Cuban Mojo Pork, Extra Tender
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Oct. 15, 2024
This Cuban Mojo Pork is exceptionally tender and perfectly seasoned. It’s a Cuban version of pulled pork immersed in a bright citrus mojo sauce that our guests rave about every single time!
In This Article
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Video: watch us make this Recipe
Why This Recipe Stands Out
We’ve hosted Dinner Club with a group of food lovers for over 15 years. Our guests always rave over this Cuban mojo pork. Here’s why your crew will love it, too:
- Remarkably Tender: Like Tender Pork Ragu, the slow-cooking process makes the pork so tender in this recipe – the meat would have fallen right off the bone had there been any bones.
- Bright, Zesty Sauce: It’s the Cuban version of pulled pork, immersed in a bright citrus sauce that’s knockout good.
- Hassle-Free: The Mojo sauce is incredibly easy and the braised pork is so simple, it’s hard to believe how something so unfussy could turn out that flavorful.
- Spot-on Meal Prep: The pork tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish for parties and gatherings.
- Easy to Dress Up or Down: Make this for family meal prep, or serve it as the perfect recipe for entertaining.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Pork – We use boneless country-style pork ribs for ultra tender results. Make sure to trim any excess fat, but leave do leave a bit of fat for a velvety texture.
- Mojo Sauce – This flavorful sauce is what sets our dish apart. Made with a mix of olive oil, freshly squeezed lime and orange juice, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, and a blend of dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, it infuses the pork with a bright, zesty flavor.
- Chicken Broth – We use regular chicken broth to add a savory depth to the dish and keep the pork extra tender. You can also use beef broth.
- Garlic – A whole head of garlic is peeled and chopped, infusing the pork with its aromatic flavor; don’t skimp on the garlic.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are our favorite substitutions and variations for this delicious pork dish:
- Pork Cut: If you can’t find boneless country-style pork ribs or you prefer a different cut of meat, feel free to use pork shoulder (aka pork butt) or pork tenderloin.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro is the signature herb for mojo sauce, but if you can opt for parsley, chives, mint, basil, or a combination.
- Spices: For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the mojo sauce. For a smokier flavor, add some smoked paprika.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Place all the ingredients for the Mojo sauce in a blender and puree until smooth.
- Combine pork, broth, two-thirds of the garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cover tightly and bake at 400F for 1.5 hours.
- Transfer the pork to a bowl. Boil the liquid in the pot until it’s reduced to 1.5 cups.
- Return the pork to the pot, add 1/4 cup of the mojo sauce, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sauté oil, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with the onion mixture, drizzle with the remaining mojo sauce and serve.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our favorite prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Mojo Sauce: You can make the mojo sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Make it a Freezer Meal: This recipe is freezer-friendly. You can assemble the pork and the mojo sauce in a freezer-friendly container and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight and cook as instructed. It’s a lifesaver on busy days!
What To Serve With Cuban Mojo Pork
Rice
- Fluffy white rice is a traditional side dish for Cuban Mojo Pork. It’s perfect to soak up the delicious juices from the pork.
- For a more flavorful rice dish, try making our Cilantro Lime Rice. The bright, fresh flavors of the cilantro and lime complement the pork beautifully.
- You can also serve this delicious Cuban Rice and Beans on the side for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.
Potatoes or Plantains
- Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be prepared in many different ways to go with Cuban Mojo Pork. We love these Garlic Roasted Potatoes or these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
- Fried Sweet Plantains, also known as maduros, are a popular side dish in Cuban cuisine. They are a great option to pair with this Cuban-inspired pork recipe.
Sandwiches
- Leftover Cuban Mojo Pork is perfect for making sandwiches. Shred the pork and serve it on a crusty roll with some pickled onions and a smear of mustard or mayo.
- For a tasty twist, serve it with this 15-Minute Flatbread or Naan (Grilled Flatbread)!
Commonly Asked Questions
We recommend using boneless country-style pork ribs for this Cuban mojo pork recipe. Be sure to trim off any excess fat and cut the pork into 2-3 inch pieces before cooking.
You’ll know the pork is very tender when it easily shreds with a fork. If you’re unsure, you can always give it a little extra time in the oven. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
This Cuban Mojo Pork will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavors.
Though pork is classic, this mojo marinade can be used for chicken thighs or beef as well. Depending on the cut of beef, you may need to cook longer for desired tenderness.
Did you make this?
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Cuban Mojo Pork
Ingredients
For Mojo Sauce:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, plus 2 TB
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 TB orange peel, grated
- 1 TB dried oregano
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp table salt
- 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Pork:
- 5 ½ lbs boneless country style pork ribs, excess fat trimmed, cut into 2-3 inch pieces
- 28 oz regular chicken broth
- 1 head garlic, peeled and chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp table salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 TB olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Mojo sauce by placing all sauce ingredients in a blender. Puree until sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400F with rack on lower middle. In an oven proof heavy pot combine pork, broth, two-thirds of the garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cover tightly and bake 1.5 hours or until pork is very tender. Use slotted spoon to transfer pork to a bowl. Boil the liquid in pot until it's reduced to 1.5 cups, about 30 min. Return pork to pot, add 1/4 cup of the mojo sauce, and simmer 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a heavy large skillet over medium high heat, add oil, onion, and rest of garlic. Saute until onions are tender, 12 min. Season with a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer pork to serving individual plates. Spoon pan juices over pork. Top with onion mixture, and drizzle with remaining Mojo sauce.
Notes
- We use our Dutch Oven or All Clad Pot, as both options are extremely sturdy, cook evenly, and can go straight from stovetop to oven.
- Mojo sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and covered/chilled until ready to use.
- You can also use this mojo sauce with chicken thighs or beef. For chicken, you can cook for less time. For certain cuts of beef, you’ll need to increase the cook time for desired tenderness.
- For tasty serving ideas and variations, see original article.
- This recipe is part of our Favorite Gathering Recipes.
- Serve the Cuban Mojo Pork with Cuban Rice and Beans or perfectly cooked jasmine rice, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.
Nutrition (per serving)
More to Cook And Eat
- Slow Cooker Pork Loin – Just set it and forget it. Then gather around the most tender slow cooker pork loin ever.
- BBQ Smoky Pulled Pork – This slow cooker version is absolutely delish, and hits the spot all year round.
- Quick ‘n Easy Maple Glazed Pork Chops – Seriously easy and 120% delicious. Sure to become a family favorite.
- Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork) – this pork makes my favorite tacos in the world. It’s a fail proof recipe.