Description
Try this Cuban Mojo Marinated Beef for a tender, flavorful dish with vibrant citrus, garlic, and cumin. Perfect for grilling or slow cooking.
Ingredients
- Beef (Flank Steak, Skirt Steak, or Sirloin): Choose a cut of beef that benefits from marination and grilling. Flank steak and skirt steak are ideal choices, as they’re flavorful and become tender when marinated.
- Sour Orange Juice: This is the key ingredient in the marinade. If you can’t find sour oranges, you can substitute a mixture of orange juice and lime juice to mimic the tangy flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a pungent, aromatic flavor that is essential to the mojo sauce.
- Oregano: This herb is commonly used in Cuban cooking, adding a fragrant, slightly bitter taste to balance the rich flavors of the beef.
- Cumin: Cumin gives the marinade a warm, earthy flavor that complements the citrus and garlic.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors of the marinade into the beef.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is key to balancing all the flavors in the marinade and ensuring the beef is perfectly seasoned.
- Lime Juice: If you’re substituting for sour orange juice, the combination of lime and orange juice works well to provide the necessary acidity.
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the garlic is well incorporated and the spices are dissolved into the liquid.
- Marinate the Beef: Place your chosen cut of beef into a Ziploc bag or shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the beef, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill to high heat, or heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: Remove the beef from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Grill or sear the beef for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the beef and your preferred level of doneness.
- Rest the Beef: After cooking, let the beef rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy result.
- Serve: Slice the beef thinly against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, black beans, or plantains. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.