Spiced Cuban-Style Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce
Slow-roasted pork shoulder rubbed with a fragrant blend of cumin, oregano, and garlic, served with a bright citrus mojo sauce for dipping. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes blends pork shoulder, bone-in, ground cumin, dried oregano 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 520 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.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder, bone-in
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 5 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 5 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the surface of the 3 lbs bone-in pork shoulder.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and crusty.
- Step 3: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork shoulder uncovered for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
- Step 4: While the pork cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup minced red onion in a bowl to make the mojo sauce.
- Step 5: Let the pork rest for 15 minutes after roasting, then shred or slice. Serve with the citrusy mojo sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Cuban-Style Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spiced Cuban-Style Pork Shoulder with 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 Spiced Cuban-Style Pork Shoulder with 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 Spiced Cuban-Style Pork Shoulder with 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 Spiced Cuban-Style Pork Shoulder with Mojo Sauce?
Latin American 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.
