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Classic Cuban Mojo Roast Pork

A comforting dish featuring marinated pork shoulder roasted to perfection, paired with bright citrus mojo sauce that's perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 1 day 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cuban
Calories: 4700

Ingredients
  

For the Mojo Marinade
  • 2/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges) Fresh is best, but bottled can work in a pinch.
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes) If short on lime juice, lemon can substitute.
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Regular olive oil or avocado oil can be used.
  • 24 cloves garlic Use pre-peeled garlic for convenience if desired.
  • 1 large white onion, quartered
  • 2 tbsp dried oregano Can substitute with dried marjoram or oregano-thyme mix.
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp fine kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
For the Pork
  • 1 piece bone-in, skin-on pork shoulder (about 6 lb) Best cut for this recipe for juiciness.
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt, for rubbing Rub into scored pork.
  • 2 tsp black pepper, for rubbing Rub into scored pork.
  • Distilled white vinegar, for the skin Helps achieve crispy skin.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper to a blender. Blend on high for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.
  2. Score the pork skin with three diagonal cuts in each direction. Then flip the pork over and cut several deep pockets down to the bone. Rub the kosher salt and black pepper into the cuts and pockets.
  3. Place the pork skin-side down in a large roasting dish. Pour the mojo over it so it fills the pockets, then turn the pork skin-side up. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for 24 hours to 2 days.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wipe the marinade off the skin and wet it with a vinegar-soaked paper towel. Cover the dish loosely with foil and roast for 3 to 4 hours.
  2. After the pork is tender, remove the foil and raise the oven temperature to 425°F. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the skin turns golden, then broil on high for 3 to 4 minutes until very crisp.
Serving
  1. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes, then shred the meat with two forks. Bring the pan mojo to a full boil for a couple of minutes before serving.
  2. Spoon a little mojo over the meat and serve the rest on the side with rice, black beans, yuca, or plantains.

Notes

Ensure to boil the mojo that touched raw pork before serving. Let the pork rest before shredding for better texture.