Nothing brings back comforting memories quite like the smell of garlic and citrus filling the kitchen. Grandma’s classic mojo potatoes are a golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Infused with a vibrant garlic and citrus marinade, these potatoes are just like the ones you remember from family meals.
Whether served as a side dish, party appetizer, or savory snack, this recipe is simple, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Crispy and golden: Achieve restaurant-quality crunch every time.
- Full of bold flavor: The garlic and citrus mojo marinade adds incredible depth.
- Straightforward preparation: Marinate, bake or fry, and enjoy.
- Perfect for gatherings: A hit at potlucks, BBQs, and game day spreads.
- High search potential: Recipes like this are favorites for food blogs and online searches.
Ingredients
For the Mojo Marinade:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (for authentic flavor)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Potatoes:
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?gdpr=0&us_privacy=1---&gpp_sid=-1&client=ca-pub-4237828007992117&output=html&h=280&adk=252907406&adf=1727853927&w=630&abgtt=6&fwrn=4&fwrnh=100&lmt=1753457760&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=7195829956&ad_type=text_image&format=630x280&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdish.tastyfoodlife.com%2F2025%2F07%2Fgrandmas-classic-mojo-potatoes-crispy.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawLw-MVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFwSE5RNzRwS2JnRk12UWVJAR4HNurNPvxiyr_cuDskDFAvxSLptQvbCTwLpbx3u2Nzh07m3o73edfipbhQeQ_aem_C2Qndx8SNg_5LqFR96Xnfg&host=ca-host-pub-1556223355139109&fwr=0&pra=3&rh=158&rw=630&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&wgl=1&fa=27&uach=WyJtYWNPUyIsIjE1LjMuMiIsIng4NiIsIiIsIjEzOC4wLjcyMDQuMTY4IixudWxsLDAsbnVsbCwiNjQiLFtbIk5vdClBO0JyYW5kIiwiOC4wLjAuMCJdLFsiQ2hyb21pdW0iLCIxMzguMC43MjA0LjE2OCJdLFsiR29vZ2xlIENocm9tZSIsIjEzOC4wLjcyMDQuMTY4Il1dLDBd&dt=1753487736747&bpp=1&bdt=2139&idt=-M&shv=r20250723&mjsv=m202507220101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D9b092192f2b63f86%3AT%3D1753224060%3ART%3D1753487736%3AS%3DALNI_MZkILDJ3ybpA77jP6TMGp06k8BQjQ&gpic=UID%3D00001221b0e20147%3AT%3D1753224060%3ART%3D1753487736%3AS%3DALNI_MYzSDW98WWjyUPFgq9n0v6tFZfW6Q&eo_id_str=ID%3D6ef1d47ef28ade3b%3AT%3D1753224060%3ART%3D1753487736%3AS%3DAA-AfjaAxyPw0sg90tSW3KbgxzUi&prev_fmts=0x0%2C1200x280%2C630x280%2C630x280%2C630x280%2C555x280&nras=4&correlator=268793920366&frm=20&pv=1&u_tz=60&u_his=1&u_h=1120&u_w=1792&u_ah=1024&u_aw=1792&u_cd=24&u_sd=2&dmc=8&adx=416&ady=3563&biw=1792&bih=937&scr_x=0&scr_y=260&eid=31093512%2C42531706%2C95362655%2C95366914%2C95344789%2C95359266%2C95367172&oid=2&pvsid=3141130271582465&tmod=431891012&uas=0&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fl.facebook.com%2F&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C25%2C0%2C25%2C1792%2C25%2C1792%2C1024%2C1792%2C937&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&bz=1&td=1&tdf=2&psd=W251bGwsW251bGwsbnVsbCxudWxsLCJkZXByZWNhdGVkX2thbm9uIl0sbnVsbCwxXQ..&nt=1&pgls=CAA.&ifi=8&uci=a!8&btvi=5&fsb=1&dtd=499
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, cut into wedges or thick fries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for added crispiness)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Cotija cheese or creamy cilantro lime sauce for dipping
Instructions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mojo Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Marinate the Potatoes
Toss the potato wedges in the marinade until thoroughly coated.
Let sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor).
3. Cook the Potatoes
Oven Method (Healthier Option)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Drain excess marinade and toss potatoes with cornstarch.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.
Fried Method (Extra Crispy Option)
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry potatoes in small batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.
4. Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce or extra mojo on the side.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Pair with grilled meats for a Cuban-inspired meal.
- Add a squeeze of lime just before serving for extra brightness.
- Sprinkle with queso fresco or Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
- For a spicy version, mix cayenne or diced jalapeños into the marinade.
Leave a Reply