Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fall-off-the-bone pork shoulder marinated in citrusy garlic mojo, served with crispy fried plantains and pickled onions. This puerto rican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 500 minutes blends pork shoulder, minced garlic, 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 490 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.

★ 3.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 490 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, orange juice, lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, cumin, and oregano to form a paste. Rub the paste evenly over the pork shoulder, coating all sides.
  2. Step 2: Place pork in a slow cooker, pour any remaining marinade over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: While pork cooks, peel and slice plantains into 1/2-inch rounds. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add plantains and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine sliced red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and 2 tbsp water. Simmer for 10 minutes until onions are translucent and pickled. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from slow cooker and slice. Serve with crispy plantains, pickled onions, and a drizzle of the cooking juices.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce?

Puerto Rican slow cooker 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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