Dinner

Slow Cooker Cuban Style Mojo Pork

Recipe Image 14

This slow cooker Cuban mojo pork is about to become your secret weapon for effortless entertaining that looks way more complicated than it actually is.

The combination of bright citrus, aromatic garlic, and warm spices creates a flavor explosion that will have your kitchen smelling like a Cuban restaurant all day long.

What makes this recipe absolutely brilliant is how the slow cooker transforms a tough cut of pork into fall-apart tender perfection while you literally do nothing but wait.

The mojo marinade penetrates every fiber of the meat, creating layers of flavor that develop and intensify over hours of gentle cooking.

This is the kind of recipe that makes people think you spent all day slaving over the stove, when really you just threw everything in the crockpot and went about your day.

Plus, with both slow cooker and Instant Pot instructions, you can have this Cuban-inspired masterpiece ready in as little as an hour or let it cook low and slow all day.

Ingredients

For the Pork

3 pounds pork shoulder or butt
Salt and pepper for seasoning
1 tablespoon oil (for Instant Pot method only)

For the Mojo Marinade

1 /2 cup fresh orange juice (use 3/4 cup for Instant Pot)
Juice of 2 limes (approximately 1/4 cup)
1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 /2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Slow Cooker Method

1 Season the 3-pound pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage. The pork shoulder’s marbling will break down during the long cooking process, creating incredibly tender meat.
2 Place the seasoned pork in the bottom of your slow cooker. The pork should fit comfortably without overcrowding, allowing for proper heat circulation.
3 In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons each of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until well combined. This mojo mixture should be fragrant and well-blended.
4 Pour the mojo marinade evenly over the pork, ensuring it coats all surfaces. The acidic citrus will help tenderize the meat while infusing it with authentic Cuban flavors.
5 Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours. The pork is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).

Instant Pot Method

6 Turn on your pressure cooker and select the sauté function. Once the display shows “Hot,” add 1 tablespoon oil to the pot and let it heat until shimmering.
7 Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper, then carefully place it in the hot Instant Pot. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until evenly browned, creating a flavorful crust that will enhance the final dish.
8 Remove the seared pork from the pot and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the mojo ingredients using 3/4 cup orange juice (the extra liquid is needed for pressure cooking).
9 Pour the mojo mixture into the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom, scraping up all the browned bits. These fond pieces add incredible depth of flavor to the final dish.
10 Return the pork to the pot, close the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes per pound of pork shoulder (approximately 45 minutes for a 3-pound roast).
11 When cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

Finishing Both Methods

12 Remove the pork from the cooking vessel and transfer to a cutting board. Using two forks or meat shredder claws, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
13 Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker or Instant Pot with the cooking juices until ready to serve. This keeps the meat moist and allows it to absorb even more flavor.
14 Optional but highly recommended: Transfer the shredded pork to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until the edges begin to crisp and caramelize, creating textural contrast.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Slow cooker (6-8 quart capacity) – A larger slow cooker ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to uneven results
Instant Pot or pressure cooker – The 6-quart size is perfect for this recipe and offers versatility for both pressure cooking and sautéing
Meat shredder claws – These make quick work of shredding hot pork and are much more efficient than using two forks
Digital meat thermometer – Ensures your pork reaches the perfect internal temperature for food safety and optimal texture

Helpful Upgrades

Cast iron skillet – If you want to crisp the pork after shredding, cast iron provides superior heat retention and browning
Silicone spatula set – Perfect for scraping every bit of flavorful mojo from mixing bowls and deglazing the Instant Pot
Glass mixing bowls – Non-reactive bowls won’t absorb the acidic citrus flavors and are easy to clean
Microplane grater – Fresh garlic grated on a microplane creates a more intense flavor than chopped garlic

Nice-to-Have Options

Kitchen scale – For precise measurements, especially if you’re scaling the recipe up or down for different crowd sizes
Citrus juicer – Extracts maximum juice from limes and oranges while keeping seeds out of your mojo
Storage containers – Airtight containers keep leftover mojo pork fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Flavor Variations

Spicy Mojo Pork – Add 1-2 minced jalapeños or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mojo mixture for heat
Herb-Crusted Version – Include 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon fresh mint in the mojo for a brighter, more herbaceous flavor
Smoky Variation – Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika and add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke for a barbecue-inspired twist
Citrus-Forward Style – Add zest of 1 orange and 1 lime to intensify the citrus notes

Dietary Modifications

Keto-Friendly – This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-compatible as written, with approximately 2g net carbs per serving
Paleo Adaptation – The recipe is already paleo-compliant, using only whole food ingredients without grains or dairy
Whole30 Compliant – Ensure your spices contain no added sugars or anti-caking agents with corn derivatives
AIP-Friendly – Omit the chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and increase the oregano and garlic for flavor

Cooking Method Alternatives

Oven-Braised Version – Cook in a Dutch oven at 325°F (165°C) for 3-4 hours, covered tightly with foil
Stovetop Method – Simmer in a heavy-bottomed pot on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally
Grill Adaptation – Marinate overnight and grill over indirect heat for 2-3 hours until tender

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This Cuban mojo pork provides approximately 285 calories per 4-ounce serving, with 28g of high-quality protein and 18g of healthy fats. The pork shoulder is rich in B-vitamins, particularly B12, niacin, and thiamine, which support energy metabolism and nervous system function. Each serving contains approximately 2g net carbs, making it excellent for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The fresh citrus juices provide vitamin C and flavonoids that support immune function and act as natural antioxidants. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help support cardiovascular health. The spice blend of cumin, oregano, and paprika delivers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds while adding flavor without calories. Pork shoulder is an excellent source of complete protein containing all essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance and repair.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. The slow cooking method helps break down tough connective tissues, making the protein more digestible. The healthy fats from the pork help with satiety and nutrient absorption. For those monitoring sodium intake, you can reduce the added salt since the natural flavors from the citrus and spices are quite robust.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Pork shoulder → Pork tenderloin (reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on low, as tenderloin is much leaner)
Fresh orange juice → Bottled orange juice (ensure it’s 100% juice without added sugars)
Fresh lime juice → Bottled lime juice (fresh is preferred for best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch)
Fresh garlic → Garlic powder (use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder per clove)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Pork shoulder → Pork butt or Boston butt (essentially the same cut, often more affordable)
Extra-virgin olive oil → Regular olive oil (the flavor difference is minimal in this application)
Individual spices → Pre-made Cuban seasoning blend (adjust salt accordingly)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Dried oregano → Italian seasoning (use 1 teaspoon since it contains oregano plus other herbs)
Chili powder → Paprika plus cayenne (use 1 teaspoon paprika and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne)
Cumin → Ground coriander (provides earthiness, though the flavor profile differs slightly)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using leaner cuts like tenderloin, add 2 tablespoons of bone broth to prevent drying out
Store leftover citrus juices in ice cube trays for future use in marinades and dressings
Toast whole spices before grinding for more intense flavor when substituting pre-ground versions

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Content Analysis:

Total carbs per serving: Approximately 3g
Net carbs per serving: 2g (after fiber)
Natural sugars: Primarily from orange and lime juice (2g per serving)

Blood Sugar Impact Modifications:

Reduce citrus juice by half → Use 1/4 cup orange juice and 2 tablespoons lime juice to cut natural sugars
Add fiber and protein → Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice
Increase healthy fats → Drizzle with avocado oil or serve with sliced avocado to slow glucose absorption

Portion & Timing Tips:

Recommended serving size: 4 ounces of pork with 1 cup of non-starchy vegetables
Meal timing: Pair with 2-3 cups of leafy greens or roasted vegetables for balanced nutrition
Protein pairing: The 28g protein per serving helps stabilize blood sugar levels

Smart Serving Suggestions:

Lettuce wraps → Use butter lettuce or romaine instead of tortillas
Cauliflower rice → Provides volume and fiber without blood sugar spikes
Zucchini noodles → Spiralized vegetables add nutrients and fiber

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce the carb content to approximately 1g net carbs per serving

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño complements the citrus notes beautifully, while the acidity cuts through the rich pork. For beer lovers, a light lager or wheat beer with lime provides refreshing contrast. Mojitos or Cuba Libres continue the Cuban theme perfectly. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with fresh lime or hibiscus iced tea for a tropical feel.

Side Dish Recommendations

Black beans and rice create an authentic Cuban meal, while cilantro-lime cauliflower rice offers a low-carb alternative. Fried plantains add sweetness that balances the savory mojo flavors. Yuca with garlic sauce provides starchy comfort, and grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions add color and nutrition. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with lime vinaigrette provides cooling contrast.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with black bean soup or yuca fries as appetizers. Build Cuban sandwiches with the leftover pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. Create pork bowls with rice, beans, grilled vegetables, and fresh salsa. For entertaining, set up a taco bar with warm tortillas, pickled onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Occasion Suggestions

This recipe shines at casual dinner parties, game day gatherings, and potluck events. It’s perfect for meal prep Sundays and busy weeknight dinners. The Cuban flavors make it ideal for summer entertaining and outdoor barbecues when served with grilled vegetables and tropical fruits.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Score the pork shoulder in a crosshatch pattern before seasoning to help the mojo penetrate deeper into the meat. Let the seasoned pork sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even temperature distribution. For maximum flavor, marinate the pork in the mojo overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with your chosen cooking method.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Dry pork usually results from overcooking or using too lean a cut – stick to pork shoulder or butt for best results. Bland flavor can be fixed by adding more salt and acid; taste the cooking liquid and adjust accordingly. Tough meat means it needs more cooking time – pork shoulder should easily shred when properly cooked. Watery final dish can be concentrated by reducing the cooking liquid in a saucepan after shredding the pork.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover mojo pork in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying out, or warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. The flavors actually improve after a day, making this perfect for meal prep.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare the mojo marinade up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The pork can be cooked completely, shredded, and refrigerated for up to 2 days before final serving. For entertaining, keep the finished pork warm in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 4 hours.

This Cuban-style mojo pork proves that the most impressive dishes often require the least effort from the cook. Whether you choose the set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker method or the quicker Instant Pot approach, you’ll end up with incredibly flavorful, tender pork that’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to impressive weekend entertaining. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – serve it traditionally with rice and beans, stuff it into sandwiches, or create modern bowls and wraps that showcase those incredible Cuban flavors in new and exciting ways.