Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic

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

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked in a vibrant citrus-garlic marinade inspired by Cuban mojo, perfect for shredding and serving with rice or in sandwiches. This Caribbean-inspired slow-cooker recipe, ready in about 495 minutes, pairs fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks and 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion into the slow cooker. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork and onions, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until pork is very tender and easily shredded with two forks.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred with forks. Stir the shredded pork with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and some of the cooking juices to keep it moist before serving with rice or in sandwiches.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 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 Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

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 Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic 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 Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pork with Citrus and Garlic?

Caribbean 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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