This Cuban mojo marinade is citrusy, garlicky, and full of bright, bold flavor. It’s super fresh thanks to the orange and lime juice, and the garlic, oregano, and cumin give it that signature Cuban punch. You’ll want to pour it over everything—from chicken and pork to grilled veggies and shrimp.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first tried mojo when my neighbor made it for a backyard BBQ—and I instantly had to ask for the recipe. I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s the kind of marinade that’s so easy, but makes your food taste like you worked way harder than you did.
Why it’s always in my rotation:
- 🍊 Bright, zesty, and not too spicy
- 🧄 Garlic-forward (but not overwhelming)
- 🥩 Perfect for pork, chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- ⏱️ Takes just 5 minutes to mix
- 🧊 Doubles as a marinade and finishing sauce
⏰ Time to Make: 5 minutes
🍽️ Enough For: 1.5 to 2 pounds of protein
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
How to Make Cuban Mojo Marinade
1. Add Garlic and Citrus Juice
In a bowl or jar, combine minced garlic, orange juice, and lime juice.
2. Add Spices
Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
3. Add Olive Oil
Pour in the olive oil and whisk everything together until combined.
4. Use or Store It
Pour over your choice of protein or veggies and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Or store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.
What to Serve With It
Once you’ve marinated and cooked your protein, pair it with:
- 🍚 Cilantro lime rice or white rice
- 🥔 Roasted potatoes or plantains
- 🥗 Cucumber salad or shredded cabbage slaw
- 🫓 Warm tortillas or Cuban bread
- 🍤 Grilled shrimp skewers or black beans
FAQ
Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch—just check for added sugars.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! You can freeze the marinade or freeze meat already in it.
How long can I marinate with this?
For chicken or pork, 2–4 hours is ideal. For shrimp or fish, no more than 30 minutes.
Is it spicy?
Only if you add the red pepper flakes. Otherwise, it’s mild and garlicky.
Can I use this as a sauce after cooking?
Yes, just boil it first if it touched raw meat. Or save a little before marinating to drizzle on top.
Enjoy!
This Cuban Mojo Marinade is sunshine in a jar—bright, zesty, and packed with flavor. It makes everything taste better, from your weeknight chicken to weekend grill-outs. 🍊🧄🍋