Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork is a flavorful and tender dish packed with bright citrus and garlicky goodness. The pork soaks up a zesty marinade made with orange juice, lime, garlic, and spices, giving it that perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors. When cooked, the meat becomes juicy and full of rich Cuban-inspired taste that’s hard to resist.
I love making this pork because the marinade is so simple yet makes such a big difference. I usually let the pork soak overnight so every bite is bursting with that bright mojo flavor. It’s fun to see how the citrus and garlic mix together to create something fresh and exciting, and I think it’s a great way to switch up your usual pork dishes.
My favorite way to serve this is with some warm rice and black beans, maybe a little side of fried plantains if I’m feeling fancy. It instantly feels like a little Cuban vacation on your plate. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, everyone tends to love this zesty, tender pork that’s full of personality and warmth.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Shoulder or Loin: Pork shoulder gives a juicy, tender result thanks to its fat content, but pork loin is leaner and cooks faster. If you prefer less fat, loin works well, just watch the cooking time.
Fresh Citrus Juices: Orange and lime juice are key for the tangy, vibrant flavor in the mojo marinade. Fresh juice tastes best, but bottled can be used in a pinch—just try to avoid anything with added sugar.
Garlic: Lots of fresh garlic really boosts the flavor here. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can substitute, but fresh gives that sharp, aromatic punch mojo is known for.
Olive Oil: This helps to blend the marinade and keep the pork moist. You can swap with avocado or vegetable oil if you like, but olive oil adds a nice fruity note.
Spices: Ground cumin and oregano give this dish its warm earthiness. If you don’t have oregano, Italian seasoning or marjoram can work fine, but stick to cumin for the authentic taste.
How Can I Get Tender, Flavorful Pork with This Mojo Marinade?
Marinating and cooking the pork properly are key to juicy, tasty results:
- Marinate Long Enough: Aim for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This lets the citrus and garlic really soak into the meat, tenderizing and flavoring it deeply.
- Use a Sealable Bag or Covered Dish: Keeps all the marinade in contact with the pork, so it absorbs evenly.
- Don’t Skip Resting the Meat: After grilling, let the pork rest 5-10 minutes. This helps juices redistribute so the meat isn’t dry when you slice it.
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting across the muscle fibers makes the pork easier to chew and more tender.
- Baste While Grilling: Using the reserved marinade helps keep the pork moist and intensifies the flavor as it cooks.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I recommend it because it gives a nice char and smoky flavor to the pork.
- Mixing bowl and whisk – to thoroughly blend the marinade ingredients.
- Large zip-top bag or shallow dish – for marinating the pork so it absorbs all the flavors evenly.
- Meat thermometer – to check when the pork reaches a safe and perfect temperature.
- Kitchen tongs – for turning the pork on the grill without piercing it and losing juices.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – to rest and slice the meat once cooked.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken or beef instead of pork for different proteins with similar marinade: it’s versatile and still packed with flavor.
- Add a splash of rum or a teaspoon of honey to the marinade for a sweeter or more Caribbean twist.
- Stir in sliced onions or bell peppers before grilling — they soften and soak up that citrusy mojo flavor.
- Finish with a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds or chopped scallions for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 8 to 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 4-12 hours for marinating (overnight is best). Cooking on the grill takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and then let the pork rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. In total, plan for roughly 5 to 13 hours including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Mojo Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. This zesty marinade is the heart of your Cuban mojo pork.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Place your pork shoulder or pork loin into a large zip-top bag or a deep dish. Pour the marinade over the pork, making sure it’s fully covered and coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let the pork marinate for at least 4 hours — but overnight is even better to soak up all those delicious flavors.
3. Grill and Serve:
When you’re ready, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or get a grill pan hot on the stove. Remove the pork from the marinade, saving the liquid for basting. Grill the pork for about 15 to 20 minutes on each side, turning occasionally and brushing with the marinade to keep it juicy and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Once cooked, take the pork off the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this keeps it tender. Slice the pork thinly against the grain for the best taste and texture. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and some lime wedges on the side.
Serve it up with your favorite sides like rice, black beans, or fried plantains for a full Cuban-inspired meal everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat evenly.
How Long Should I Marinate the Pork?
For best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer the pork marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
Can I Make Cuban Mojo Marinated Pork Indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or a heavy skillet on the stove. Cook over medium-high heat, turning often, and baste with the reserved marinade.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to keep it moist and tender.
