Spicy Cuban-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus Mojo Sauce

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

Succulent slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with bright citrus and smoky spices, perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 315 minutes blends orange juice, fresh, lime juice, fresh, 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 420 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir well to form the citrus mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 2 lbs pork shoulder chunks in a slow cooker and pour the citrus mojo marinade over the meat. Toss gently to coat all pieces.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the pork and cover. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding any large chunks of fat.
  5. Step 5: Return shredded pork to the slow cooker juices, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and keep warm until serving. Serve with rice, tortillas, or as a sandwich filling.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Cuban-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus 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 Spicy Cuban-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus 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 Spicy Cuban-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus 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 Spicy Cuban-Style Slow Cooker Pork with Citrus Mojo Sauce?

Caribbean 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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