If you are craving a dish that truly sings with vibrant and bold flavors, let me introduce you to the magic of Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork: Flavorful Garlic Citrus Delight Recipe. This recipe is a celebration of tender pork shoulder bathed in a zesty garlic and citrus marinade that showcases the soulful heart of Cuban cuisine. The citrusy brightness combined with warming spices and fresh oregano creates an irresistible harmony that will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your dinner guests asking for seconds. Whether it’s a special occasion or a craving for authentic, mouthwatering roast pork, this recipe delivers a festive plate packed with flavor and love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork: Flavorful Garlic Citrus Delight Recipe uses simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the tangy citrus juice that tenderizes and brightens the meat, to the aromatic garlic and earthy spices that build depth and complexity.
- Sour Oranges or Citrus Juice: If you cannot find sour oranges, a fresh mix of lemon and orange juice perfectly captures their bright, acidic zing.
- Garlic: Ten cloves provide a bold, pungent base that infuses each bite with authentic Cuban mojo flavor.
- Olive Oil: Enables a smooth marinade texture and helps seal in moisture during roasting.
- Cumin Powder: Offers earthy warmth that complements the citrus and garlic beautifully.
- Coriander Powder: Adds a subtle lemony note to brighten the overall seasoning.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and ensuring juicy meat.
- Fresh Oregano Leaves: Their herbaceous, slightly minty taste brings freshness and complexity; half-dried works as well if fresh is unavailable.
- Pork Shoulder: The ideal cut to slow roast until meltingly tender and packed with flavor.
How to Make Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork: Flavorful Garlic Citrus Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mojo Marinade
Start by combining the sour orange juice, fresh garlic cloves, olive oil, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt in a food processor. Blend everything until you get a smooth, vibrant marinade that bursts with garlicky citrus goodness. This mixture is the soul of the Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork: Flavorful Garlic Citrus Delight Recipe, bringing together bright acidity and warming spices.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
Take your pork shoulder and generously rub it all over with the mojo marinade, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap so the flavors penetrate deeply. For best results, put it in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours, but if you can spare overnight, the taste will intensify and the meat will become even more tender.
Step 3: Pre-Roasting Preparation
When ready to cook, remove the pork and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and helps the roast stay tender and juicy throughout the long cooking process. Preheat your oven to a low 295°F (145°C) to start the slow roasting.
Step 4: Roast the Pork
Place the pork shoulder in a Dutch oven and cover it with a lid. Slow roast the meat for 3-4 hours at 295°F, allowing the mojo marinade to soak in and the pork to become tender and luscious. This gentle cooking method breaks down the connective tissue for tender shredding.
Step 5: Increase Heat and Crisp the Crust
After the initial roasting, remove the lid and baste the pork with its pan juices. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and return the pork to the oven uncovered. Roast for another 1-2 hours until the internal temperature hits 180°F (82°C) or the pork is fork-tender and falling apart with ease.
Step 6: Broil for a Perfect Finish
For that iconic crispy golden crust we all crave, broil the pork for 10-15 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to avoid burning; this finishing touch transforms the Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork: Flavorful Garlic Citrus Delight Recipe into an unforgettable centerpiece of any meal.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces and toss it with the remaining mojo sauce. This juicy, flavor-packed pork is ready to be enjoyed! The balance of bright citrus, savory garlic, and tender richness will keep your taste buds dancing.
How to Serve Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork: Flavorful Garlic Citrus Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onions, or a sprinkle of chopped oregano elevate the dish with color and a brightness that cuts through the richness. Lime wedges on the side add an extra citrusy pop that complements the mojo flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic Cuban sides like black beans and rice, fried plantains, or a simple green salad provide balance and authenticity. You can also serve this pork with crusty Cuban bread or warm tortillas for a delicious handheld option.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your pork into mouthwatering tacos, loaded sandwiches, or even a vibrant rice bowl topped with avocado and pickled onions. The flavor-packed mojo sauce lends itself beautifully to a variety of presentations that keep the meal exciting and new every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roasted mojo pork keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to include some of the mojo sauce for extra moisture to prevent the pork from drying out.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, portion the pork and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain tenderness and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the oven covered with foil. Adding a splash of water or extra mojo sauce helps keep the pork juicy. Avoid microwaving directly as it may dry out the meat and dull the vibrant mojo flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sour oranges if I cannot find them?
Absolutely! A fresh combination of lemon and orange juice works wonderfully and mimics the tangy, slightly bitter flavor that sour oranges provide in this recipe.
What cut of pork works best for this recipe?
Pork shoulder, sometimes called pork butt, is ideal because it’s well-marbled and becomes incredibly tender when roasted slowly. Other cuts will not develop the same texture and flavor.
How long should I marinate the pork?
At least 1-2 hours is necessary to let the flavors penetrate, but overnight marinating is even better for maximum depth and tenderness.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or instant pot?
While the oven roasting gives the best crispy exterior, you can adapt the recipe for slow cookers or instant pots. Slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or pressure cook until tender, then broil in the oven to crisp the crust.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe isn’t spicy, but it’s bursting with savory, citrusy, and garlicky flavors. You can add a pinch of cayenne or chopped fresh chilies if you want some extra heat.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that lights up your dinner table with bold Cuban flavors and tender, juicy meat, you have to try the Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork: Flavorful Garlic Citrus Delight Recipe. It’s a delightful way to bring a party of flavors to your meal, easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for gatherings. Once you get a taste, this recipe will become a treasured favorite you return to again and again.
Print
Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork: Flavorful Garlic Citrus Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Cuban
Description
Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork is a succulent and flavorful dish featuring pork shoulder marinated in a vibrant garlic and citrus mojo sauce. This classic Cuban recipe combines the tangy zest of sour oranges with garlic, cumin, coriander, and oregano, slow-roasted to tender perfection, then finished with a crispy golden crust. Perfect for a hearty meal that bursts with authentic Cuban flavors.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup Sour Oranges or Citrus Juice (Mix lemon and orange juice if needed)
- 10 cloves Garlic (Adjust based on preference)
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Cumin Powder
- 2 tablespoons Coriander Powder
- 2 teaspoons Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Oregano Leaves (Use half dried if fresh unavailable)
Main Ingredient
- 4 pounds Pork Shoulder (Pork butt is a good alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a food processor, blend together the sour oranges (or citrus juice), fresh garlic, olive oil, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt until smooth, creating the traditional Cuban mojo sauce.
- Marinate Pork: Generously rub the pork shoulder with the mojo marinade, making sure every inch is coated. Wrap the pork tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Pre-Bake Prep: Remove the marinated pork from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking during roasting.
- Roast in Dutch Oven (Low Temperature): Preheat your oven to 295°F (145°C). Place the pork shoulder in a Dutch oven, cover it, and roast slowly for 3-4 hours to tenderize the meat gently.
- Increase Heat and Uncover: After the initial roasting phase, uncover the pork, baste it with the accumulated pan juices to retain moisture and flavor, then raise the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting uncovered for another 1-2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C) or the meat is fork-tender.
- Broil for Crispy Crust: To finish, broil the pork for 10-15 minutes until the exterior develops a crispy, golden crust that adds an irresistible texture contrast.
- Serve: Shred the pork using forks, mix it with any remaining mojo sauce in the pan, and serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Using fresh sour oranges yields the most authentic flavor, but substitute with a mixture of lemon and orange juice if sour oranges are unavailable.
- Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
- Cooking at a low initial temperature allows the pork to become very tender and moist.
- Raising the heat near the end helps develop a flavorful crust on the pork.
- Broiling at the end is essential for a crispy finish, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftover mojo sauce can be saved and used as a marinade or dipping sauce for other dishes.
