Caribbean-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder Roast

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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Slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with a zesty garlic-citrus marinade, capturing the bright flavors of the Caribbean. This Caribbean-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 225 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, fresh garlic cloves, minced, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 8 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the mojo marinade over it, ensuring the pork is fully coated. Add 2 bay leaves to the marinade. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Remove the pork from the marinade and place it in a roasting pan, reserving the marinade.
  4. Step 4: Roast the pork uncovered for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting every hour with the reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F and the meat is tender and pull-apart soft.
  5. Step 5: Once cooked, let the pork rest for 15 minutes before shredding or slicing. Serve with your favorite Caribbean sides such as rice and beans or fried plantains.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder Roast take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder Roast?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder Roast?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder Roast for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribbean-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder Roast?

Caribbean pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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