Caribbean-Style Slow Braised Pork with Citrus Mojo

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

Tender pork shoulder slowly braised in a bright, tangy citrus mojo sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs, perfect for a vibrant Caribbean meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 170 minutes pairs pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season 2 lbs pork shoulder with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Sear the pork for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Remove pork and add 1 sliced medium onion and 6 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, and 2 bay leaves. Return pork to the pot, add 1/2 cup chicken broth, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until pork is fork-tender and sauce is aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Remove bay leaves; shred pork with two forks and toss in the citrus mojo sauce before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Slow Braised Pork with Citrus Mojo take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Slow Braised Pork with Citrus Mojo?

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 Slow Braised Pork with Citrus Mojo?

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 Slow Braised Pork with Citrus Mojo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow Braised Pork with Citrus Mojo?

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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