Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork

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

Tender pork shoulder marinated in a zesty garlic-citrus mojo sauce and grilled to smoky perfection, capturing the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs pork shoulder, garlic cloves, orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 pounds of 1-inch thick pork shoulder slices in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, adding 2 whole bay leaves and 1/4 cup water. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Remove pork from marinade and discard bay leaves. Grill pork slices for 5-6 minutes per side until nicely charred with an internal temperature of 145°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Let the grilled pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with rice and beans or tostones for a classic Puerto Rican meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork?

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 Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork?

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 Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Marinated Grilled Pork?

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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