Mojo Criollo(Creole Garlic Sauce)

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Cuban

Mojo Criollo is a vibrant Cuban garlic sauce with bright citrus flavors and aromatic garlic, perfect for marinating meats, seafood, or drizzling over grilled vegetables.

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Ingredients

  • 6 to 8 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 medium size onion, very thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour orange juice or 1/4 cup sweet orange juice
  • 1/8 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/8 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Using a food processor or mortar and pestle, crush the garlic with salt to form a thick paste.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic paste, thinly sliced onion, sour orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, and let the mixture set at room temperature for 30 minutes or longer.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your Mojo Criollo, consider adding a pinch of cumin or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. If sour oranges are unavailable, a mix of orange juice and a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. This sauce pairs well with grilled meats or as a dressing for salads like Overnite Slaw.

Serving Suggestions

Mojo Criollo is perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, pork, or seafood. It also works beautifully as a marinade. Serve alongside rice and beans for a complete meal, or use it as a vibrant dressing for salads like Olene'S Original Carrot Salad. It adds a zesty flair to any dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will intensify as it sits. To reheat, gently warm in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as this can alter the flavor and texture of the sauce.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mojo Criollo(Creole Garlic Sauce) contains roughly 591 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2466mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).

591 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.8g 18% DV
Total Fat 34g 44% DV
Carbs 64.9g 24% DV
Fiber 4.2g 15% DV
Sugar 9.1g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2466.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 234.6mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.2mcg
Vitamin C 4.1mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 58.8mg 5% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare Mojo Criollo in advance?

Yes, Mojo Criollo can be made a day ahead of time. Allowing it to sit enhances the flavors as the garlic and citrus meld together. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

Is there a vegan version of this sauce?

This recipe is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. Feel free to adjust the citrus levels to suit your taste. The garlic and citrus combination creates a flavorful sauce that complements a variety of vegan dishes.

What can I use if I can't find sour orange juice?

If sour orange juice is unavailable, a combination of sweet orange juice mixed with a bit of vinegar or a splash of grapefruit juice can mimic the tartness. Adjust to taste, and remember that the balance of flavors is key for an authentic Mojo Criollo.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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