Cuban Mojo Pork

Cuban Mojo Pork is a flavorful and tender dish made with pork marinated in a citrusy garlic and herb sauce, known as mojo. The marinade usually contains a combination of sour orange juice (or a substitute of orange and lime juice), garlic, cumin, oregano, and olive oil, which infuses the meat with bold and aromatic flavors. After marinating, the pork is typically slow-cooked until it’s fall-apart tender.

Here’s a simple recipe to make Cuban Mojo Pork:

Ingredients:

For the Mojo Marinade:

• 1 cup sour orange juice (or substitute with 1/2 cup orange juice + 1/2 cup lime juice)

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 10 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Pork:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt

• 1 onion, sliced

• 2-3 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mojo Marinade:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the sour orange juice (or orange and lime juice), olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

2. Marinate the Pork:

   • Place the pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, making sure it’s fully coated.

   • Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

3. Cook the Pork:

   • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

   • Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.

   • In a large roasting pan, add a layer of sliced onions and bay leaves at the bottom.

   • Place the marinated pork shoulder on top of the onions. Pour the reserved marinade over the pork.

   • Cover the pan with foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 3-4 hours or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.

4. Shred the Pork:

   • Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

   • Shred the pork using two forks, mixing the shredded meat with the juices from the pan.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the Cuban Mojo Pork with rice, black beans, or in tacos, sandwiches, or wraps. You can also pair it with fried plantains for an authentic Cuban meal.

Enjoy your delicious Cuban Mojo Pork! It’s a savory, tangy, and juicy dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a special gathering.