Yuca Con Mojo Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes  

   Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yuca Con Mojo Ingredients

Yuca Con Mojo Instructions

  1. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the yuca, then slice through the thick brown skin lengthwise and peel it off completely. Remove any pinkish or fibrous core from the center. Cut the peeled yuca into 3-inch pieces.
  2. Place the yuca pieces in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the yuca is fork-tender but not falling apart. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
  3. Once the yuca is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pieces to a serving platter. Reserve 1/4 cup of the yuca cooking water for the mojo sauce.
  4. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the finely minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the thinly sliced red onion to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens slightly.
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup freshly squeezed sour orange juice (or the orange and lime juice mixture), 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
  7. Add the reserved 1/4 cup yuca cooking water to the mojo sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  8. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the finely chopped cilantro leaves.
  9. Pour the hot mojo sauce evenly over the cooked yuca pieces on the platter, making sure to distribute the onions and garlic throughout.
  10. Let the yuca sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors, then serve warm, spooning extra mojo sauce over each serving as desired.

Estimated Calories: 180, Servings: 6

Recommended Dishes

Yuca Con Mojo Quick Mistake Fixes

A common pitfall with this dish is ending up with yuca that is too salty. The best approach is to taste the cooking water before adding the yuca, ensuring it is seasoned just enough to enhance the natural earthiness without overpowering it. When the final dish leans toward the salty side, the aroma of the mojo can become muted, and the overall experience loses its balance. A good way to quickly remedy this is to add a splash of fresh citrus or a handful of chopped herbs, which can brighten the flavors and restore a delicious equilibrium.
Overcooking is another concern, as yuca can easily become mushy if left unattended. The ideal texture should be tender yet firm, offering a satisfying bite that holds up well under the mojo. When overcooked, the yuca absorbs too much liquid, resulting in a soggy, unappealing mouthfeel that detracts from the best qualities of the dish. A quick check for doneness and immediate draining can help maintain a healthy, appetizing texture that makes the dish both easy and fast to enjoy.
Balancing flavors with last minute changes is a great skill to have, especially when the mojo tastes flat or the yuca seems bland. A quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lime can instantly lift the aroma and add a layer of complexity. If the dish feels heavy, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a dash of chili can provide a delicious contrast, making the final result both vibrant and satisfying. The best recipes are those that allow for these quick adjustments, ensuring every bite is as good as it can be.

Yuca Con Mojo Pairings

The best flavors to accompany Yuca Con Mojo are those that highlight its earthy, starchy base while adding a burst of brightness. A good pairing would be a quick citrus slaw, where the tang of lime and orange zest mingles with fresh cilantro and a hint of chili. This combination creates a delicious contrast, balancing the yuca's mildness with a lively, aromatic kick. The aroma of fresh herbs and citrus oils wafting from the plate is both inviting and invigorating, making for a healthy and easy addition to your meal.
For a great side, consider a fast sauté of garlicky greens such as spinach or kale. The recipe is simple and easy, yet the result is a vibrant, slightly bitter counterpoint to the yuca's creamy texture. The greens, wilted just enough to retain their bite, soak up the garlicky mojo, creating a delicious harmony of flavors. This side is not only healthy but also quick to prepare, making it a good choice for a balanced Dominican-inspired spread.
A refreshing non-alcoholic drink is the best way to round out this meal. Try a chilled passion fruit juice, which offers a sweet-tart profile that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the dish. The aroma of ripe passion fruit is both exotic and uplifting, and its bright acidity cleanses the palate after each bite. This drink is easy to make and a great, fast option for those seeking a healthy and delicious beverage to complement their Dominican feast.

About Yuca Con Mojo Recipe

I'll admit, when I first heard about Yuca Con Mojo, I was skeptical. How could a simple root vegetable dish be anything more than, well, just another side? But after trying this authentic recipe, I'm officially a convert. The combination of tender yuca and that zesty mojo sauce is nothing short of a flavor explosion. If you're searching for the best and most delicious way to enjoy yuca, this easy and quick recipe is the answer. The homemade mojo, with its perfect blend of garlic, citrus, and spices, transforms humble ingredients into something truly special.
What really won me over is how simple it is to learn how to make this tasty dish. You don't need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients-just yuca, garlic, olive oil, and a few other pantry staples. The step-by-step process is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks. If you're looking for tips to get the best results, make sure to boil the yuca until it's perfectly tender and don't skimp on the mojo sauce. Trust me, the right balance of flavors is what makes this recipe stand out as the best and most authentic version you'll find.
If you're still on the fence, let me assure you: this is not your average side dish. The combination of easy preparation, quick cooking time, and delicious results makes this homemade Yuca Con Mojo a must-try. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Don't forget to check out extra tips for making it even more perfect-like adding a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of herbs. Once you taste how tasty and satisfying this dish is, you'll wonder why you waited so long to try it!

Yuca Con Mojo Story

The first time I made this dish, the kitchen filled with a warm, inviting aroma that seemed to wrap around me like a familiar embrace. My grandmother, who had always been the best cook in our family, watched from her favorite chair, her eyes lighting up as the scent drifted her way. She had shared her recipe with me, and as I worked, she offered gentle advice, her voice soft but sure. The process was easy and surprisingly quick, yet every step felt meaningful, a bridge between generations. When we finally sat down together, the first bite was a revelation, the flavors bright and comforting, and I could see in her smile that I had done her proud.
A few months later, I found myself preparing the same dish for a date, hoping to impress with something both delicious and healthy. The anticipation was palpable as I plated the food, the vibrant colors and enticing aroma promising a great meal. Conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter mingling with the clink of forks, and I realized how food can be a language all its own. The dish became a catalyst for connection, its texture and flavor sparking stories of family and travel, and by the end of the evening, it felt as though we had known each other for years.
On a rainy afternoon, I shared this meal with a stranger at a community event, drawn together by the promise of something good and comforting. The first taste was met with a surprised smile, and soon we were exchanging stories about our favorite fast and easy meals. The dish's warmth seemed to dissolve any awkwardness, and by the time we finished, we had discovered a shared appreciation for simple pleasures and new friendships. Sometimes, the right recipe can turn an ordinary moment into something unforgettable, leaving behind the lingering memory of a truly special connection.

Healthy Yuca Con Mojo Tips

To elevate the health benefits of this authentic Yuca Con Mojo recipe while preserving its delicious, homemade charm, consider a few easy adjustments. Start by selecting the freshest yuca-its creamy, starchy texture is the perfect canvas for a vibrant, zesty mojo. For a lighter, health-focused approach, steam or boil the yuca instead of frying, allowing its natural flavors to shine without excess oil. When preparing the mojo, use extra-virgin olive oil in moderation, and amplify the health factor by adding plenty of fresh garlic, citrus juice, and a sprinkle of chopped herbs. These simple ingredients not only infuse the dish with a tantalizing aroma and a burst of tangy, garlicky flavor but also offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. For a quick, easy, and tasty twist, toss in thinly sliced onions and a dash of pepper, which add crunch and depth while keeping the recipe light and nutritious.
The result is a best-in-class, healthy version of this classic that's both satisfying and guilt-free. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy yuca and bright, aromatic mojo, making it a truly delicious and wholesome side. With these tips, you'll discover how to make a simple, quick, and authentic dish that's as good for your health as it is for your taste buds-proving that the best recipes can be both tasty and nourishing.