. Try out some of these fun flavor variations:
Mojo Criollo With Herbs
Add a handful of freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, mint, or basil for extra vibrant herbal flavor.
Creamy Mojo Criollo
For a rich, creamy sauce, blend in a spoonful of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream.
Spicy Mojo Criollo
Give your mojo criollo a kick by blending in sliced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a few drops of hot sauce.
Smoky Mojo Criollo
Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deliciously smoky flavor.
Mojo Criollo With Citrus
For a brighter, tangier marinade, add some lemon, lime, grapefruit, or blood orange juice.
Tropical Mojo Criollo
Blend in diced mango, pineapple, or passionfruit for a fun tropical twist.
Simple Mojo Criollo Pork Marinade Recipe
This easy recipe shows just how well pork pairs with mojo criollo. The garlic and bitter orange juice make the pork incredibly juicy, flavorful, and tender.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Goya Mojo Criollo
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb pork chops or pork tenderloin
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the mojo criollo, olive oil, and lime juice.
- Season the pork all over with salt and pepper and add to the marinade. Flip to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
- Remove pork from marinade and grill, broil, or pan-fry until cooked through.
- Serve with any remaining marinade drizzled over the top.
Common Questions about Mojo Criollo
What does mojo criollo taste like?
Mojo criollo tastes bright, tangy, and garlicky, with robust flavors from bitter orange juice, garlic, cumin, and oregano. It adds a wonderful citrusy kick to meats, sandwiches, rice dishes, and more.
Is mojo criollo spicy?
Authentic mojo criollo is not spicy. However, peppers or hot sauce can be added to give it some heat.
How long does mojo criollo last?
Refrigerated and stored properly in an airtight container, both fresh and pre-made mojo criollo will keep for 4-6 months.
Can I freeze mojo criollo sauce?
It’s best not to freeze mojo criollo. Freezing can damage the texture and cause separation. Store in the fridge for optimum freshness.
What is mojo criollo used for?
Mojo criollo is extremely versatile! Use it to marinate meats, season rice dishes, drizzle on sandwiches, dress salads, or dip fried foods.
Is mojo criollo gluten free?
Yes, traditional mojo criollo sauce is naturally gluten-free, since it contains no wheat, barley, rye, or contaminated ingredients.
Conclusion
With its unmistakable flavors of garlic, bitter orange, cumin, and oregano, mojo criollo is a versatile Cuban sauce that can liven up proteins, starches, vegetables, and more. Goya’s convenient bottled Mojo Criollo lets you easily add authentic Cuban flavor to everyday meals. Use it straight or get creative with herb additions, spice blends, creamy textures, and more. With proper storage and some basic preparation tips, you can enjoy mojo criollo’s delicious citrusy, tangy kick any night of the week.