Name: Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds yuca, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 to 2 large red onions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about half an orange), plus zest for garnish; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 limes); 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped cilantro, plus leaves for garnish; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bright flavors and comforting textures, you are going to fall in love with this Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe. This classic Cuban side combines tender, starchy yuca with a zesty, garlicky mojo sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little celebration in your kitchen, perfect for bringing a taste of summer sunshine anytime you want. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or as a flavorful snack, this dish never fails to impress with its irresistible blend of citrus, herbs, and garlic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several small white bowls and clear glass bowls arranged neatly. The largest bowl, white, holds many chunks of white tofu. Surrounding it are small bowls: one with sliced red onions, one with a pile of chopped garlic, and one with orange zest. There are also clear glass bowls containing a yellow liquid, a pale green liquid, and an orange liquid. Three small white bowls contain ground black pepper, salt, and a brown spice, while a clear glass bowl holds dried green herbs. A white plate has fresh green cilantro on it. All the ingredients are arranged in a clean, organized way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe is how simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a complex flavor experience. Each item plays a vital role: yuca provides a creamy, potato-like base; onions add sweetness and crunch; the citrus juices give a bright tang; and the garlic and spices deepen the savory notes.

1 1/2 pounds yuca, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks: This starchy root cooks up soft and fluffy, perfect for soaking up all the mojo sauce.
1 to 2 large red onions, thinly sliced: Adds a crisp bite and a mild sweetness that balances the garlic.
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Brings a subtle sweetness and bright fruitiness that lifts the entire dish.
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds a tangy punch that keeps the mojo sauce lively and refreshing.
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped cilantro: A fresh herbal note that ties the flavors together beautifully.
6 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the sauce — aromatic, rich, and full of punch.
1/4 cup olive oil: Helps meld the flavors while giving the mojo sauce a silky texture.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy depth that enhances the citrus and garlic.
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a subtle warmth that perfectly complements the other spices.
Kosher salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out every nuance in the dish.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Provides a gentle heat to round out the flavor profile.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Yuca

Start by peeling your yuca and cutting it into 1-inch chunks. Boil the pieces in salted water until they’re tender and soft, which usually takes about 30 minutes. This is the foundation of your dish, so getting that perfect tender texture is key.

Step 2: Prepare the Mojo Sauce

While your yuca cooks, slice your red onions thinly and combine them in a bowl with fresh orange and lime juices, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. This mixture is the vibrant heart of the mojo sauce, bringing together citrusy brightness and herbal freshness that will elevate your yuca.

Step 3: Heat the Spiced Olive Oil

In a heavy pan, warm up the olive oil along with dried oregano, cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat it just until the spices release their aroma and the oil becomes hot — be careful to avoid burning them. Pour this fragrant oil over your yuca and mojo mixture to infuse every bite with rich flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Drain the cooked yuca and place it in a serving dish, keeping it warm. Pour the garlic-onion citrus mixture over the yuca, then drizzle the hot spiced oil on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves and some orange zest for an eye-catching, flavorful touch.

How to Serve Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe

A light blue bowl holds a simple dish with two layers. The bottom layer is made of chunky light yellow potato pieces with a soft, slightly smooth texture. The top layer features thinly sliced red onion rings scattered unevenly, adding a vibrant purple color and crisp texture. Small bits of white garlic and sprinkled green herbs sit on top, adding contrast and freshness. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro leaves and a light dusting of orange zest not only add visual appeal but also enhance the bright and herbal profile of Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe. These final touches brighten the dish and keep each forkful lively.

Side Dishes

This dish makes an outstanding side to grilled or roasted meats like pork, chicken, or steak. It also serves beautifully with fresh salads or black beans, bringing zest and heartiness to your meal without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Serve your yuca in small bowls drizzled with extra mojo sauce alongside slices of avocado or pickled vegetables. You can also turn leftovers into crispy croquettes for a delightful snack with a crispy exterior and molten, garlicky center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover yuca with mojo sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead side for busy weeknights.

Freezing

Freezing yuca con mojo is possible but not ideal, as the texture of cooked yuca can become grainy after thawing. If you do freeze it, store the yuca and mojo sauce separately, and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your yuca gently in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, then pour the mojo sauce over after heating to retain its fresh, vibrant flavor. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the yuca tender and the sauce bright.

FAQs

What is yuca, and where can I buy it?

Yuca, also known as cassava, is a starchy root vegetable common in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. You can typically find it fresh at Latino grocery stores or frozen in international aisles of larger supermarkets.

Can I use frozen yuca for this recipe?

Yes, frozen yuca works well if fresh is unavailable. Just be sure to thaw it completely before boiling, and adjust cooking time as needed to achieve a soft, tender texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?

Absolutely! The Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe uses all natural, plant-based ingredients, making it both gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is not spicy — it focuses on bright citrus and garlic flavors, with mild warmth from cumin and black pepper. Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your thing or you don’t have any on hand, freshly chopped parsley is a great alternative. It adds a fresh green note without overpowering the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe is a delightful way to bring warmth, flavor, and a bit of sunshine to your table no matter the season. It’s wonderfully easy, refreshingly bright, and endlessly versatile — a perfect recipe to keep in your culinary rotation. Give it a try and watch how it transforms your meals into something truly special.

Yuca con Mojo (Yuca With Garlic Sauce) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need