Slow-Cooked Puerto Rican Mojo Pork Shoulder

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

Tender pork shoulder marinated and slow-cooked with vibrant Puerto Rican mojo sauce, perfect for a flavorful main course. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs pork shoulder, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 8 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp chopped fresh oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, and 2 tbsp white vinegar to create the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Rub the 3 lbs pork shoulder thoroughly with the mojo marinade, ensuring all sides are coated; marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a slow cooker to low heat. Place the marinated pork shoulder into the cooker along with 1 medium diced green bell pepper, 1 medium diced onion, and 1/2 cup water to keep it moist.
  4. Step 4: Cook the pork shoulder on low for 8 hours until it is fork-tender and easily shredded, with the edges caramelized and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pork, shred with two forks, and mix it back into the cooking juices before serving to absorb all the rich mojo flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Puerto Rican Mojo Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Slow-Cooked Puerto Rican Mojo Pork Shoulder?

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 Slow-Cooked Puerto Rican Mojo Pork Shoulder?

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 Puerto Rican Mojo Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Puerto Rican Mojo Pork Shoulder?

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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