Coconut Free Cuban-Style Mojo Pork
Few things hit as hard as slow-roasted pork that's been soaking overnight in a bright, garlicky citrus marinade. The mojo here is built on fresh orange and lime juice, garlic-infused olive oil, cumin, oregano, and thyme — a classic combination that perfumes the meat all the way through during that long, low roast. Because every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward and plant-based pantry staples or plain pork, there's no need to scan labels for hidden coconut derivatives that sneak into so many marinades and cooking oils. The bone-in shoulder is the right cut for this job — it turns fall-apart tender after hours in the oven, and the final blast of high heat caramelizes the surface into something genuinely crave-worthy. Reducing the pan drippings into a quick sauce at the end is a small step that makes a huge difference, adding a glossy, concentrated punch right back onto the pulled meat. Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime and you've got a centerpiece dish that tastes like it took serious skill — even though most of the work was done while you slept.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the pork
- 3 lb bone-in pork shoulder (boston butt)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the mojo marinade
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (from about 3 limes)
- ¼ cup garlic-infused olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
For serving
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, garlic-infused olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined.
- 2
Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season all over with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place the pork in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, turning to coat all sides. Cover tightly with foil or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
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