Spicy Dominican-Style Pulled Pork with Citrus Mojo

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

Tender pulled pork marinated and slow-cooked in a zesty citrus and garlic mojo, embodying the bold flavors of Dominican cuisine. This caribbean-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes pairs freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to create the citrus mojo marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 lbs pork shoulder chunks and 1 medium thinly sliced onion to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 300°F. Transfer pork with marinade and onions to a heavy Dutch oven or ovenproof pot, cover with lid, and cook for 3 to 3.5 hours until pork is fork-tender and easily shredded.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from oven, shred the meat with two forks, mixing it with the pan juices and onions to keep it moist and flavorful.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm with rice, beans, or in sandwiches for a classic Dominican-inspired meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Dominican-Style Pulled Pork with Citrus Mojo take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 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 Spicy Dominican-Style Pulled Pork with Citrus Mojo?

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 freshly squeezed orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Dominican-Style Pulled Pork 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 Spicy Dominican-Style Pulled Pork 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 Spicy Dominican-Style Pulled Pork with Citrus Mojo?

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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