Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in a vibrant marinade of orange, lime, and garlic, capturing the bright and bold flavors of the Caribbean. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 495 minutes pairs pounds 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: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 pounds pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour the marinade over the pork, turning to coat evenly. Add 1/2 cup water to the slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard excess liquid or reduce it on the stovetop over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return shredded pork to the thickened sauce and toss to coat.
  6. Step 6: Serve topped with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 thinly sliced medium red onion for a bright, fresh contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 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 Cooker Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

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 pounds pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean-Style Slow Cooker Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Cooker Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic 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 Cooker Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

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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