Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork

Prep Time: 10 hours
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 15 hours
Yield: 6 servings

Tender, fall-apart pork shoulder marinated in a bold and garlicky citrus Mojo marinade, then slow-roasted until perfectly juicy. A classic Cuban-inspired dish ideal for gatherings or hearty weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Roasted Pork:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (or pork butt), rind removed
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
• 2 cups Mojo Marinade (see below)

Mojo Marinade:

• 5–6 sour oranges
  (or juice of 4 oranges + juice of 3 limes)
• 8–9 garlic cloves, smashed
• ⅓ cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
• ⅓ teaspoon fresh oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup white onion (optional, for marinating or baking)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1 serrano chile or jalapeño, stem removed, sliced lengthwise (optional)

Tip: Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender for a quick, emulsified marinade.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Pork:
   Place the pork shoulder in a ceramic baking dish. Pour 1½ cups of the Mojo marinade over the pork, then rub in the cumin, coriander, and oregano. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Preheat Oven:
   Remove pork from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before roasting. Preheat oven to 295°F (145°C).
3. Slow Roast:
   Transfer pork to a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Season with salt, cover, and roast for 3–4 hours.
4. Uncover and Finish Roasting:
   Remove the lid, baste with pan drippings, increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), and roast uncovered for 1–2 additional hours, basting every 60–90 minutes.
5. Check Doneness:
   Pork is ready when the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C) and it’s fork-tender.
6. Serve:
   Reserve the drippings, skim off excess fat, and mix with the remaining ½ cup of fresh Mojo marinade. Drizzle over pulled pork. Serve with white rice, black beans, and plantains if desired.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Short on time? Use store-bought Mojo marinade, but fresh is always best for optimal flavor.
• Optional Add-In: Add sliced onions to the roasting pan for extra aroma and texture.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 680
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 48.5g
Fat: 52g
Sodium: 483mg

Print