Mojito Sauce Recipe: Bold Cuban Flavor You’ll Love Every Time

Mojito sauce might sound like a cocktail spin-off, but it’s a zesty, garlicky Cuban marinade packed with bold flavor. Whether you call it mojo sauce, mojito dressing, or Cuban mojo, this simple blend of garlic, citrus juice, olive oil, and herbs transforms grilled meats, veggies, and more. In this article, you’ll learn what goes into a traditional mojito sauce, how it differs from other versions, and how to make it at home in minutes. From flavor-packed marinades to a drizzle-over-everything sauce, mojito sauce is about to become your kitchen favorite.

Mojito Sauce Recipe: Bold Cuban Flavor You’ll Love Every Time

---

• Author: Riley Thompson
• Total Time: 10 mins
• Yield: About 1 cup (8 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This mojito sauce recipe delivers a bright, garlicky Cuban flavor with simple ingredients. Perfect as a marinade or finishing sauce for grilled meats, vegetables, and more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup olive oil, warmed

1 head garlic, peeled, crushed, and finely chopped

1 small onion, finely diced

3 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

Salt, to taste

---

Instructions

Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over low heat.

Add the garlic and onion, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro, lemon juice, lime juice, and salt.

Let the sauce rest for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Store in a clean jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Use a clean spoon each time you dip to keep sauce fresh.

Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Adjust citrus and herbs to taste for different dishes.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 95
• Fat: 14
• Saturated Fat: 2
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 1
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 0
• Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: mojito sauce, mojo sauce, Cuban mojo, garlic sauce, citrus marinade

My Story & Why I Love Mojito Sauce

Discovering Mojito Sauce the Imperfect Way

I first discovered mojito sauce totally by accident. A friend from Miami handed me a mason jar filled with golden oil, floating garlic, and bright green flecks of cilantro. “It’s mojo,” he said. I had no clue what he meant—but when I poured it over grilled chicken, I instantly understood.

That garlicky, citrusy bite reminded me of the way my mom used to squeeze lemon over everything she cooked. Back in our tiny kitchen outside Asheville, we never had fancy marinades. But we always had garlic, oil, and whatever citrus was cheapest.

Years later, trying to recreate that nostalgic tang, I started experimenting. The first version was far too oily. The second lacked acidity. But the third? It hit the spot. And just like that, mojito sauce became a go-to in my kitchen. It was simple, it was bold, and it made everything taste better.

These days, I spoon it over roasted vegetables, drizzle it on black beans, and even brush it onto grilled shrimp. It’s that kind of sauce—the one you find yourself making week after week.

As a self-taught cook, I’ve learned that great flavor doesn’t have to come from complicated techniques. With a few fresh ingredients and a little patience, mojito sauce delivers on every front. It’s a game-changer for beginners and pros alike.

Mojito Sauce Ingredients & Preparation

Ingredients That Build Bold Cuban Flavor

Making mojito sauce doesn’t require anything complicated—just fresh, strong ingredients. You’ll need olive oil, plenty of garlic, diced onion, chopped cilantro, fresh lemon and lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The real magic is in the contrast: warm oil draws out the sweetness in the aromatics, while citrus brightens everything up.

You can tweak the herb if cilantro’s too strong for your taste—parsley is a great alternative. I use this sauce often on grilled vegetables and especially love pairing it with this slow cooker Cuban-style pork for weekend dinners. The balance of acidity and richness keeps everything exciting.

Step-by-Step Mojito Sauce

Step 1:
Gently warm the olive oil in a saucepan. You’re just heating it slightly—don’t let it smoke.

Step 2:
Add garlic and onion. Let them cook just enough to soften and release their aroma—about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3:
Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the chopped herbs, lemon juice, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4:
Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together. This step really makes a difference.

Step 5:
Store the sauce in a clean jar. Refrigerate and use it within a week. It’s amazing on roasted meats or even drizzled on rice and beans. It also complements this slow-cooker black bean chili beautifully.

This easy, five-step process gives you a fresh, garlicky marinade that brings authentic flavor to anything it touches.

Cooking Notes & Nutritional Information

How to Use Mojito Sauce Without Overpowering Your Dish

Mojito sauce is bold—but it’s also beautifully balanced. That’s why it works in so many dishes. The key is using it with intention. Drizzle it lightly over grilled proteins, spoon it into tacos, or swirl it into cooked rice. Just avoid high heat once it’s prepared—too much direct heat breaks down the fresh citrus and herbs.

Want a versatile application? Try tossing roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or cauliflower with a tablespoon of mojito sauce just after baking. It also makes a lively topping for this Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites—just a spoonful wakes up the dish.

For something simple, dip warm bread into it. It’s a great party starter or weeknight side. I often serve it that way with my Crockpot Garlic Butter Steak Bites to give guests something unexpected.

Nutritional Breakdown & Serving Tips

This sauce may feel indulgent with its olive oil base, but it actually offers nutritional benefits in moderation. You’re getting healthy fats from the oil, antioxidants from garlic and citrus, and a boost of fresh herbs. It’s keto-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free.

Here’s a nutritional estimate per 2-tablespoon serving:

Keep in mind: these numbers will vary depending on your citrus juice and the oil brand you use. Use it smartly and it can easily fit into most diets.

Tips & Serving Suggestions

Making Mojito Sauce Your Own

Once you’ve made mojito sauce a couple of times, you’ll naturally start adapting it to your taste. Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper or a splash of jalapeño brine. Prefer a tangier hit? Increase the lime juice. The key is adjusting based on what you’re serving. For pork and beef, I go a little heavier on garlic. With grilled shrimp, I boost the citrus and keep the herbs light.

You can also blend it briefly in a food processor if you like a smoother texture, which helps when drizzling it over tacos or roasted potatoes. When I make my The Best Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs, I like to thin the sauce with a teaspoon of water so it spreads evenly.

Storage tip: Always use a clean spoon when dipping into the jar. It’ll keep the sauce fresh for days. And bring it to room temperature before serving—olive oil solidifies when cold but melts quickly on the counter.

Best Ways to Serve Mojito Sauce

Mojito sauce isn’t just for meats—it shines in tons of dishes. Here are some favorites from my kitchen:

• Drizzle it over rice bowls with beans and avocado.
• Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu.
• Mix it into mayo for a citrusy sandwich spread.
• Spoon it over roasted vegetables right out of the oven.
• Swirl it into soups like this Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage Instant Pot just before serving.

It also makes a great last-minute flavor booster. Even a plain bowl of steamed rice feels gourmet with a splash of this sauce. Keep a jar ready—you’ll find new uses for it all week long.

Conclusion

Mojito sauce is a simple but powerful way to bring fresh Cuban flavors into your kitchen. Whether you’re marinating meat, dressing salads, or adding a zesty finish to roasted veggies, this garlicky, citrus-packed sauce never fails to impress. Its easy prep and adaptable recipe make it perfect for cooks at every level—including those just starting out like me. Remember, great flavor often comes from bold, simple ingredients used with confidence. Try making mojito sauce today and discover how a few pantry staples can transform your meals into something special and memorable.

For more recipes follow me in Pinterest & Facebook

Frequently Asked Questions