Mojo Marinade Recipe

2022-11-04

By Jose Luis

Mexican Cuisine

Marinade

Add a tangy and flavorful punch to your meats with this traditional Mexican mojo marinade recipe.  

Mojo Criollo

Actually does not originate from Mexico, but rather from the Caribbean, specifically Cuba. Mojo marinade (also known as mojo criollo) is a traditional Cuban marinade that is made with garlic, citrus juice, and other spices and herbs. 

Garlic and Citrus Juice

The marinade is typically made by crushing or blending garlic with fresh citrus juice, such as orange and lime, and adding oregano, cumin, and other spices. The resulting mixture is a tangy and flavorful marinade that is used to marinate meats, especially pork, chicken, and fish. 

Caribbean Fusion

While mojo marinade is most commonly associated with Cuban cuisine, it is also enjoyed in other Caribbean countries, such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. There are variations of mojo marinade throughout the region, with each country and region adding their own unique twists and flavors to the recipe. 

 Garlicky, Herby, Slightly Sweet and Zesty

In Mexican cuisine, a marinade that is similar to mojo marinade is called "adobo de naranja" (orange adobo), which is made with similar ingredients such as orange juice and garlic but can also include spices and herbs like cumin, oregano, and chili peppers.

Pitfalls on Mojo Marinade

 Balancing flavors: Mojo marinade has a complex flavor profile, including garlic, citrus, oregano, and cumin. Finding the right balance of these ingredients can be challenging. Experiment with different amounts until you achieve a flavor that suits your taste.

 Using fresh ingredients: The key ingredients, such as garlic and citrus, should be as fresh as possible to infuse the marinade with flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon or lime juice, as fresh ones have a better flavor profile.

 Choosing the right cut of meat: Mojo marinade pairs well with pork and chicken, but it may not work as well with beef or fish. Choose a meat that will absorb the flavors of the marinade well.

 Marinade time: Marinating the meat for at least 2 hours will allow the flavors to infuse properly. If you're short on time, use a meat tenderizer to help the marinade penetrate the meat quickly.

 Consistency: The mojo marinade should have a thin, runny consistency. This will allow it to penetrate the meat well while cooking. If the marinade is too thick, thin it out using citrus juice or water.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped oregano, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

2. Use the mojo marinade to marinate chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp for at least 2 hours or even overnight, before grilling or roasting. This marinade is also great as a dressing for salads or as a dip for roasted vegetables.

3. Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Preparation Time 10 min

Cook Time 10 min

Total time 20 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 125

Fat: 10 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Carbohydrates: 8 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 2 g

Protein: 1 g

Try this delicious and tangy Mexican mojo marinade recipe and transform your meats for grilling and roasting. Share your flavorful dishes on your socials with the following hashtags #hivercipes #mojomarinade #Mexicancuisine #grilling #roasting #flavorfulmeats #tangyflavors