Cuban Mojo Pork with Black Beans and Cilantro-Lime Rice
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Cuban Mojo Pork dish, complemented perfectly by seasoned black beans and aromatic cilantro-lime rice. The succulent pork, marinated in a zesty blend of spices, garlic, and oregano, caramelizes beautifully in a skillet, while the black beans simmer with fresh onions and herbs for added depth. Prepare the fluffy yellow rice for a delightful contrast, and serve it all topped with garnishes of fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Perfectly paired with crusty bread, this dish brings a taste of Cuba to your table, making any meal an exciting culinary journey.
4
Servings
300
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans (not drained)
white onion
1/4 cup (finely diced)
cumin
2 teaspoons
fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (chopped (or sub 1 tsp dried if needed))
fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped (only fresh or frozen, not dried!))
fresh garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon
pork
1 lb (cut into 1 inch pieces (pre-cut stew pork recommended))
olive oil
3 tablespoons
flour
1/4 cup
cumin
2 teaspoons
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ((to taste))
onion powder
1 teaspoon
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
yellow rice
1 (16 ounce) package ((Vigo preferred))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the yellow rice according to package directions.
2
In a medium saucepan, combine the black beans, finely diced onion, cumin, fresh oregano, cilantro, minced garlic, and lime juice.
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, while you prepare the pork.
4
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
5
In a 1-gallon zipper bag, mix the flour, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
6
Add the pork pieces to the bag and shake vigorously to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
7
Remove the coated pork from the bag and place it in the hot skillet, browning on all sides until fully cooked, about 7–10 minutes.
8
Once the pork is browned, transfer it to a plate and set aside, turning off the heat to the skillet.
9
Carefully pour the black bean mixture into the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom, and stir gently to combine.
10
To serve, place a scoop of yellow rice on each plate, followed by a generous ladle of the black bean mixture.
11
Top with the cooked pork, and garnish each plate with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh cilantro.
12
Enjoy with slices of crusty bread for a complete Cuban dining experience.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Cuban Mojo Pork served with black beans and cilantro-lime yellow rice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 10g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, 20g of protein, and 7.5g of fiber.
Should I drain the black beans for this recipe?
No, the instructions specify using two 15.5-ounce cans of black beans that are not drained.
What type of pork is recommended?
It is recommended to use 1 pound of pork cut into 1-inch pieces; pre-cut stew pork is ideal.
What brand of yellow rice is suggested?
The recipe suggests using a 16-ounce package of Vigo brand yellow rice.
Can I use dried cilantro in the bean mixture?
No, the recipe specifically states to use only fresh or frozen cilantro, not dried.
What is the substitute for fresh oregano?
If fresh oregano is unavailable, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How do I coat the pork with spices?
Mix flour, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne, onion powder, and garlic powder in a 1-gallon zipper bag, then add the pork and shake vigorously.
How long does it take to cook the pork in the skillet?
The pork should be browned on all sides until fully cooked, which typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
What oil is used for frying the pork?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, which can be adjusted to taste.
What aromatics are added to the black beans?
The beans are simmered with finely diced white onion, cumin, fresh oregano, cilantro, minced garlic, and lime juice.
What is the purpose of scraping the skillet after browning the pork?
Scraping the skillet while adding the bean mixture helps incorporate the flavorful brown bits from the pork into the sauce.
How is the dish garnished?
Each plate is garnished with a fresh lime wedge and a sprig of fresh cilantro.
What side dish is recommended to accompany this meal?
It is recommended to enjoy this dish with slices of crusty bread for a complete Cuban experience.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 fresh minced garlic cloves for the beans and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for the pork coating.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely diced white onion.
How much cumin is used in total?
A total of 4 teaspoons of cumin is used: 2 teaspoons in the bean mixture and 2 teaspoons in the pork spice rub.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to begin preparing the yellow rice according to the package directions.
Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onion?
The recipe uses both: fresh white onion for the beans and onion powder for the pork seasoning.
What size should the zipper bag be for coating the pork?
A 1-gallon zipper bag is recommended for shaking the pork and spice mixture.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional information does not list any sugar content.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat.
How much fiber is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include Cuban, pork, black beans, yellow rice, mojo pork, and easy recipe.
What kind of citrus juice is used?
Fresh lime juice is used in the bean mixture and as a garnish.
Is the rice cooked with the meat?
No, the yellow rice is prepared separately according to its package directions.