Description
Yuca con Mojo is a vibrant Latin American side dish featuring tender boiled yuca root drenched in a bright, tangy garlic-citrus mojo sauce. Enhanced with sautéed onions, fresh herbs, and optionally smoky turkey bacon, this recipe balances earthy starchy roots with zesty, aromatic flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment for grilled or roasted dishes and a delightful treat for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds yuca root, peeled and cut into pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed and finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (natural)
- 1/3 cup olive oil (natural)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Variations and Optional Add-ins
- Diced bell peppers or mild chili, to taste
- Lemon or orange juice as a substitute for lime juice (natural)
- Fresh cilantro or fresh basil instead of parsley
- Smoked paprika or smoked tofu for vegan option
- Toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the Yuca: Peel the yuca root with a sharp knife. Cut it into even pieces and boil them in salted water for 20-25 minutes or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain thoroughly.
- Make the Mojo Sauce: While the yuca cooks, combine the finely minced garlic, fresh lime juice, thinly sliced onions, olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk together until smooth and aromatic.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, reserving the rendered fat for sautéing the onions.
- Sauté Onions (Optional): Using the reserved smoked turkey bacon fat, lightly sauté the sliced onions to mellow their sharpness. Let the onions cool before adding them to the mojo sauce for added sweetness.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the tender yuca with the mojo sauce. Sprinkle the crisp smoked turkey bacon pieces and chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- Do not overcook yuca; it should be fork-tender but hold its shape to avoid mushiness.
- Allow the yuca to sit in the mojo sauce for 10-15 minutes prior to serving to soak up the flavors.
- Use fresh garlic for a vibrant and sharp mojo sauce instead of garlic powder.
- Choose high-quality olive oil to enrich the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- Smoked turkey bacon is optional but adds a smoky depth that complements the bright citrus flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Yuca, Mojo sauce, Garlic sauce, Latin American side, Smoked turkey bacon, Citrus garlic sauce, Plant-based variations, Gluten free side dish
