Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder with Spanish Mojo Sauce

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

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with a vibrant mojo sauce of garlic, citrus, and smoked paprika, perfect for tacos or hearty meals. This spanish-inspired pork ready in about 315 minutes blends trimmed 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 450 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: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the mojo sauce.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 kg trimmed pork shoulder in a large slow cooker and pour the mojo sauce evenly over the meat, ensuring it is well coated.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding excess fat. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with remaining mojo sauce.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with warm tortillas, rice, or roasted vegetables.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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 Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish 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 Spanish Mojo 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.

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