Pork shoulder slow-cooks tender in garlic-citrus mojo marinade then broils crispy—10-minute prep feeds 8 under $20, ultimate Cuban sandwiches, taco bowls, rice companion mastery.
Introduction
Easy Cuban Mojo Pork delivers Lechon Asado perfection: pork butt shreds fall-apart after orange-lime-garlic marinade penetrates while oven crisp mimics traditional spit-roast. Cumin earthiness, oregano brightness, bay leaves depth—one-crockpot wonder.
Dump-marinade genius: pork chunks, juice pour, low-slow shred. Perfect Cuban sandwiches, tostones, yuca fries. Freezer-friendly portions.
What Makes Mojo Pork Special
Bone-in pork shoulder marbling melts collagen tender. Fresh orange/lime juice tenderizes naturally vs bottled flat. Whole garlic head cloves perfume entire. Cumin-oregano Cuban backbone. Cilantro stems (not leaves) subtle green without soapiness. Cornstarch slurry silky sauce.
8-hour low citrus breaks down connective tissue shreddable. Every pull pork juiciness, citrus tang, garlic punch, crispy edges.
Texture perfection: fall-apart shreds, caramelized crust.
Essential Ingredients
Mojo Pork Base
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder (bone-in), 3-inch chunks
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 head garlic, cloves peeled
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ cup cilantro stems, chopped
Crispy Finish
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mojo Marinade Magic
6-quart crockpot: pork chunks even layer. Orange + lime juice pour. Garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, bay, salt, pepper, cilantro stems, olive oil scatter. No stirring needed.
Low-Slow Shred
Low 8-10 hours or high 5-6 hours (low preferred). Fork-tender 195°F internal. Shred pot discard bone/fat.
Silky Sauce
Juices skim fat. Cornstarch slurry whisk high 20 minutes thickened. Shreds toss coat glossy.
Crispy Lechon Finish
Broiler high: shredded pork sheet pan single layer, 1 cup sauce drizzle. 5-7 minutes edges caramel watch close.
Pro Tips for Success
Fresh citrus essential—bottled dull.
Garlic whole cloves = roast mellow.
Pork chunks expose maximum surface.
Low setting collagen breakdown.
Broil hot crisp—steam soggy.
Reserve sauce Cuban sandwich dip.
Overnight marinade optional deeper.
Serving Suggestions
Cuban sandwiches: Swiss, pickles, mustard press.
Tacos: corn tortillas, pickled onions.
Arroz congrí companion.
Tostones maduros yuca fries.
Plantain bowls black beans.
Yuca con mojo drizzling.
Variations and Customizations
Pork loin faster 4-hour high.
Chicken thighs 4-hour sub.
Spicy: jalapeño slices marinade.
Beer splash malty depth.
Vegan: jackfruit shreds.
Air fryer crisp batches.
Gluten-free natural.
Why Perfect for Crockpot
10 minutes active—hands-free fiesta.
Feeds 8 generously; $15-20 restaurant half.
Leftovers 5 days saucy.
Freezer 3 months bags.
Citrus-garlic aromas Miami instant.
Scales parties effortlessly.
Conclusion
Easy Cuban Mojo Pork proves Lechon Asado needs crockpot basics: pork chunks + fresh citrus + garlic low-slow 8-hour tenderness feeding fiestas effortlessly under $20. Marinade penetration + broiler crisp delivers Miami perfection hands-free.
Juicy shred + crispy edge ensures Cuban authenticity consistently scaling sandwiches or bowls. Mojo magic elevates instant. Dump tonight—discover mojo pork redefines pork mastery.
