A mojo marinated pork shoulder recipe is an easy way to make juicy marinated pork. The pork is marinated in fresh orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, and olive oil, then slowly roasted until the meat is soft enough to pull apart with a fork.
This is a perfect easy dinner recipe for weekend cooking, holiday meals, or preparing delicious leftovers. The marinade takes only a few minutes to mix, while the oven does most of the work.
What Is Mojo Marinated Pork Shoulder?
Mojo marinated pork shoulder is a Cuban-inspired pork dish made with a citrus-based marinade called mojo. It combines sour orange or regular orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, and olive oil to give the meat a fresh, savory, and slightly tangy taste.
Why Is Mojo Pork Shoulder a Great Easy Dinner Recipe?
Mojo pork shoulder is a great Easy Dinner Recipe because it uses simple ingredients, requires little hands-on preparation, and can feed a family or a group of guests. You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and let the pork absorb the citrus and garlic flavors overnight.
Mojo Marinated Pork Shoulder Recipe
Cuisine: Cuban-inspiredDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes4
hours8
HoursKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients for Mojo Marinated Pork Shoulder Recipe
- For the pork:
4 lb (1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder or pork butt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the mojo marinade:
½ cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup fresh lime juice
¼ cup olive oil
8 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Directions for Mojo Marinated Pork Shoulder Recipe
- Prepare the Mojo Marinade
Whisk orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, orange zest, vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined. - Marinate the Pork Shoulder
Coat the pork shoulder with the mojo marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 8–24 hours, turning occasionally for even flavor. - Prepare the Pork for Roasting
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the marinated pork in a roasting pan, add the marinade, and cover tightly with foil. - Slow Roast the Pork
Roast covered for 4–5 hours until the pork becomes fork-tender and reaches approximately 195–205°F (90–96°C) for easy shredding. - Brown the Outside
Remove the foil during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking to develop a golden-brown surface, then rest the pork for 15–20 minutes. - Shred and Serve
Shred the tender pork using two forks, mix with the pan juices, and finish with fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Estimated values based on 8 servings, including pork and marinade ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 33 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 125 mg |
| Sodium | 575 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the pork shoulder’s fat content, how much fat is trimmed, and how much marinade and cooking juice are consumed.
What Are the Best Variations of Mojo Marinated Pork?
You can use the same citrus, garlic, and herb mojo marinade with different cuts of pork. Each variation offers a slightly different texture and cooking time, making it easy to enjoy this Cuban-inspired flavor in several ways.
- Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork: A traditional-inspired version with garlic, sour orange, oregano, and cumin.
- Mojo Marinated Pork Chops: Juicy pork chops soaked in citrus and garlic marinade, then grilled or pan-seared.
- Mojo Marinated Pork Tenderloin: A lean, tender cut with a bright citrus flavor, perfect for roasting or grilling.
How Long Should You Marinate Pork Shoulder in Mojo?
For the best flavor, marinate pork shoulder for 8–24 hours in the refrigerator. This gives the garlic, citrus, oregano, and cumin enough time to season the surface of the meat. Always keep raw pork refrigerated while marinating rather than leaving it on the kitchen counter.
What Is the Best Temperature for Cooking Mojo Pork Shoulder?
The best oven temperature for slow-roasted mojo pork shoulder is 300°F (150°C). This moderate heat allows the connective tissue to soften gradually, making the pork easy to shred. Although whole pork cuts can be safely cooked to 145°F (63°C) with a three-minute rest, pulled pork needs a much higher temperature for its tender texture.
What Can You Serve with Mojo Marinated Pork?
Mojo pork pairs well with simple sides that balance its rich, citrusy flavor. Some good options include:
- Cuban black beans and rice: A classic-style pairing with savory pork.
- Roasted potatoes: Their crisp edges complement the tender meat.
- Fried plantains: Add a sweet contrast to the garlic and citrus.
- Fresh green salad: Provides a light, refreshing side.
- Warm sandwich rolls: Perfect for making pork sandwiches with pan juices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)
1. Can I make mojo marinated pork shoulder in a slow cooker?
Yes. Place the marinated pork and marinade in a slow cooker. Cook on low for approximately 8–10 hours or until fork-tender. Cooking time depends on the size of the pork and your slow cooker.
2. Why is my mojo pork shoulder tough?
Pork shoulder usually becomes tough when it has not cooked long enough for its connective tissue to break down. Continue slow roasting and check the internal temperature. The meat should be very tender before shredding.
3. Is mojo marinated pork shoulder good for sandwiches?
Absolutely. Shredded mojo pork is excellent in sandwiches because its tender texture and citrus-garlic flavor pair well with bread, pickles, mustard, and cheese.
4. How do I store leftover mojo marinated pork shoulder?
Store cooked pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Keep some pan juices with the meat to prevent it from drying out. Reheat until the pork reaches 165°F (74°C).
