Red and Green Canarian Mojo Sauce Recipes come together in just 5 minutes, offering the bold, garlicky flavor that makes both mojo rojo sauce and mojo verde sauce so popular.
Best Mojo Sauce Recipe, Mojo Rojo and Mojo Verde Sauce at Home
I first discovered these Canarian mojo sauces in the Canary Islands, served with papas arrugadas, mojo rojo, and mojo verde. That taste inspired me to recreate the Red and Green Canarian Mojo Sauce Recipes at home.
Now I make both the red mojo sauce and green mojo sauce myself. The mojo rojo sauce has that perfect smoky spice, which I balance with red bell pepper and smoky paprika. The mojo verde sauce is all about fresh cilantro and garlic, blended with extra virgin olive oil until it's silky and full of flavor.
One of the best things about this mojo sauce recipe is how simple it is, no cooking, just blend and done. I serve them on everything: papas arrugadas, roasted potatoes, and pan-seared fish. You'll find your own way with them too, whether as a dip, a marinade, or spooned over a sandwich.
Why You'll Love My Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Garlic, vinegar, oil, things you already have.
- No Cooking Needed: Just toss everything in the blender, and you're done.
- Bold Spanish Flavor: Mojo verde and mojo rojo sauces capture the essence of the Canary Islands in every spoonful.
Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Peppers & Spice: I use red bell pepper for sweetness, green bell pepper for freshness, plus paprika, cumin, and a chili pepper for depth, warmth, and a little kick.
- Garlic & Cilantro: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for bold flavor, while a full bunch of cilantro gives the mojo verde (green mojo sauce) its vibrant, herby brightness.
- Oils & Balance: I like sunflower oil in the mojo rojo (red mojo sauce) to keep it light, and extra virgin olive oil in the mojo verde for richness and a smooth finish.
- Seasoning & Tang: A bit of salt and wine vinegar ties everything together, adding just the right balance to both sauces.
How to Make Canarian Mojo Sauces
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Make the Mojo Rojo: Add red bell pepper, garlic cloves, salt, paprika, cumin powder, chili pepper, wine vinegar, and sunflower oil.
2. Blend until Smooth: Blend everything together until the sauce is creamy and pourable.
3. Make the Mojo Verde: Add green bell pepper, cilantro, garlic cloves, cumin powder, salt, wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
4. Blend until Smooth: Blend until everything is well mixed and silky.
What to Serve with Red and Green Mojo Sauce
I love serving mojo sauce with papas arrugadas, the classic salty Canarian potatoes. The red mojo sauce goes perfectly with grilled meats like chicken or pork, while the green mojo sauce is amazing over grilled fish or shrimp.
My Tips for Recipe Success
Use a Tall, Narrow Jar: When I'm blending with a hand blender, I always use a tall jar or measuring jug. It keeps the ingredients close to the blades and makes the sauce blend smoother and faster.
Serve at Room Temperature: I take the sauce out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving. It tastes stronger and more balanced once it's no longer cold.
Commonly Asked Questions
Originating from the Canary Islands, mojo (pronounced "mo-ho") is a traditional Spanish sauce that's as versatile as it is delicious. There are two main types: the fiery red mojo rojo and the refreshing green mojo verde. Both are packed with flavor, but each brings its own unique twist to the table.
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Recipe
Red and Green Canarian Mojo Sauces
Ingredients
For Mojo Rojo Sauce:
- ¼ Red Bell Pepper
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 Chilli Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 100 ml Sunflower Oil
For Mojo Verde Sauce:
- ¼ Green Bell Pepper
- Bunch of Cilantro
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Cumin Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Vinegar
- 100 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
How to Make Mojo Rojo Sauce:
- Add the red bell pepper, garlic, salt, paprika, cumin powder, and chili pepper to a blender for the red mojo.
- Pour in the vinegar and sunflower oil, then blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well combined.
How to Make Mojo Verde Sauce:
- Add the green bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, cumin powder, and salt to a blender for the green mojo.
- Pour in the vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, then blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
I love this recipe! For an extra kick, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rojo mojo. Also, try blending in some roasted red peppers for a smoother texture.