We love discovering vibrant flavors during our travels. One recipe that has truly captured our hearts is Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork. This dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also brings a taste of Cuba right into our kitchen.
Using a fresh citrus marinade infused with garlic and spices, this recipe guarantees tender and flavorful pork that’s perfect for any meal.
Slow cooking the pork allows it to soak up all the delicious flavors, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Whether served with rice, in a sandwich, or even in a taco, we find that this dish goes well with just about anything.
Why You’ll Love This Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe
We are excited to share this Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy vibrant Cuban flavors right at home.
The marinade is made with citrus juices like lime and orange, giving the pork a bright, tangy taste. This enhances the natural flavor of the meat, making each bite juicy and delicious.
This dish is perfect for busy days. The slow cooker does the work for us, turning a pork roast into a tender masterpiece in 6 to 10 hours.
Serving this pork is easy, too. We enjoy it with black beans, white rice, or even in a taco. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, making it great for family gatherings or potlucks.
Here’s what makes this recipe special:
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of citrus and spices creates a rich taste.
- Easy Prep: Just 15 minutes to prepare and let it marinate!
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish, in sandwiches, or as a filling for tacos.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork is a delightful dish that truly stands out. The magic begins with the marinade, packed with the bright flavors of citrus fruits like lime and orange. This gives the pork a sweet and tangy kick.
Using a slow cooker adds convenience. We love that it allows the flavors to blend beautifully while making the pork incredibly tender. It practically falls apart when you fork it!
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. We enjoy serving it in different ways. Some of our favorite ideas include:
- Cuban sandwiches with pickle and mustard
- Quesadillas with cheese and peppers
- Topping a fresh salad for a light meal
Each bite is a taste of Cuba, reflecting the rich culinary culture we adore.
The recipe is also flexible. If you can’t find bitter oranges, substituting with limes or regular oranges works just fine. This way, everyone can enjoy a taste of this Cuban classic.
We appreciate that we can prepare this dish ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make our delicious Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork, we need a few key pieces of equipment. Here’s what we recommend:
- Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! A programmable slow cooker makes it easy to set cooking times and forget about it.
- Large Zip-Top Bag: We use this for marinating the pork. It helps keep the flavors in and makes cleanup easy.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting small slits in the pork. This allows the marinade to soak in better.
- Large Bowl: We need a mixing bowl to combine the citrus juices and other ingredients together.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements help make sure our marinade is just right.
- Tongs: These come in handy for handling the cooked pork when it’s time to serve.
- Serving Platter: We like to transfer our finished pork to a nice platter for serving.
Having the right tools makes cooking more fun and efficient. We always keep our kitchen stocked with these essentials for any slow-cooker recipe.
Cooking Instructions
To make our Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork, let’s follow these simple steps.
Ingredients Needed:
- 3 to 4 pounds of pork shoulder
- 1 cup of fresh lime juice
- 1 cup of fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Zest from 2 limes and 2 oranges
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and zest. - Marinate the Pork:
Cut small slits in the pork shoulder to help it absorb the flavors. Place the pork in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. - Cook the Pork:
Place the marinated pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour any remaining marinade over the top. Cook on low for 6 to 10 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded. - Serve:
Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred it with two forks and serve with the cooking juices. Enjoy it with rice and black beans for a complete meal.
Happy cooking!
Cooking Tips
We love making Cuban Mojo Pork, and these tips help us get it just right!
1. Choose the Right Cut
Use a pork butt roast or shoulder. These cuts are tender and full of flavor, making them perfect for slow cooking.
2. Marinade Time
Marinate the pork for at least 6 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors of citrus and spices to really soak in.
3. Make it Zesty
In place of bitter oranges, you can use limes and sweet oranges. Squeeze out the juice and add the zest for extra flavor.
4. Cut Small Slits
Before adding the pork to the slow cooker, cut small slits in it. This helps the marinade flavor the meat deeply.
5. Don’t Skip the Sauce
After cooking, make a quick sauce. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid, then mix cornstarch with cold water to thicken it.
6. Serve Smart
Cuban Mojo Pork pairs well with black beans and white rice.
It’s a complete meal that’s both filling and delicious.
7. Leftover Ideas
If you have leftovers, shred the pork and use it in sandwiches or tacos. It tastes great in many dishes!
Ingredients Needed for the Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe
Pork shoulder or pork butt (bone-in or boneless)
Salt
Black pepper
Orange juice, freshly squeezed
Lime juice, freshly squeezed
Orange
Lime
Olive oil
Garlic, chopped finely
Dried oregano
Cumin
Cilantro (lightly packed)
Instructions For Preparing the Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe
Cooking the Pork
Using a paring knife, make small slits all over the pork. If time allows, marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Place the pork in the slow cooker and coat with the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours or low for 8 hours until tender. Serve as is with the cooking juices or make a quick sauce.
Crisping and Serving
For a crispy top, transfer the pork to a foil-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes until browned. Let rest for 10 minutes before shredding with forks. Serve with cooking juices or sauce.
Quick Sauce
Skim excess fat from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until dissolved. Set the slow cooker to high, stir in the mixture, and cook for 20 minutes while the pork bakes. The sauce will thicken slightly—serve with the Mojo Pork.
FAQs For the Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe
Question: What ingredients are needed for a Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe?
A: A Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork recipe typically includes pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful marinade.
Question: How long should I cook a Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe?
A: A Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork recipe should be cooked on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
Question: Can I use a different cut of pork for a Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe?
A: Yes, while pork shoulder is traditional, a Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork recipe can also be made with pork butt or pork loin, though the texture may vary.
Question: What is the best way to serve a Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe?
A: A Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork recipe is best served with rice, black beans, plantains, or in a Cuban sandwich for an authentic Cuban meal.
Question: Can I make a Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, a Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage while maintaining its rich flavor.

Cuban Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 3/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic chopped finely
- 2 teaspoons oregano dried
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped lightly packed
Instructions
Cooking the Pork
- Using a paring knife, make small slits all over the pork. If time allows, marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Place the pork in the slow cooker and coat with the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours or low for 8 hours until tender. Serve as is with the cooking juices or make a quick sauce.
Crisping and Serving
- For a crispy top, transfer the pork to a foil-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes until browned. Let rest for 10 minutes before shredding with forks. Serve with cooking juices or sauce.
Quick Sauce
- Skim excess fat from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until dissolved. Set the slow cooker to high, stir in the mixture, and cook for 20 minutes while the pork bakes. The sauce will thicken slightly—serve with the Mojo Pork.
1 comment
This slow-cooked Mojo Pork was incredibly juicy and flavorful. The citrus-garlic marinade infused the pork beautifully, making it tender and easy to shred. I served it with black beans and rice, and my guests couldn’t stop talking about how delicious and aromatic it was!