Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork (Tender, Flavorful, and Authentic!)

This Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork is a taste of pure sunshine! It's a traditional Cuban dish that features a pork shoulder marinated in a vibrant and flavorful mojo sauce, then slow-roasted until it's incredibly tender and juicy. I love the combination of citrus, garlic, herbs, and spices - it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the Caribbean. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion, a weekend feast, or anytime you're craving authentic Cuban flavors.

Why You'll Love This Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork

• Authentic Cuban Flavor: The mojo marinade, made with citrus juices, garlic, cilantro, mint, and oregano, is the key to the authentic Cuban flavor of this dish.
• Tender and Juicy: Slow-roasting the pork shoulder results in incredibly tender and juicy meat.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice and beans, in sandwiches, or with your favorite sides.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can marinate the pork overnight for maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork

Here's what you'll need to make this flavorful pork roast. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Pork and Marinade

• Boneless pork shoulder (Meat)
• Extra-virgin olive oil (Oil)
• Orange zest (Flavoring)
• Fresh orange juice (Liquid)
• Fresh lime juice (Liquid)
• Cilantro, finely chopped (Herb)
• Mint leaves, finely chopped (Herb)
• Garlic cloves, minced (Aromatic)
• Oregano (Herb)
• Ground cumin (Spice)
• Kosher Salt
• Pepper

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

I love this Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork recipe as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
• Use Different Citrus: Try using a combination of orange, lime, and grapefruit juice.
• Add Onion: Add a thinly sliced onion to the marinade.
• Slow Cooker: Cook the pork in a slow cooker instead of the oven.
• Use a pressure cooker: For a quicker result.

How to Make Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork

Let me show you how to make this incredibly flavorful Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork:

Prepare the Mojo Marinade

1. If you have a food processor: I add the orange juice, cilantro leaves, mint leaves, and smashed (not minced) garlic cloves to the food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped. Then, I add this mixture to a large ziplock bag, along with the olive oil, orange zest, lime juice, oregano, and cumin.
2. If you don't have a food processor: In a large ziplock bag, I combine the olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chopped mint, minced garlic, oregano, and cumin. I shake the bag to mix everything up.

Marinate the Pork

1. I add the pork shoulder to the ziplock bag with the mojo marinade.
2. I seal the bag, making sure to remove any excess air.
3. I place the zipped-up bag in a baking dish and put it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least several hours. This allows the pork to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Roast the Pork

1. I preheat my oven to 425 degrees F (220°C).
2. I place a wire rack (I use a cooling rack) over a rimmed baking sheet.
3. I place the pork on the rack and discard the marinade.
4. I salt and pepper generously
5. I roast the pork for 30 minutes. It should be lightly browned.
6. Then, I turn the oven down to 375 degrees F (190°C) and roast for another 1 hour and 20-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).

Rest and Serve

1. I transfer the roasted pork to a cutting board, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
2. I carve the pork against the grain and serve.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Mojo Pork

Here are my secrets for making this pork roast truly exceptional:

• Marinate Overnight: Marinating the pork overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender roast.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork is cooked to the perfect temperature, use a meat thermometer.
• Let it Rest: Letting the pork rest after roasting is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
• Serve with Traditional Sides: Serve with black beans, rice, and plantains for a truly authentic Cuban meal.

How to Serve

This Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Cuban Sandwiches: Use the shredded pork to make classic Cuban sandwiches.
• Rice and Beans: Serve it with white rice and black beans for a traditional Cuban meal.
• Tacos or Burrito Bowls: Use the pork as a filling for tacos or burrito bowls.
• Salad: Add the shredded pork to a salad for a flavorful protein boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can marinate the pork overnight. Leftover roasted pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or in a skillet.

FAQs about Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork

• Can I use a different cut of pork?
  • Pork shoulder is the best cut for this recipe, but you can also use pork butt.
• Can I make this without the cilantro or mint?
  • While cilantro and mint are traditional ingredients in mojo, you can omit them if you prefer.
• What if I don't have a food processor?
  • You can finely chop the cilantro, mint, and garlic by hand.

Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and tender Cuban Roasted Mojo Pork! It's a taste of Cuba that's sure to impress.

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