Cuban-style Mojo Pork Roast
This Cuban-style Mojo Pork Roast is an unforgettable dish that fully embraces the vibrant flavors of traditional Cuban cuisine. It's perfect for special occasions like New Year's Eve, when you crave something unique and flavorful after the holiday turkey. This recipe stands out with a succulent pork roast marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic sauce, accompanied by a fragrant Mojo Criollo dipping sauce. The secret to achieving tender, fall-apart meat is allowing it to slow roast for several hours, ensuring that the flavors permeate every bite. Though optional, the addition of blood orange juice enhances the dish's visual appeal without altering its delicious taste. Serve this dish with savory black beans, fluffy white rice, and a fresh green salad of avocados drizzled with vinaigrette for a complete feast your guests will rave about. Just remember—the longer you marinate, the tastier it becomes!
10
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork roast
5 lb (trimmed of fat)
Fresh garlic
1 head (grated)
Dried oregano
2 tablespoons (crushed)
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon (plus 1 teaspoon for Mojo)
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon
Valencia oranges
8 (juiced)
Limes
6 (juiced)
Blood orange juice
1/2 cup (juice of 2 oranges (optional))
Red wine
1/4 cup
Light tasting olive oil
2 tablespoons (plus 1/4 cup for cooking)
Yellow onion
1 (sliced into 1/4 inch thick rings)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the marinade: in a small bowl, combine half of the grated garlic, the dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper to create a paste.
2
Score the surface of the pork roast with diagonal cuts to help the marinade penetrate the meat. Rub the garlic-oregano paste thoroughly over the entire roast.
3
Place the marinated roast into a gallon-sized freezer bag or a large dish suitable for marinating. Pour the juice of 3 oranges, 3 limes, red wine, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the roast.
4
Seal the bag, turning it several times to ensure the marinade evenly coats the meat. Marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
5
When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the marinated pork, along with the marinade, into a large roasting pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
6
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 hours, checking to ensure it's fork-tender. Depending on the cut, it may take up to 6 hours. The meat should easily pull apart with a fork when done.
7
Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the meat while allowing it to soak in the pan juices.
8
To prepare the Mojo Criollo sauce, place onion rings into a deep bowl. Add the remaining grated garlic, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, juice from the remaining 3 limes, juice from 5 oranges, and the optional blood orange juice. Press down on the onions to ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
9
Let the onion mixture marinate for at least 20 minutes, as this step is essential for enhancing the flavors.
10
While the onions are marinating, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the marinated onions and juices, quickly stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until the onions start to soften.
11
Transfer the Mojo sauce to a serving dish and present it alongside the shredded roast for dipping.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
16g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban-style Mojo Pork Roast?
It is a traditional Cuban dish featuring a succulent pork roast marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic sauce and served with a Mojo Criollo dipping sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 21g of fat, 16g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
How long should I marinate the pork roast?
The meat should marinate for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight for the best flavor.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the pork need to roast?
Roasting typically takes between 3 to 4 hours, though some cuts may require up to 6 hours to become fork-tender.
What is the purpose of scoring the pork roast?
Scoring the surface with diagonal cuts helps the garlic-oregano marinade penetrate deeper into the meat.
What ingredients are in the initial marinade paste?
The paste is made from half of the grated garlic head, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper.
What liquids are used for the main marinade?
The marinade uses the juice of 3 oranges, 3 limes, red wine, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Is blood orange juice required for this recipe?
No, blood orange juice is optional; it enhances the visual appeal but does not significantly alter the taste.
How is the Mojo Criollo sauce prepared?
It is prepared by marinating onion rings in a mixture of garlic, salt, lime juice, and orange juice before quickly stir-frying them in olive oil.
How long should the onions marinate for the Mojo sauce?
The onion mixture should marinate for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Should the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, once removed from the oven, let the pork rest for 20 minutes before shredding.
How should the pork be shredded?
Use two forks to pull the meat apart, allowing it to soak in the juices from the roasting pan.
What kind of oranges are recommended?
The recipe specifies using Valencia oranges.
How much garlic is used in total?
One full head of fresh garlic, grated, is used throughout the recipe.
Should the roasting pan be covered?
Yes, cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil to help keep the moisture inside during the long cooking process.
What type of onion is used for the Mojo Criollo?
The recipe calls for one yellow onion, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rings.
What are traditional side dishes for this meal?
It is traditionally served with black beans, white rice, and an avocado salad with vinaigrette.
What kind of oil should be used for cooking the Mojo sauce?
A light-tasting olive oil is recommended for both the marinade and the stir-fry.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of crushed dried oregano.
How much pork is needed?
The recipe requires a 5 lb pork roast, trimmed of fat.
How many limes are needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 6 limes are used, juiced for the marinade and the Mojo sauce.
Is there any red wine in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of red wine is used in the marinade for the pork roast.
What is the key to achieving tender meat?
The secret is slow roasting the pork for several hours until it is fork-tender.
How is the Mojo Criollo sauce served?
It is transferred to a serving dish and presented alongside the shredded pork for dipping.
How long do you stir-fry the marinated onions?
The onions and their juices should be quickly stir-fried for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The recipe data does not list a specific amount for fiber, though the onions and citrus contain small amounts.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The entire head of garlic should be grated before being used in the marinade and sauce.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, it is noted as an excellent alternative for special occasions like New Year's Eve.