Puerto Rican-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce

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

Slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a citrus-garlic mojo sauce, delivering tender, flavorful meat perfect for a festive meal. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes pairs pork shoulder, garlic cloves, fresh orange 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 210 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 8 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder in a large resealable plastic bag or container and pour the mojo marinade over it, ensuring the pork is fully coated. Add 2 bay leaves, seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Transfer the marinated pork and marinade into a roasting pan, cover tightly with foil, and roast for 3 to 3.5 hours until the pork is tender and pulls apart easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove the foil, increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C), and roast uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to crisp the edges. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with the pan juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Puerto Rican-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 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 Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce?

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 Roast Pork 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 Puerto Rican-Style Roast Pork 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 Puerto Rican-Style Roast Pork with Mojo Sauce?

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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