Yuca Con Mojo (Yuca with Garlic Sauce) Recipe

This Yuca Con Mojo recipe brings the authentic flavors of Cuban cuisine to your table, featuring tender, boiled yuca drenched in a zesty garlic sauce. The mojo sauce, a fragrant blend of garlic, citrus, and olive oil, perfectly complements the starchy goodness of the yuca. This dish has a simple yet flavorful side that will add a tropical flair to any meal.

What Makes Yuca Con Mojo a Must Try Recipe?

Authentic Cuban Flavor

Yuca con Mojo is a quintessential Cuban dish encapsulating the island’s culinary essence. Combining soft, starchy yuca with the vibrant, garlic-infused Mojo sauce creates a unique flavor profile. This dish stands out for its simplicity yet bold flavors, offering a taste of Cuban heritage and tradition in every bite.

Unique Textural Contrast

The texture of Yuca con Mojo is a delightful contrast between the tender, almost creamy yuca, and the slightly coarse, oil-based garlic sauce. This interplay of textures makes the dish a pleasure to taste and experience, providing a distinct mouthfeel that sets it apart from other starchy side dishes.

Health Benefits of Yuca

Yuca, or cassava, is a nutritious root vegetable rich in carbohydrates, vitamin C, and essential minerals. It’s a great gluten-free and grain-free option, making Yuca con Mojo an excellent choice for those with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. The dish provides a wholesome and satisfying experience without compromising on health.

Versatility in Accompaniments

While delicious, Yuca con Mojo pairs wonderfully with various other dishes. It complements grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, making it a versatile side dish. This adaptability allows it to fit seamlessly into different meal plans, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Yuca Con Mojo

• Select Fresh Yuca: Choose firm, unblemished yuca roots for the best flavor and texture. Freshness is key to achieving the right taste and consistency.
• Cook Yuca Properly: Boil the yuca until it is fork-tender but not mushy. Overcooking can make it too soft and lose its texture while undercooking will leave it hard and unpalatable.
• Make Mojo Sauce Authentic: Use plenty of garlic and high-quality olive oil for the Mojo sauce. The right balance of garlic and the acidity of citrus juice (like lime or orange) is crucial for authentic flavor.
• Balance the Flavors: Adjust the salt and citrus in the Mojo sauce to taste. The sauce should have a good balance of tangy, salty, and garlicky flavors to complement the yuca.
• Remove the Fibrous Core: After boiling, remove the central fibrous core from the yuca pieces. This part can be tough and is not pleasant to eat.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for an added layer of freshness and color. This enhances the flavor and makes the dish more visually appealing.

Yuca Con Mojo Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with?

• Grilled or Roasted Meats: Yuca Con Mojo pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or beef. The meat’s richness complements the tangy and garlicky flavor of the Mojo sauce.
• Seafood Delicacies: It’s perfect for seafood dishes like grilled shrimp, fish, or a seafood paella. The lightness of the seafood balances the hearty nature of the yuca.
• Black Beans and Rice: For a traditional Cuban meal, serve it alongside black beans and rice. This combination offers a complete and satisfying meal, rich in flavors and textures.
• Fried Plantains: Add a sweet and crispy element with some fried plantains. They offer a delightful contrast to the savory and tangy yuca con Mojo.
• Fresh Salads: A light, fresh salad with a citrusy dressing complements the dish by cutting through the richness of the yuca and garlic sauce.
• Cuban Sandwiches: If served as part of a larger meal, yuca con Mojo goes well with Cuban sandwiches, adding a starchy, garlicky side to the savory sandwich.
• Avocado Slices: Serve with fresh avocado slices for a simple yet delicious pairing. The creaminess of the avocado works well with the textures and flavors of yuca con Mojo.

How to Store Yuca Con Mojo?

Yuca Con Mojo can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors often meld and enhance over time. It’s not recommended for freezing as the texture of the yuca may become grainy and less appealing.

Can you make Yuca Con Mojo ahead of time?

Yes, Yuca Con Mojo can be prepared ahead of time. You can boil the yuca and store it separately from the Mojo sauce in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the yuca and mix it with the freshly prepared or reheated Mojo sauce for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Yuca Con Mojo

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a spicy twist to the traditional Mojo sauce with chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This variation introduces a fiery element that contrasts beautifully with the starchy yuca, making each bite zesty and flavorful.

Yuca Con Mojo with Orange Juice

Incorporate orange juice into the Mojo sauce for a sweeter and fruitier profile. The citrusy sweetness of the orange juice balances the robust garlic flavor, offering a more nuanced and complex taste that complements the yuca’s earthiness.

Vegan Yuca Con Mojo

To make a vegan version, substitute the traditional olive oil in the Mojo sauce with a plant-based alternative and ensure no animal-based additives are in the yuca. This variation maintains the dish’s core flavors while making it accessible to those following a vegan diet.

Yuca Con Mojo with Roasted Garlic

Roast the garlic before incorporating it into the Mojo sauce for a milder flavor. Roasted garlic adds depth and a hint of smokiness to the sauce, creating a subtler but equally delicious version of the traditional dish.

Reheating Guidelines

To reheat Yuca Con Mojo, place it in a covered dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power, checking periodically. It’s best to add the Mojo sauce after reheating the yuca to preserve the freshness and flavor of the garlic and citrus in the sauce.