Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Mojo Verde Sauce

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

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with citrusy garlic mojo verde, a fresh green sauce from the Canary Islands. This spanish-inspired pork ready in about 210 minutes blends boneless Pork shoulder, Olive oil, minced Garlic cloves 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 480 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 190 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Rub 1.5 kg pork shoulder all over with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
  3. Step 3: Remove pork and set aside. In the same pot, add 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 small chopped green bell pepper. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
  5. Step 5: Return the pork shoulder to the pot, add 1 cup water, cover tightly with a lid, and transfer to the oven. Cook for 3 hours, basting occasionally, until the pork is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove pork from pot, shred with forks, and serve drizzled with the mojo verde sauce from the pot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Verde 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 Verde 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 Verde 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 Verde Sauce?

Spanish 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.