Yuca con Mojo is a classic Cuban dish that celebrates simple ingredients with bold, vibrant flavors. Made with tender boiled yuca (cassava) and tossed in a zesty garlic-citrus sauce, this recipe is comforting, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying.
Yuca, known for its slightly sweet, nutty taste and potato-like texture, becomes the perfect base for the famous Mojo sauce—a fragrant blend of citrus juice, garlic, olive oil, and spices. The result is a dish that’s bright, savory, and packed with Caribbean flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & authentic – traditional Cuban flavors with easy steps
- Naturally gluten-free & vegan
- Healthy & nourishing – rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium
- Versatile – perfect as a side dish or light main
- Fresh & flavorful – citrus and garlic bring everything to life
What is Yuca?
Yuca (also called cassava) is a starchy root vegetable widely used in Caribbean, Latin American, African, and Asian cuisines. It’s:
- High in fiber
- Rich in vitamin C
- Naturally gluten-free
- A great alternative to potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 medium yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 liters water
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 3 navel oranges
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Yuca
Place yuca in a large pot, cover with water, and add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Drain & Cool
Drain the yuca using a colander and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Mojo Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining salt, and white pepper.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked yuca, sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro to the bowl.
Gently toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.
5. Serve
Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook the yuca—it should be tender but not mushy
- Use fresh citrus juice for the brightest flavor
- Toss gently to keep the yuca pieces intact
- Let it sit a few minutes before serving for deeper flavor
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- For best texture, add a little fresh citrus before serving again
Make Ahead
You can prepare the yuca and Mojo sauce separately ahead of time. Combine just before serving to keep the yuca fresh and perfectly textured.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or seafood
- Serve as a side for BBQ or Caribbean meals
- Enjoy as a light vegan main dish
Final Thoughts
Yuca con Mojo is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. The creamy texture of yuca combined with the bold, citrusy garlic sauce makes this dish unforgettable.
Whether you’re exploring Caribbean cuisine or just looking for a new side dish, this recipe is a must-try.