Crockpot Cuban Mojo Pork

Introduction

Crockpot Cuban Mojo Pork is a vibrant, tangy, and savory dish inspired by the classic Cuban mojo marinade. Mojo sauce, made with citrus, garlic, and herbs, infuses the pork with bold flavors while it slowly cooks to tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection in the crockpot.

This recipe transforms a simple pork shoulder into a festive, family-friendly meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, even if you prep it in minutes. The citrusy tang of orange and lime, combined with earthy cumin, fresh oregano, and garlic, creates a bright, aromatic, and irresistible pork perfect for tacos, rice bowls, sandwiches, or simply served with black beans and plantains.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s effortless yet packed with authentic flavor. The mojo marinade is bright and aromatic, giving every bite a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the richness of slow-cooked pork. The crockpot does all the hard work, making the pork perfectly tender without standing over the stove.

It’s a dish that brings a taste of Cuban cuisine into your home, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day—perfect for meal prep or casual lunches.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Authentic Cuban flavors in a super easy crockpot recipe.
• Pork becomes fork-tender and juicy.
• Perfect for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.
• Minimal prep with maximum flavor.
• Bright citrus notes balance the richness of pork for a well-rounded taste.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high
• Total Time: ~6–8 hours

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6–8
• Calories per Serving: ~350–400 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Cuban / Latin American

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 3–4 lb pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika

For the Mojo Marinade:

• ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.
2. Rub pork evenly with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.

Step 2: Make the Mojo Marinade

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

4. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the crockpot.
5. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, ensuring it’s mostly covered.

Step 4: Slow Cook

6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

7. Remove pork from the crockpot and shred using two forks.
8. Mix shredded pork with some of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.
9. Serve hot with cilantro and lime wedges.

How to Serve

• Serve with white rice, black beans, and fried plantains for a complete Cuban meal.
• Use in tacos, burrito bowls, or sandwiches with pickled onions and avocado.
• Top with extra mojo sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness.

Recipe Tips

• For maximum flavor, marinate pork in the mojo overnight before cooking.
• Bone-in pork shoulder adds extra richness, but boneless works perfectly too.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
• If sauce is too thin, remove some liquid and simmer on the stove to reduce before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Mojo: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Sweet Citrus: Add 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar to the marinade for subtle sweetness.
• Tropical Twist: Include diced pineapple in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a tropical Cuban flavor.
• Crockpot Leftovers: Use shredded pork for empanadas, quesadillas, or breakfast hash.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze shredded pork with sauce in a freezer-safe container for 2–3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave; add extra juice if sauce has thickened.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Medium bowl for marinade
• Knife and cutting board
• Forks for shredding

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pork tenderloin instead of pork shoulder?
Yes, but cook time will be shorter (3–4 hours on low). Pork tenderloin is leaner and may dry out if overcooked.

Q2: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate pork in mojo overnight for enhanced flavor, then cook in the crockpot the next day.

Q3: Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a small diced chili to the marinade.

Q4: Can I use bottled juice?
Fresh juice is preferred for bright flavor, but store-bought orange and lime juice works in a pinch.

Q5: Can this be cooked on high?
Yes, 4–5 hours on high will work; check tenderness before shredding.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cuban Mojo Pork is a zesty, flavorful, and effortlessly tender dish that brings a taste of Cuba into your home. The combination of citrus, garlic, and herbs perfectly complements the richness of slow-cooked pork.

Whether served over rice, in tacos, or as a hearty sandwich, this must-try recipe is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.