Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic
Tender roasted pork marinated in a vibrant citrus and garlic mojo sauce, capturing the flavors of Puerto Rico. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 105 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 6, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Step 2: Cut 2 lbs pork shoulder into 2-inch chunks and add to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer pork and marinade to a roasting pan, spreading pieces evenly. Roast uncovered for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices, until pork is tender and edges caramelize.
- Step 4: Remove pork from oven and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add brightness and fresh herb aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 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 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 pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Puerto Rican-Style 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 Puerto Rican-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic 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 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.
