Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Mojo Marinade

Fresh jalapenos, garlic, oranges and limes combined to create one of the best marinades we have ever made. I came home from the farmer's market last weekend with lots of fresh citrus and a bag full of mixed hot peppers. I knew that I wanted a marinade from some of it. When I stumbled onto this recipe, it looked perfect.

This has already been the base of a couple different meals. The photo above is a quadrupled recipe. We made plenty extra this time and froze it for future use. I love the unique twist that the orange provides and the jalapenos were just spicy enough without overtaking all the other flavors in this marinade. I can guarantee that we'll be making this marinade all summer long.

Mojo Marinade
recipe slightly adapted from Tyler Florence

5 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, very finely minced
1 handful fresh cilantro leaves, about 3 tablespoons finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust as desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust as desired
2 limes, juiced
1 orange, juiced
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil

In a large bowl, combine the very finely minced garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, salt and pepper. Using a mortar and pestle or your hands, mash together and crush to make a paste. Scrape into a jar and then add the orange and lime juices, vinegar and oil. Shake really well to combine thoroughly. Use as a marinade for beef or chicken. Enjoy!

Recipe makes approximately 1 1/4 cups of marinade.

Click here for printable recipe

20 comments:

  1. Ok, making this! On a side note, I love the layers that it makes in the mason jars...how beautiful, Mary:-). I love every single flavor in this marinade.

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  2. I've made a marinade for chicken that is similar... but this sounds even better with the added orange juice! Can't wait to try this!

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  3. This looks amazing, and you're completely right, what a fantastic recipe for the summer and a grill. :)

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  4. Those white peppers are amazing! I think citrus and hot peppers go so well together, now you've got me pining for a farmer's market, ours won't start for a while now.

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  5. I guess I am just going to start coming to your house for dinner ;)

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  6. I love the name and the ingredient list. BBQ season is upon us! Can't wait to get grilling.

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  7. this is a winner, ready for all kinds of summer grilling. (which seems to have arrived early in Nashville--90 degrees on April 3rd is crazy-hot !)

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  8. It's always good to have lots of marinades available. This one is pretty!

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  9. Yum! I've never made my own marinade before, but I obviously need to change that! This looks and sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing. I hope you are having a wonderful Spring week!

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  10. Wow, this sounds good, love all your ingredients! I guess it's getting to be that 'grilling time' of year;-)

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  11. Hey why are you leaving pork out of the mojo fun? This would do great on a pork roast too.

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  12. This sounds wonderful. It would make any meat taste delicious!

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  13. Yum!

    Tried your chicken bbq, loved it!

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  14. i have never thought of freezing marinade...does it work well? will try this one soon.

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  15. I love this ingredient list, we'll definitely have to try this this summer!

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  16. Citrus spicy goodness. Sign me up!

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  17. This recipe speaks to me in so many languages! I love it and I am definitely going to make it as I have everything necessary:) Yes, I collect hot peppers and then frantically look for the ways to use them:)
    I save all my tiny jars (artichokes, capers, etc.) and I can use them for this! Can you tell how much I am excited?
    Have a great weekend!

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  18. Ok, now I will have ANOTHER mason jar on permanent residence in my fridge. This sounds fantastic!

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