Description
Mojo Isleño is a traditional Puerto Rican island sauce known for its tangy, savory flavor profile. This vibrant sauce combines olive oil, sautéed onions and garlic, tomato sauce, vinegar, olives, and capers to create a delicious accompaniment perfect for seafood, rice, or grilled meats.
Ingredients
Scale
Mojo Isleño Sauce 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
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a medium pan, warm 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped half onion and minced garlic cloves to the pan. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, releasing their flavors into the oil, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in 1 can of tomato sauce, 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar, sliced green olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, 1 bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and ground black pepper according to your preference. Stir well to distribute seasoning evenly.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Before serving, make sure to remove the bay leaf from the sauce to avoid any bitterness.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering.
- This sauce pairs exceptionally well with grilled fish, shellfish, or white rice.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving to preserve flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Keywords: Mojo Isleño, Puerto Rican sauce, tomato sauce, olives, capers, island sauce, salsa isleña
