Imagine the vibrant streets of Havana and the lively rhythm of salsa music, and right there you'll find the culinary soul of Cuban Mojo Pork. This traditional dish wraps tender pork in a zesty marinade of citrus and garlic, bringing a burst of flavor to every bite. Making Mojo Pork in your slow cooker is like giving a big, warm hug to your whole family. It's a comforting meal, rich with tradition and easy to prepare, infusing your home with an aroma that promises a delicious dinner. It's perfect for those bustling weekday meals or a cozy weekend gathering around the table.
This succulent Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork pairs beautifully with a side of black beans and rice, a simple avocado salad, or sweet plantains to complement its tangy profile. You could also shred the pork for some crowd-pleasing tacos or Cuban sandwiches that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork
Servings: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients:
- 3 to 4 pounds boneless pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- 8 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Directions:
1. Start by rinsing and patting your pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Place it in your slow cooker for a perfect fit.
2. In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, orange zest, orange and lime juices, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the mojo marinade.
3. Whisk in the olive oil slowly until the marinade comes together, then stir in the fresh cilantro.
4. Pour the marinade over the pork in the slow cooker, turning the pork to coat it thoroughly.
5. Tuck the sliced onions around the sides of the pork and pour the chicken broth over the top.
6. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
7. Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
8. Skim the fat from the surface of the juices and onions left in the slow cooker, and drizzle some over the shredded pork to keep it moist.
Variations & Tips:
- If your family prefers a touch of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade.
- For picky eaters, serve the onions on the side, or simply puree the cooked onions and juices together to make a delicious sauce for the pork.
- To thicken the remaining juices into a gravy, whisk in a mixture of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This Mojo Pork freezes wonderfully. Simply portion the shredded meat with some of its juices into freezer-safe bags for a quick future meal.
- Invite your little ones to help with shredding the pork; it's fun and a useful way to get them involved in meal preparation.
- For picky eaters, serve the onions on the side, or simply puree the cooked onions and juices together to make a delicious sauce for the pork.
- To thicken the remaining juices into a gravy, whisk in a mixture of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This Mojo Pork freezes wonderfully. Simply portion the shredded meat with some of its juices into freezer-safe bags for a quick future meal.
- Invite your little ones to help with shredding the pork; it's fun and a useful way to get them involved in meal preparation.
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It's these hearty, family-loved dishes that make dinnertime truly special. Enjoy the Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork and the memories you create as you savor it together!