Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pulled Pork
Tender pulled pork infused with a zesty Cuban mojo marinade featuring fresh citrus and Cuban rum, slow-cooked to perfection. This cuban-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes pairs boneless pork shoulder, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs, boneless pork shoulder
- 1 cup, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 6 large, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup Cuban rum
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp, optional red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup Cuban rum, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the 3 lbs boneless pork shoulder in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the mojo marinade over the pork, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 3: Transfer the marinated pork and all the marinade into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the cooking juices.
- Step 5: Serve the pulled pork garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, accompanied by rice, black beans, or in sandwiches for a vibrant Cuban-inspired meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pulled Pork 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 Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pulled Pork?
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 boneless pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Mojo Pulled Pork?
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 Pulled Pork 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 Pulled Pork?
Cuban 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.
