Cuban Mojo Pork Shoulder
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this slow-cooked pork shoulder recipe, inspired by the traditional mojo marinade. Infused with a harmonious blend of garlic, citrus juices, and spices, this dish is perfect for gatherings or a comforting family dinner. Serve it alongside black beans and rice for a complete meal that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine. The slow-cooking method ensures the pork becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the aromatic spices fill your home with irresistible scents.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
9 (chopped)
salt
2 tablespoons
dried oregano
4 teaspoons
ground cumin
1 tablespoon
black pepper
2 teaspoons
ground dried chile
2 teaspoons
dried bay leaves
2 (finely crumbled)
orange zest
1 tablespoon (grated)
vinegar
2 tablespoons
fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons
lime juice
2 tablespoons
pork shoulder
5 lbs (bone and skin removed, cut into 2-inch cubes)
onions
3 (sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices)
vegetable broth or chicken broth
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped garlic, salt, dried oregano, ground cumin, black pepper, ground dried chile, and finely crumbled bay leaves. Add the grated orange zest and mix well.
2
Stir in the vinegar, fresh orange juice, and lime juice to create a coarse paste that will flavor the pork.
3
Add the cubed pork shoulder to the bowl, tossing until all pieces are thoroughly coated with the spice mixture. Allow the pork to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
4
While the pork is marinating, prepare the onions by trimming and slicing them lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
5
Layer the sliced onions evenly in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker insert.
6
Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the onions, ensuring they are well-coated.
7
Top the onions with the marinated pork, pouring any remaining marinade over the meat for added flavor.
8
Cover the slow cooker insert and place it in the slow cooker. Set it to high heat and cook for 4 to 4.5 hours, or on low for 8 hours, until the pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
9
Once cooking is complete, remove the insert from the heat and slightly crack the lid to let the mixture cool for about 10-15 minutes.
10
Gently stir the pork with the onions before serving. Enjoy your hearty Cuban-style pork with a side of black beans and rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Mojo Pork Shoulder?
Cuban Mojo Pork Shoulder is a slow-cooked pork dish inspired by traditional mojo marinade, featuring garlic, citrus, and aromatic spices.
What are the primary citrus components in the marinade?
The marinade uses fresh orange juice, lime juice, and grated orange zest to achieve its signature vibrant flavor.
How long does the pork need to cook in a slow cooker?
The pork can be cooked on high for 4 to 4.5 hours or on low for 8 hours until it is fork-tender.
What cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 lbs of pork shoulder with the bone and skin removed, cut into 2-inch cubes.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The recipe calls for 9 cloves of garlic that should be chopped before being added to the spice mixture.
What is the recommended marinating time?
You should marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes, though it can stay in the refrigerator overnight for a deeper flavor.
How do I prepare the onions for the slow cooker?
Three onions should be trimmed and sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick strips.
Where do the onions go in the slow cooker?
The sliced onions should be layered evenly at the bottom of the 5- to 6-quart slow cooker insert.
What type of broth can I use?
You can use 1/3 cup of either vegetable broth or chicken broth.
What spices are included in the dry rub?
The rub includes salt, dried oregano, ground cumin, black pepper, ground dried chile, and finely crumbled bay leaves.
How many bay leaves are required?
The recipe uses 2 dried bay leaves that must be finely crumbled.
What is the suggested serving size or side dish?
This dish is best served alongside black beans and rice for a complete Cuban-style meal.
Should I add the leftover marinade to the slow cooker?
Yes, pour any remaining marinade over the pork once it is placed on top of the onions for extra flavor.
What is the first step in making the marinade?
Combine the chopped garlic, salt, oregano, cumin, pepper, chile, bay leaves, and orange zest in a large bowl.
How do I create the mojo paste?
Stir vinegar, fresh orange juice, and lime juice into the dry spice and garlic mixture to create a coarse paste.
What should the consistency of the pork be after cooking?
The pork should be fork-tender and easily shredded once cooking is complete.
Is there a cooling period after the slow cooker is turned off?
Yes, let the mixture cool for about 10-15 minutes with the lid slightly cracked after removing it from the heat.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of salt.
How much cumin is needed?
One tablespoon of ground cumin is used in the mojo spice blend.
How much orange zest is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest.
What is the role of vinegar in this recipe?
Two tablespoons of vinegar are added to the citrus juices to help form the marinade paste.
How much dried oregano is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of dried oregano.
Is there any heat or spice in the pork?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 teaspoons of ground dried chile for a bit of warmth.
What size slow cooker insert is needed?
A 5- to 6-quart slow cooker insert is recommended for this amount of pork.
Do I need to stir the pork during cooking?
No, you should only gently stir the pork with the onions after the cooking and cooling process is finished.
Should the onions be coated in liquid?
Yes, ensure the onions are well-coated by pouring the broth over them before adding the meat.
How much black pepper is in the spice mix?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of black pepper.
Can I cook this dish faster?
The fastest method is using the high heat setting on the slow cooker for 4 to 4.5 hours.
What makes the pork 'melt-in-your-mouth' tender?
The combination of the citrus marinade and the slow-cooking method ensures the pork shoulder becomes very tender.
What is the aroma of this dish like?
The slow-cooking process fills the home with the scents of aromatic spices like cumin, garlic, and citrus.