🌴 What Is Cuban Mojo Pork?
Cuban Mojo Pork—known in Spanish as “Lechón Asado con Mojo”—is one of Cuba’s most iconic dishes. It features slow-roasted pork marinated in a vibrant mixture of citrus juices, garlic, herbs, and spices. The result is tender, pull-apart meat infused with bright, tangy, and savory flavors.
This dish is especially popular during celebrations and holidays, but it’s easy enough to make at home for a special weekend meal.
🍊 Ingredients👇
For the Pork:
2–3 kg pork shoulder (bone-in preferred for flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Mojo Marinade:
1 cup fresh orange juice (preferably sour orange if available)
½ cup lime juice
10 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
½ cup olive oil
1 onion (thinly sliced)
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
🔪 Preparation Steps👇
1. Prepare the Pork
Rinse and pat dry the pork shoulder.
Score the surface with a sharp knife to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Mojo
In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, olive oil, onion slices, and bay leaves.
Mix well until fully blended.
3. Marinate
Place the pork in a large container or zip bag.
Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, ensuring it gets into all the cuts.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
🔥 Cooking Method👇
Oven Roasting (Most Common)
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
Place the pork in a roasting pan and pour the marinade over it.
Cover with foil and roast for 3–4 hours, basting occasionally.
Remove foil, increase heat to 200°C (390°F), and roast for another 30–45 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Alternative: Slow Cooker
Cook on low for 8–10 hours until the pork is fall-apart tender.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions👇
Serve Cuban Mojo Pork with:
White rice or Cuban-style rice and beans
Fried plantains (tostones or maduros)
Fresh salad or avocado slices
Crusty bread to soak up the juices
💡 Tips for Best Flavor
Sour orange juice (naranja agria) gives authentic taste—mix orange + lime if unavailable.
Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
Use bone-in pork for extra juiciness.
Let the meat rest 10–15 minutes before shredding or slicing.
🥗 Nutritional Highlights
High in protein
Rich in healthy fats (from olive oil)
Naturally gluten-free
✨ Final Thoughts
Cuban Mojo Pork is a perfect balance of citrus brightness and savory richness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just craving something different, this dish brings a taste of the Caribbean straight to your table.