A super easy way to prepare tender, succulent juicy pork – this Cuban-Style Pork Roast features fresh, tart citrus flavors complemented by earthy seasonings. It’s not spicy and can be enjoyed along it’s traditional accompaniments of black beans and roasted salsa or served as a Cuban pork bowl or Cuban sandwich sliders.

Cuban Mojo Pork Roast Recipe

Inspired by Cuban mojo, this easy roasted pork is infused with citrusy, smoky and acidic flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the pork.

Pronounced “mo-ho” (which means sauce or marinade) not “mojo” like Austin Powers (referring to his libido). The citrus-garlic marinade for mojo pork is what makes this simple, affordable cut of meat an absolute show-stopper.

Pork roasts don’t get the recognition they deserve.. I don’t know if it’s because people tend to overcook it to the point of gritty oblivion or undercook it (which renders a rubbery consistency)… or if because it’s a comparatively “cheaper” meat that people attach it’s low-cost to being low-value, but I hope that my bevy of succulent pork recipes will help make the case for pork being a winning main dish.

While we know that marinating turkey makes all of the difference to a delicious Thanksgiving meal, the same can be said for pork tenderloins (and really ALL meats, but I digress).

This easy method of preparing a Cuban-mojo inspired pork roast results in a crispy crust, melt-in-your-mouth tender pork with juicy, tart citrus flavors rounded out with herbaceous, earthy seasonings and plenty of roasted garlic.

When cooking pork, it’s helpful to think of what you keep in mind with cooking beef. If you have a large amount of marbling in the roast, you want to cook it longer to allow for the fat to render and the muscle to break down. While the temperature serves as a guide for when the meat is safe to cook, it’s not the best indicator for when the meat is cooked optimally. (You’ll also notice this with chicken. While chicken breasts are best enjoyed if you don’t cook them past 165F, chicken quarters are often cooked to a higher temperature for best results.)

Luckily, we’re cooking with lots of citrus and garlic which helps break down the meat thanks to the enzymes, making the pork more tender. For more explanation to the cooking process of mojo pork, check out this article.

What cut of pork should I use to make mojo pork? Any pork roast will work in this recipe; pork shoulder (also known as pork butt or blade roast) is traditional, but I the marinade is the star of the show here, so grab whatever is cheapest, we will still have a rockstar dish at the end of this recipe.

What can I use instead of sour orange juice? This recipe calls for sour orange juice or sour orange marinade, which are ingredients I was unfamiliar with, but I have since learned that Seville Oranges are the same fruit, and I always see those at my grocery store! (In fact, I’ve probably bought them on sale and that explains why my child wouldn’t eat oranges that week.)

How to cook Cuban Mojo pork in the Crockpot? Cook for 8 hours on low – and while, yes, you can speed this up with 4 hours on high, I encourage you to go low and slow

How to store leftover mojo pork: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Freeze in ziptop freezer bags or freezer containers for up to 3 months. (This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.)

How to tell if Cuban pork is fully cooked? The best way is to use a meat thermometer. This is the meat thermometer I have been using for the past 6 years – I’ve never had to change a battery and it’s super sturdy and reliable. It was a bit pricey, but unlike the $15 models that you can buy, this one isn’t going to need replacement. It is waterproof and comes with a two-year warranty. (Thermoworks also has a $15 pocket-sized model if you want to try that out first before investing in the MK4.)

Ingredients for Cuban Mojo Pork

• Pork Roast
• Head Garlic
• Sour Orange Marinade or Sour Orange Juice* see recipe tip
• Lime Juice
• Olive Oil
• Salt, to taste
• Oregano, to taste
• Cumin, to taste
• Bay Leaves
• Cilantro and Limes, optional garnish

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Tip: if you can’t find sour orange marinade or juice, you can use 2 parts orange juice with 1 part lemon juice or lime juice.

Note: I never claim traditional or authentic when I’m sharing a recipe from a culture that I don’t have deep experience with, and while I am a frequent patron of my local Cuban restaurant, I’ve been to Cuba, my go-to order at my local soup shop is their Cuban sandwich – so needless to say, I have tasted authentic Cuban Mojo pork many times, I am not Cuban and I have not lived in Cuba, so I can only say that this recipe tastes like what I have enjoyed in Cuba or at Cuban restaurants, but it may differ from truly authentic versions.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Sharp Kitchen Knife
• Cutting Board
• Roasting Pan or Casserole Dish
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Food Processor
• Meat Thermometer
• Meat Shredders or Forks

How to Make Cuban Mojo Pork

Place the pork roast in a 8” x 8” casserole or baking dish.

Cut approximately 8-10 1-2” slots in the pork roast and insert a garlic clove in each one.

Mash up the remaining garlic cloves in a mortar and pestle, or in a food processor.

Combine the garlic with the sour orange marinade, lime juice, olive oil and seasonings.

Pour the marinade over the roast and cover the dish with tinfoil or plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.

Preheat oven to 325F

Cook the roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165F. I cooked mine to 190F so it would be fall-apart tender.

You can also broil the roast for the last few minutes to give it a golden color.

Allow the roast to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it.

Use two forks or meat shredders to shred the pork roast.

Pin this Easy Cuban-inspired pork roast for a delicious way to enjoy this under-appreciated, budget meat:

Grab your free printable recipe card for our Cuban Mojo-inspired pork roast recipe:

I hope your family loves this easy Cuban pork roast recipe as much as mine does!

For more ways to enjoy pork, check out our full pork recipe collection here: