Grilled Cuban-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder

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

Slow-marinated pork shoulder infused with tangy citrus and garlic, then grilled to tender perfection with a smoky char. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes pairs pork shoulder, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade; whisk until well blended.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, making sure the meat is fully coated; refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork from marinade and let excess drip off; reserve marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork shoulder over direct heat for 15 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the exterior has a nice char.
  5. Step 5: While grilling, baste the pork occasionally with the reserved marinade to enhance moisture and flavor.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cuban-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Grilled Cuban-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder?

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 Grilled Cuban-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder?

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 Grilled Cuban-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder 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 Grilled Cuban-Style Mojo Pork Shoulder?

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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