Mojo Picón is a traditional cold spicy sauce from the Canary Islands made from chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, oil and cumin. It is served with roasted or grilled meats, fish and roasted vegetables.

What is Mojo Picón?

Mojo picón is a cold spicy sauce made from chili peppers, cumin, garlic, vinegar and oil. Mojo is a Spanish word derived from mojar, which means to soak. So it is a sauce intended for dipping. Picón indicates that this is a spicy salsa. This is a classic specialty from the Canary Islands.

Mojo picón (left) is, like  mojo verde  (right), a well known specialty from the Canary Islands

What is Mojo Picón most often served with?

Mojo picón is often served with another Canarian specialty, patatas arrugadas ( potatoes covered in a salt crust). However, its use is very versatile. It is often paired with roasted or grilled meat. At roast chicken stands in Spain, mojo picón is a frequent alternative to garlic mayonnaise. It also tastes great with some baked fish.

Chuletón ( ribeye steak) with mojo picón 

What are the variations of mojo picón?

There are many. The basis is always ground paprika, chili pepper, garlic, cumin, vinegar and oil. However, it is sometimes thickened with some bread, or with almonds, and sometimes with a combination of both. Tomato is sometimes added to soften the flavour. Mojo can be made either manually in a mortar or in a blender. We recommend a blender.

Mojo picón with tomato and almonds