Ginger Free Cuban-Style Mojo Pork
Bright citrus, warm cumin, and fragrant oregano come together in a slow-roasted pork shoulder that practically falls apart at the touch of a fork. The mojo marinade — built on fresh orange and lime juice with garlic-infused olive oil and dried herbs — does all the heavy lifting overnight, so the actual hands-on effort is minimal. Many Cuban-inspired recipes lean on ginger for warmth, but this one draws its depth entirely from cumin, oregano, and thyme, making it a completely safe and genuinely delicious option for anyone avoiding that particular root. After a long, covered roast at low heat, the pork gets a final blast at high temperature that caramelizes the surface into something deeply browned and irresistible. The reduced pan drippings spooned back over the pulled meat add a savory, citrusy punch that ties every bite together. Serve it with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a dish that tastes like it took serious skill — even though your oven did most of the work.
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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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