Slow-Roasted Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Citrus Mojo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder infused with smoky chipotle and brightened with a fresh citrus mojo sauce for a vibrant, flavorful meal. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 320 minutes turns pork shoulder, chipotle powder, smoked paprika into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 300 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 275°F. Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder all over with 2 tsp chipotle powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, then drizzle and rub in 2 tbsp olive oil to help the spices adhere.
  2. Step 2: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a roasting pan and roast uncovered for 4 to 5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F and the meat is tender enough to shred easily.
  3. Step 3: While the pork roasts, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp honey in a bowl to create the citrus mojo sauce.
  4. Step 4: When the pork is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before shredding with two forks.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pulled pork drizzled generously with the citrus mojo sauce for a balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Citrus Mojo take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 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-Roasted Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Citrus Mojo?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Citrus Mojo?

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-Roasted Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Citrus Mojo 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-Roasted Chipotle Pork Shoulder with Citrus Mojo?

Mexican 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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