Cuban Mojo Pork Recipe

Cuban mojo pork is a rich, tasty dish rooted in Cuban culture. It uses a marinade called mojo, which blends citrus and garlic. This mix gives the pork its bright, zesty flavor. The meat is often slow-cooked, making it tender and juicy.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Cuban Mojo Pork with this flavorful and easy recipe! Dive into the rich history and learn how to marinate and cook tender pork using traditional mojo sauce made from citrus and garlic. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for family gatherings or celebrations. Ready to impress your loved ones with a taste of Cuba? Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking!

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Ingredients

2 lbs pork shoulder, boned and trimmed

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon cumin powder

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne (if using), olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.

In a heavy-duty Dutch oven or baking dish, sear the pork shoulder on all sides over medium-high heat until browned, about 5–7 minutes. (You can also do this in a skillet if your pot isn't stovetop safe.)

Once the pork is browned, pour the reserved marinade over the pork and cover with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil.

Place the covered pot in the preheated oven and let it cook for approximately 3–4 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Once done, remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before shredding the pork with two forks.

Serve the mojo pork on a platter, drizzling some of the cooking liquid over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins | Servings: 6-8 |

- Presentation Tips: Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or black beans for a complete meal. Arrange the shredded pork on a colorful plate, garnishing with lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro for a vibrant finish.