Spiced Dominican Chicharrón with Mojo Sauce

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

Crunchy pork chicharrón seasoned with Dominican spices, served alongside a bright and zesty garlic mojo dipping sauce. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 70 minutes blends salt, black pepper, garlic cloves, minced 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 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 pound pork belly cubes in a large pot. Season with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup water, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until water evaporates and pork starts frying in its own fat.
  2. Step 2: Continue cooking the pork cubes in the rendered fat, stirring occasionally, for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano to create the mojo sauce.
  4. Step 4: Serve the crispy pork chicharrón hot with the mojo sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Dominican Chicharrón with Mojo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (10 min prep + 60 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Dominican Chicharrón 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 Dominican Chicharrón 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 Dominican Chicharrón with Mojo Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Dominican Chicharrón 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.

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