Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 370 min
Ingredients: 8 garlic cloves (finely minced); ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt; ¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a gentle smoky warmth); 1 4-pound pork shoulder or pork butt, bone-in or boneless; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; Zest of 1 lime; ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves; Zest of 1 large orang

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As a food enthusiast, I find pure joy in experimenting with different flavors and techniques in the kitchen. Recently, I embarked on a culinary adventure, crafting a dish that transports your taste buds straight to sunny Cuba: Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience, a story told through vibrant flavors that come together perfectly in a slow cooker.

Pairing this flavorful pork dish with sides is a treat in itself. I often serve it with fluffy white rice or classic Cuban black beans. The subtle sweetness of fried plantains adds an extra layer of indulgence. And let’s not forget a refreshing avocado salad to balance it all out. Trust me; every bite is a celebration.

What is Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork?

Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that features pork shoulder marinated in a zesty citrus sauce known as “mojo.” This magical concoction blends lime and orange juices with garlic, herbs, and spices. The result? Tender, juicy pork that falls apart effortlessly. It’s a perfect dish for gatherings, easy to prepare, and allows you to enjoy the company of your guests while it slowly cooks to perfection.

The Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s gather our ingredients. For this dish, you will need the following:

8 garlic cloves, finely minced
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a gentle smoky warmth)
1 (4-pound) pork shoulder or pork butt, bone-in or boneless
2 teaspoons ground cumin

Zest of 1 lime
¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon honey (adds subtle sweetness and helps caramelization)

2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
Zest of 1 large orange

These ingredients celebrate the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine, each bringing their unique contribution to the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork

Making Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork is a journey filled with flavors, and it begins with marinating the pork in a heavenly mojo sauce. The slow cooker takes care of the rest, ensuring every ounce of flavor seeps into the meat. Let’s break it down, step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the Mojo Marinade

Start by creating the mojo marinade. In a bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, salt, cumin, black pepper, oregano, and both zests. Mix everything well.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork

Take your pork shoulder and place it in a large resealable bag or a deep dish. Pour the prepared mojo marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s completely covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.

Step 3: Set the Slow Cooker

After marinating, it’s time to transfer the pork to the slow cooker. Place the pork in the slow cooker, along with all the marinade. Add the honey and the smoked paprika for that subtle smokiness.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let it cook for about 8 hours, or until the meat is incredibly tender and shreds effortlessly with a fork.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, remove the pork from the slow cooker. Let it rest for about 10 minutes, then shred it with two forks. Toss the shredded meat in some of the cooking juices from the slow cooker for extra moisture.

Now, it’s ready to serve!

Notes (Tips for Perfection)

Choose the Right Cut: A pork shoulder or pork butt works best due to its fat content and connective tissue, which helps keep the meat moist during the long cooking process.
Time Matters: The longer you marinate the pork, the better! Aim for at least 8 hours for maximum flavor.

Adjust Spice Levels: If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Serve with Accompaniments: This dish is versatile; consider adding toppings like pickled onions or fresh cilantro for an extra flavor burst.
Don’t Skip the Liquid: Make sure to keep some of the cooking liquid for drizzling over the finished pork when serving. It really enhances the flavor.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the shredded pork. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for it, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork (based on a recipe yielding 8 servings) provides approximately:

This dish is a flavor powerhouse, perfect for satisfying hearty appetites while also being relatively low in carbs, especially if you forgo the rice.

Serving Suggestions

Fluffy White Rice: Serve the pork on a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful juices perfectly.
Black Beans: A side of classic Cuban black beans provides an excellent protein boost and enhances the dish’s authenticity.
Fried Plantains: Their sweetness complements the savory pork beautifully. It adds a delightful texture contrast.

Avocado Salad: A refreshing avocado salad with lime dressing can balance the richness of the pork nicely.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Infusing cooked rice with cilantro and lime can add a zesty flair to your meal.

Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork copycat Recipe

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork?

Chicken Thighs: Prefer poultry? Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They will absorb the mojo flavors well and become tender when cooked slowly.

Jackfruit: For a plant-based option, young jackfruit can mimic the texture of pulled pork when seasoned. It’s perfect for vegans seeking a Cuban dish.
Pork Tenderloin: If you want a quicker cooking time, pork tenderloin can work. Just reduce the cooking time to about 4-5 hours.
Beef Chuck Roast: Want to try something different? A beef chuck roast can replace pork, offering its robust flavor.

Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, firm tofu marinated and slow-cooked can absorb those vibrant mojo flavors beautifully.

As a food enthusiast, I find pure joy in experimenting with different flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Caribbean, Cuban

Servings

Calories 43 kcal

Equipment

Aluminium foil
pairing knife

Ingredients

8 garlic cloves finely minced
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt

¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro chopped
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a gentle smoky warmth

1 4-pound pork shoulder or pork butt, bone-in or boneless
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Zest of 1 lime

¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves

Zest of 1 large orang