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Cuban Mojo Pork: A Flavorful Journey to the Heart of Cuba
Cuban Mojo Pork is a dish bursting with flavor, influenced by the vibrant and rich culinary traditions of Cuba. With its irresistible combination of marinated pork and citrusy, garlicky sauce, this dish is the perfect way to bring a taste of Cuban cuisine to your home. Whether served on its own, in tacos, or as part of a bigger meal, Cuban Mojo Pork will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Caribbean.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Cuban Mojo Pork so special, break down the ingredients, and guide you through the easy steps to create this delicious dish in your kitchen.
What is Cuban Mojo Pork?
Cuban Mojo Pork is typically made with slow-roasted or grilled pork shoulder that’s marinated in a flavorful citrus-based sauce called “mojo.” The mojo sauce is the heart of the dish, made with fresh garlic, sour orange juice (or a substitute), and a blend of spices that infuse the pork with an incredible depth of flavor. The pork is marinated for several hours (or even overnight) to allow the flavors to penetrate, creating a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish that is the star of any meal.
The magic of Cuban Mojo Pork lies in the mojo sauce, which brings together the acidity of citrus, the warmth of garlic, and a touch of heat from chili peppers, all balanced by the earthy flavors of cumin and oregano. The slow-cooking process ensures that the pork becomes incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing the vibrant flavors of the marinade.
Why You’ll Love Cuban Mojo Pork
- Tender and Flavorful: The pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender when marinated and slow-cooked, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
- Citrusy and Garlicky: The combination of citrus and garlic in the mojo sauce gives this dish its unique, bright, and aromatic flavor.
- Versatile: Cuban Mojo Pork can be served in a variety of ways—on its own with rice and beans, in tacos, on sandwiches, or as a filling for empanadas.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that packs an impressive amount of flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cuban Mojo Pork is great for meal prepping, as the flavors only get better as it sits. It’s perfect for tacos, bowls, sandwiches, or salads throughout the week.
Ingredients for Cuban Mojo Pork
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:
For the Mojo Marinade:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (preferably sour orange juice, or use a mix of orange and lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pork:
- 3-4 pounds pork shoulder (boneless, or bone-in if you prefer)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cuban Mojo Pork
Making Cuban Mojo Pork is simple, and the process results in an incredible, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Make the Mojo Marinade
- Prepare the Mojo Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, white vinegar, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
- Blend or Crush (Optional): For an even more intense flavor, you can blend the sauce in a food processor or use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic and spices for a smoother marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Pork
- Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder, and make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the meat to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
- Marinate the Pork: Place the pork in a large resealabl
