This Easy Cuban Mojo Pork is packed with flavor! Juicy pork is marinated in a zesty mix of garlic, sour orange juice, and spices, making it a tasty treat for any meal.
Cooking this dish fills the kitchen with a yummy aroma that’ll make your neighbors jealous! 🥳 I love serving it with rice and black beans for a complete feast—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: These cuts are perfect for the slow cooking that keeps it juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chicken thighs can be a good substitute, but the flavor will change a bit.
Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice is key here, especially if you can find sour oranges! If not, mix equal parts of orange and lime juice for a similar tangy flavor. You could even use bottled juice in a pinch, just try to get the freshest option.
Garlic: This dish uses a lot of garlic, which adds depth and richness. If you’re not a garlic fan, you can cut back to 4 cloves, but I recommend keeping it close to the full amount for that authentic Cuban taste!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the dish brightness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley makes a nice substitute, although the flavor profile shifts a bit.
How Do I Properly Marinate the Pork for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is essential to infuse the pork with all the mojo flavors. Here are quick tips for a successful marinade:
- Make sure your pork is well-coat in the marinade, massaging it in if you can.
- Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor. This allows the meat to soak in all those tasty spices.
- Reserving some marinade is a great idea! It can be a basting sauce during cooking that keeps the pork juicy.
Don’t skip this step; the longer the pork marinates, the better it tastes!
Easy Cuban Mojo Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed
For the Mojo Marinade:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (preferably sour orange if available; substitute with half orange juice and half lime juice)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes for preparation. You’ll need at least 4 hours to marinate (or overnight for the best flavor). Then, cooking will take around 45-60 minutes, depending on the cooking method and thickness of the meat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Mojo Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and olive oil. This will create a vibrant and zesty marinade for your pork!
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place the pork shoulder in a large zip-top bag or a deep dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, making sure to coat it well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. Let those flavors soak in!
3. Prepare to Cook:
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). This will get things nice and hot for cooking your pork!
4. Sear the Pork:
Take the pork out of the marinade, but remember to reserve that marinade for later! Sear the pork on the grill or in an oven-safe skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully browned.
5. Cook the Pork:
For cooking in the oven, transfer the seared pork to a roasting pan and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This will take about 45-60 minutes depending on the thickness of the pork, and be sure to baste with the reserved marinade occasionally. If grilling, turn the heat to medium-low after searing and continue cooking while basting until it hits that perfect temperature!
6. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, take the pork off the heat and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your pork moist and flavorful!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pork and serve it up with your favorite sides, like fluffy white rice, savory black beans, or crunchy plantains. Enjoy your tasty Easy Cuban Mojo Pork that’s sure to impress!
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Cuban Mojo Pork
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder or butt is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary, so check for doneness as needed!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a minced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a milder version, you can reduce the garlic to 4 cloves or skip the cumin, which has a strong flavor.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, and consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice to revive the flavors!
Can I Make the Mojo Marinade Ahead of Time?
Of course! You can prepare the mojo marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to marinate the pork. This can save you time on cooking day!
