Citrus-Garlic Braised Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce
Fall-apart pork shoulder infused with orange and garlic, served with a vibrant citrus-garlic mojo sauce. This cuban-inspired one pot ready in about 155 minutes blends pork shoulder, vegetable oil, orange juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 lbs pork shoulder dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the pork until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes total.
- Step 2: Remove pork and set aside. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh oregano to the pot, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp cider vinegar, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/4 cup water.
- Step 3: Return the pork to the pot, cover tightly with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Step 4: Remove pork and let rest for 10 minutes. Strain the cooking liquid, skim excess fat, and reduce the sauce over medium-high heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Slice the pork and drizzle with the reduced sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Garlic Braised Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 155 minutes (15 min prep + 140 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Garlic Braised Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Garlic Braised Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce?
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 Citrus-Garlic Braised Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce 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 Citrus-Garlic Braised Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce?
Cuban one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
