Filipino-style Mojo Chicken

Ingredients

In this Filipino adaptation of Mojo, we incorporate local ingredients and flavors to create a unique twist. The traditional Canarian Mojo sauce is enhanced with calamansi juice, a citrus fruit native to the Philippines, and soy sauce, adding a distinct Filipino touch. Additionally, we use Filipino spices and grilling techniques to infuse the chicken with a tropical flair. We alse have the original recipe for Mojo, so you can check it out.

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 1 cup calamansi juice (240 ml) 1 cup calamansi juice (240 ml)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml) 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Cooking oil, for grilling Cooking oil, for grilling

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine calamansi juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
5. 5.
   Brush the grill grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
6. 6.
   Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred appearance.
7. 7.
   While grilling, baste the chicken with the remaining marinade to enhance the flavors.
8. 8.
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. 9.
   Serve the Filipino-style Mojo Chicken hot with steamed rice and a side of Mojo sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Calamansi juice — If you can't find calamansi juice, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts lemon and lime juice for a similar tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
• If you prefer a spicier version, you can include chopped chili peppers in the marinade.
• Make sure to baste the chicken with the marinade while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
• To achieve a beautiful charred appearance, brush the chicken with a little oil before grilling.

Serving advice

Serve the Filipino-style Mojo Chicken hot with steamed rice and a side of Mojo sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh calamansi slices and chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken pieces on a platter, drizzle some Mojo sauce over the top, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with a bowl of steamed rice on the side for a visually appealing and appetizing presentation.