Cuban-Inspired Mojo Grilled Pork Shoulder
Savor the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this Cuban-inspired Mojo Grilled Pork Shoulder. Infused with a vibrant marinade of citrus juices, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs, this dish is bursting with flavors that will impress your guests. The slow grilling process ensures that the pork is tender and juicy, while the zesty cilantro sauce provides a refreshing finish. Perfect for your next barbecue or family gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s well worth the effort. If you can't find pork shoulder, a blade roast is a great substitute.
10
Servings
375
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
soy sauce
1/2 cup
lime juice
1/2 cup
orange juice
1/2 cup
orange liqueur or additional orange juice
1/4 cup
olive oil
3 tablespoons
packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons
fresh oregano, chopped or dried oregano
2 tablespoons
minced garlic
2 tablespoons
cumin seed
1 tablespoon
lime zest
1 tablespoon
fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoons
boneless pork shoulder butt
5-6 lbs (trimmed)
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
water
2 tablespoons
orange juice
3/4 cup (fresh is best)
fresh lime juice
1/4 cup
sugar
1 teaspoon
chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup
reserved marinade
as needed
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, orange liqueur (or additional orange juice), olive oil, brown sugar, chopped oregano, minced garlic, cumin seed, lime zest, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
2
Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade for later use and refrigerate.
3
Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the pork, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 24 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
4
Prepare the grill by lighting the two outside burners of a three-burner grill or lighting one side of a two-burner grill. Place a drip pan under the unlit side and heat the grill on high until hot. Then, reduce the heat to low.
5
Remove the pork from the marinade, discarding the bag and the marinade. Place the roast over the drip pan on the unlit side of the grill. Cover and grill for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F while maintaining a grill temperature of 300-350°F.
6
Once cooked, transfer the roast to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
7
While the pork is resting, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
8
In a saucepan, combine the reserved marinade and fresh orange juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
9
Stir in the lime juice and sugar, followed by the cornstarch mixture. Bring the sauce to a boil for 30 seconds, or until it thickens slightly.
10
Slice the pork into 1/4 inch thick pieces, then rewarm the sauce, adding fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. Serve the sauce on the side for drizzling over the sliced pork.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
12g
Carbs
36g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban-Inspired Mojo Grilled Pork Shoulder?
It is a savory Caribbean-inspired dish featuring pork shoulder marinated in citrus, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs, then slow-grilled to perfection.
What cut of meat is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5-6 lbs of boneless pork shoulder butt, trimmed.
What is a good substitute if I cannot find pork shoulder?
A blade roast is an excellent substitute for pork shoulder in this recipe.
How long should the pork be marinated?
For the best flavor, the pork should be refrigerated in the marinade for 24 hours, turning occasionally.
What are the primary citrus components of the Mojo marinade?
The marinade uses lime juice, orange juice, and lime zest to create its signature citrus flavor.
Can I substitute the orange liqueur?
Yes, you can use additional orange juice if you prefer not to use orange liqueur.
How should I set up my grill for this recipe?
Prepare the grill for indirect heat by lighting the outside burners of a three-burner grill or one side of a two-burner grill, placing a drip pan under the unlit side.
What temperature should the grill be maintained at?
The grill temperature should be maintained between 300-350°F during the cooking process.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F.
How long does the grilling process usually take?
The pork typically takes about 2 hours to grill over indirect heat.
Why should I let the meat rest after grilling?
Resting the roast for 15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains juicy.
How do I thicken the finishing sauce?
The sauce is thickened using a slurry made of 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water.
How much marinade should be reserved for the sauce?
You should reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade before adding the raw meat to use later for the sauce.
When should fresh cilantro be added to the sauce?
Add the fresh chopped cilantro to the sauce just before serving to maintain its color and flavor.
How should the pork be sliced for serving?
Slice the pork into 1/4 inch thick pieces before drizzling with the warm sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 10 servings.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 36g of protein.
How many calories are in a single serving?
One serving of this Mojo Grilled Pork Shoulder contains 375 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18g of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 12g of carbohydrates.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either fresh chopped oregano or dried oregano.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The reserved marinade and orange juice should simmer for 5 minutes before adding the other sauce ingredients.
How long do I boil the sauce after adding the cornstarch?
Bring the sauce to a boil for 30 seconds after adding the cornstarch mixture to ensure it thickens slightly.
What spices are included in the Mojo marinade?
The marinade includes minced garlic, cumin seed, and fresh ground pepper.
Is sugar used in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses packed brown sugar in the marinade and a small amount of regular sugar in the sauce.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser and is tagged as family-friendly.
What kind of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Why is it important to turn the pork while marinating?
Turning the meat occasionally in the resealable bag ensures even marination on all sides.
Is fresh orange juice recommended for the sauce?
Yes, for the 3/4 cup of orange juice in the sauce, the recipe notes that 'fresh is best'.
What is the purpose of the drip pan during grilling?
The drip pan is placed under the unlit side of the grill to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups during the slow-grilling process.