Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork is a mouthwatering dish that combines savory, zesty flavors with a tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, teasing everyone’s taste buds as they eagerly await their first bite.
I remember the first time I made this delightful dish for my family; it was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. The moment they took their first bite, their eyes lit up like fireworks on New Year’s Eve. It became an instant hit, and now it’s our go-to dish for celebrations or just because we feel fancy!
Why You'll Love This Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork
- This incredible Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
Everyone loves it when you whip up something special without breaking a sweat.
This dish boasts a flavor profile that dances on your palate with citrusy brightness and garlicky goodness.
Visually stunning, it presents beautifully on any table setting, making it perfect for all occasions.
It allows endless possibilities for side dishes to create a well-rounded meal that pleases everyone.
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how juicy and flavorful this pork was at my last dinner party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pork Shoulder: A well-marbled cut is ideal for maximum tenderness and flavor during roasting.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the mojo sauce’s aromatic quality; choose firm and plump ones.
Citrus Juices: A blend of orange and lime juices brings a refreshing zest to the marinade.
Oregano: Dried oregano infuses an earthy note into the marinade; consider using Mexican oregano for an extra kick.
Cumin: This spice adds warmth and depth; go for ground cumin for ease of use.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil helps bind the marinade ingredients together while imparting richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors in this dish; don’t skimp on them!
For the Sauce:
Pork Broth: Using homemade or store-bought broth adds moisture during cooking and enhances flavor depth.
Onions: Sweet onions caramelize beautifully, adding sweetness to balance the tangy marinade.
Bay Leaves: These leaves provide a subtle aromatic essence that complements the meat perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork
Preparation of this glorious dish is straightforward yet incredibly rewarding.
Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, citrus juices, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade. Place pork shoulder in a resealable bag or dish. Pour marinade over pork and ensure it’s thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible—trust me; patience pays off!
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature ensures even cooking while keeping the pork juicy and tender throughout.
Sear the Pork: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear each side of the marinated pork until golden brown—about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in flavors while giving your meat beautiful color.
Add Aromatics: Transfer seared pork to a roasting pan. Add sliced onions around it along with bay leaves for added fragrance as it roasts.
Braise in Oven: Pour in enough broth to cover half of the pork shoulder—this keeps it moist while roasting. Cover tightly with foil and roast in preheated oven for about 3 hours or until fork-tender.
Sauce It Up: Once done roasting, remove from oven and let rest before shredding. Meanwhile, strain pan juices into a saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened—this makes an irresistible sauce!
Now you’re ready to serve! Shred that delicious pork with two forks and drizzle it generously with your homemade sauce.
Enjoy this culinary adventure filled with flavors reminiscent of Cuba’s rich heritage! Your taste buds will thank you as you savor every bite of this roasted Cuban mojo pork masterpiece!
You Must Know About Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork
- This showstopping Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear your pork in a hot skillet first to lock in those juicy flavors, then marinate while preparing your mojo sauce. Roast it low and slow for ultimate tenderness, keeping an eye on that internal temperature for perfectly cooked pork.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or swapping orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical twist. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the meat stays moist and deliciously tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork
- This professional-quality Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
Cooking this dish always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with sizzling sounds and mouthwatering aromas. She had this magical way of making every meal feel like a celebration, and I strive to honor that legacy with each roast I prepare.
FAQ
What is Cuban mojo sauce made of?
Cuban mojo sauce typically consists of garlic, sour orange juice, olive oil, cumin, oregano, and salt. It’s a vibrant marinade that infuses your pork with incredible flavor while keeping it tender.
Can I use other meats instead of pork?
Absolutely! Mojo marinade pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, or even fish. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat’s thickness and type to ensure everything cooks evenly.
How long should I marinate the pork?
For best results, marinate your pork overnight—this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. However, if you’re short on time, even two hours can still yield delicious results.
What side dishes go well with Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork?
Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork pairs wonderfully with rice and black beans or a fresh avocado salad. You can also serve it alongside fried plantains for a true taste of Cuba!
Conclusion for Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork
Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and memories waiting to be created around your dinner table. With simple ingredients and tips shared here, you’ll be able to create this culinary masterpiece easily. Remember to let your creativity shine through as you add personal touches! Enjoy every bite as you share this delightful dish with family and friends!
Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork, a dish that marries succulent, tender pork with a zesty marinade of garlic, citrus, and spices. This recipe is perfect for any occasion—be it a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner. With its mouthwatering aroma and stunning presentation, this dish will elevate your dining experience and leave your guests craving more.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups pork broth
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 bay leaves
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the pork shoulder with the marinade in a resealable bag or dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the marinated pork until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes per side).
- Place seared pork in a roasting pan with sliced onions and bay leaves.
- Pour enough broth to cover half of the pork shoulder. Cover tightly with foil and roast for about 3 hours or until fork-tender.
- Once cooked, let the pork rest before shredding. Strain pan juices into a saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened for sauce.
- Shred the pork using two forks and drizzle with homemade sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
