This Easy Cuban Mojo Pork Marinade is full of zesty flavors that make any pork dish a hit! With ingredients like garlic, lime juice, and spices, it brings a tasty kick to your meat.
I love how simple it is to whip up! Just mix everything, marinate for a bit, and you’re ready to sizzle. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the marinade a strong flavor. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can work as a substitute, but fresh cloves are best for that zing.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is my favorite; it adds a genuine sweetness. If you’re out of oranges, you can use bottled juice, but make sure it’s 100% pure juice without added sugar.
Lime Juice: Fresh limes elevate the taste with their tartness. You can substitute with lemon juice for a similar effect, but it’s slightly less tangy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil works great, but you can swap it with any neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor. If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley can be a good alternative, though the flavor is different.
How to Marinate Pork Perfectly?
Marinating is key to getting that wonderful flavor into the meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Place the pork in a resealable bag or a dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Ensure the pork is fully coated by massaging the marinade into it gently.
- Seal it tight or cover it, then refrigerate. Aim for at least 2 hours but overnight is best for maximum flavor absorption.
Removing excess marinade before cooking is essential to get that nice char and prevent burning on the grill. Happy marinating!
Easy Cuban Mojo Pork Marinade Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 2 to 3 pounds pork shoulder or pork loin
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 2 hours to marinate. For the best flavor, marinate overnight! Cooking will take an additional 12-16 minutes, resulting in a delicious and juicy pork dish ready to be served.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mojo Marinade:
In a medium bowl, start by adding the minced garlic followed by the fresh orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil. Next, toss in the chopped cilantro, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like a little heat. Whisk everything together until all the ingredients are well blended.
2. Marinate the Pork:
Take your pork shoulder or loin and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, ensuring it gets evenly coated. If using a bag, gently press out any excess air, seal it tightly, and massage the marinade into the meat a bit. If using a dish, just cover it with plastic wrap.
3. Chill and Flavor Infusion:
Now it’s time for the pork to soak up all those wonderful flavors! Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 2 hours. For even better results, leave it overnight. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat thoroughly, enhancing the taste.
4. Cook the Pork:
When you’re ready to cook, remove the pork from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade—it’s not safe to reuse. Now, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Grill or sear the pork for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until the pork is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
After cooking, let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice it up and serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Cuban mojo pork!
This marinade infuses the pork with bright citrus notes, garlic pungency, and herbaceous undertones typical of Cuban mojo, delivering a juicy, flavorful roast with a crispy grilled exterior. Enjoy!
FAQs About Easy Cuban Mojo Pork Marinade
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork shoulder and loin are traditional choices, you can also use pork tenderloin, rib chops, or even bone-in cuts. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different cuts may require varying times to reach the desired doneness.
Can I Make the Marinade in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mojo marinade a day ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld. When you’re ready, marinate your pork as directed!
How Long Can I Marinade the Pork?
You can marinate the pork for a minimum of 2 hours, but if you have the time, aim for 12-24 hours. Just avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the citrus can start to break down the meat too much.
What Should I Serve with Mojo Pork?
This dish pairs perfectly with traditional Cuban sides like rice and black beans, fried plantains, or a refreshing avocado salad. You could also serve it on warm tortillas for delicious tacos!
