What is Mojo de Ajo, or Garlic Sauce?
Video: How to Make Mojo de Ajo (Garlic Sauce)
This post is not about steak tacos. It is about the SAUCE that truly elevates a steak taco. Chef Alex Stupak of the famed Mexican spot in Manhattan, Empellón Taqueria, shares his steak tacos with mojo de ajo, or garlic sauce, in his book, Tacos: Recipes and Provocations. His mojo de ajo is absolutely stunning. It is fantastic in tacos. I have also sauteed vegetables in it. It is versatile in the way that it goes with everything, vegetables and animal proteins alike. It also compliments the ingredients, bringing them to another level. Make this sauce today and store in the refrigerator to use anytime for up to 2 weeks.
Makes 6-8 tacos
Mojo de Ajo (Recipe from Tacos by Alex Stupak and Jordana Rothman):
Árbol Chiles (stems and seeds removed) 2
Black Peppercorns 1/2 tsp
Mexican Oregano 1/2 tsp
Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 cup
Garlic (minced) 20 cloves, about 1/2 cup
Orange (juiced) 1, about 1/3 cup
Plum Tomato (diced) 1
Steak Tacos:
Steak of your choice 2
Onion (chopped) 1
Tortilla 6
Lettuce
Cilantro
Salsa
Lime 1
In a pan over medium heat, toast árbol chiles, black peppercorn and Mexican oregano until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Remove from the pan and grind in a spice grinder to a fine powder.
In a small pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and garlic. Cook until the garlic begins to turn golden brown, about 7 minutes. Add the orange juice and tomato, cook until the tomato has softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ground spice and cook for 2 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat. Separate the garlic and tomato pieces from the oil with a mesh strainer. Reserve in separate bowls.
Brush the oil on the steaks and the onion before cooking. In an iron skillet over high heat, cook the steaks and the chopped onion, season with salt and pepper. Cook the steaks to your desired temperature. Stir the onion occasionally, cook until it's translucent. Remove from heat, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
In a bowl, mix sliced steaks and onion with 3 Tbsp garlic and tomato pieces of Mojo de Ajo. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the tacos: tortilla, lettuce, steak and onion, cilantro, salsa. Sprinkle with fresh lime juice and enjoy!
Mixing Mojo de Ajo with Steak and Onions
