Cuban Mojo Pork is a juicy and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Cuba right to your kitchen. It’s marinated in a zesty mix of garlic, citrus, and spices that truly brightens up the meat!
This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family. I love serving it with rice and black beans—it makes a fun and colorful meal. Plus, the leftovers are great for sandwiches! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Loin: Pork shoulder is great for its tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, pork loin works too. You can even use chicken thighs if you prefer poultry, but keep the cooking time adjusted.
Lime & Orange Juice: Fresh juice is key for that bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh fruit on hand, bottled juice works in a pinch. Just choose a natural, no-sugar-added brand for the best taste!
Garlic: The more garlic, the better! If you love garlic, consider adding more than 10 cloves. For a milder option, roasted garlic could add a unique twist.
Olive Oil: Other oils such as avocado oil or canola oil can also be used. I stick to olive oil for its richness, but any light oil with a neutral flavor can work too.
How Do You Get the Most Flavor from the Marinade?
Marinades are all about flavor, and the longer the meat marinates, the better! Here are some tips for maximizing that delicious mojo:
- Marinate the pork overnight if possible. This allows the citrus and spices to really soak in.
- Try to massage the marinade into the meat. It helps distribute the flavors more evenly.
- Don’t skip the basting step while grilling! It keeps the meat juicy and intensifies the taste.
Cuban Mojo Pork Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin, trimmed of excess fat
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime slices, for grilling and garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 4 hours for marinating (preferably overnight). Cooking the pork will take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on the cut. So, plan on about 4 hours and 45 minutes in total, with most of that time being inactive while the pork marinates.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mojo Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until it’s well combined. This flavorful mixture is your mojo marinade.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place the pork into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is the best choice for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat for Cooking:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C).
4. Prepare the Pork for Grilling:
Take the pork out of the marinade and reserve the marinade for later use. Pat the pork dry with paper towels to help achieve that perfect char on the grill.
5. Grill the Pork:
Place the pork on the grill over direct heat. Grill it, occasionally turning, until it develops a lovely char and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.
6. Baste the Pork:
While the pork is grilling, take the reserved marinade and baste the pork as it cooks. This helps build up flavor and keeps the meat moist and tasty!
7. Grill Lime Slices:
As the pork nears completion, add lime slices to the grill for a couple of minutes to char. This will give them a nice smoky flavor to accompany your dish.
8. Let it Rest:
Once the pork is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy pork!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Slice the pork and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. Serve your delicious Cuban Mojo Pork with the grilled lime slices on the side for an extra zing!
Enjoy this fabulous dish alongside white rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a complete Cuban dining experience! 🌱
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for Mojo Pork?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder is a popular choice due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use pork loin for a leaner option. If you prefer poultry, chicken thighs can be an excellent substitute as well!
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork?
You can marinate the pork for as little as 4 hours, but for the best flavor, I recommend marinating it overnight. Just make sure not to exceed 24 hours, as the citrus can start to break down the meat too much.
What Should I Serve with Cuban Mojo Pork?
This dish pairs wonderfully with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a classic Cuban meal. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a lighter option!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of citrus juice to freshen it up if needed.
