Dinner

Mojo Isleño (Puerto Rican Island Sauce) Recipe

Name: Mojo Isleño (Puerto Rican Island Sauce) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Olive Oil; 1/2 Onion, chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 can (8 oz) Tomato Sauce; 1/4 cup Distilled White Vinegar; 1/4 cup Green Olives, sliced; 2 tablespoons Capers; 1 Bay Leaf; 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano; Salt, to taste; Ground Black Pepper, to taste

ByJake Silas December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

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Introduction

Mojo Isleño is a vibrant Puerto Rican island sauce bursting with tangy and savory flavors. This versatile sauce is perfect for pairing with seafood, grilled meats, or rice dishes, bringing a delicious taste of the Caribbean to your table.

A white ribbed ramekin filled with chunky red salsa topped with a sliced green olive on top, showing a mix of small tomato pieces, seeds, and finely chopped herbs. A silver spoon is dipped into the salsa, resting on the right side inside the ramekin. The ramekin is placed on a colorful patterned surface with floral and fruit shapes in red, green, yellow, and black, all set against a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup Olive Oil
1/2 Onion
2 cloves Garlic
1 can Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup Distilled White Vinegar
1/4 cup Green Olives
2 tablespoons Capers
1 Bay Leaf
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Salt, to taste
Ground Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce, white vinegar, green olives, capers, bay leaf, and dried oregano.
Step 4: Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Season with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Step 6: Remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitterness.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, try adding a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving.
Use pitted green olives to avoid any bitterness and chop them roughly for better texture.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during simmering.

Storage

Store leftover Mojo Isleño in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving. This sauce also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white small ceramic bowl filled with chunky red salsa sits on a surface with multicolored patterns. The salsa has visible small pieces of tomato and herbs mixed in, topped with a single green olive slice in the center, adding a touch of muted green. A metal spoon is placed inside the bowl, leaning to the right side. The background is softly blurred with warm brown tones, showing parts of similar white bowls and brown containers. The image focuses closely on the bowl, highlighting the rich texture of the salsa and the smooth ceramic bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can substitute with fresh tomatoes by blending them into a puree. You may need to cook the sauce slightly longer to thicken it.

What dishes go well with Mojo Isleño?

Mojo Isleño pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, shrimp, chicken, or simply spooned over white rice for a flavorful meal.