This slow cooker mojo pork recipe is a delightful way to enjoy tender, flavorful pork with minimal effort. The combination of citrus juices, garlic, and spices infuses the meat with a vibrant taste that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every kitchen. For instance, boneless pork shoulder is a specific cut of meat that you may need to ask your butcher for. Additionally, freshly squeezed lime juice and orange juice are essential for the authentic mojo flavor, so make sure to pick up fresh citrus fruits. Lastly, ground cumin and dried oregano are spices that add depth to the dish, and you might need to grab them if your spice rack is not well-stocked.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe
Boneless pork shoulder: A tender cut of meat that becomes incredibly flavorful and easy to shred after slow cooking.
Orange juice: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the marinade, enhancing the pork's natural flavors.
Freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds a zesty, citrusy brightness to the dish.
Minced garlic: Infuses the pork with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Dried oregano: A herb that adds a slightly bitter, earthy taste to balance the citrus.
Ground cumin: Brings a warm, nutty flavor that complements the other spices.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Olive oil: Used for searing the pork, adding a rich, savory flavor.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When searing the pork shoulder, make sure the pan is hot enough to create a good crust. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors. The olive oil should shimmer but not smoke. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. This caramelization adds a rich, savory depth to the mojo pork that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
boneless pork shoulder - Substitute with boneless pork loin: Pork loin is leaner and cooks faster, making it a good alternative for a quicker meal.
orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice provides a similar sweetness and acidity, enhancing the flavor profile.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a comparable tartness and citrus flavor.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh intensity of minced garlic. Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor. Use in moderation to avoid overpowering the dish.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat without the visible specks, maintaining the dish's appearance.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for cooking.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth offers a similar savory base while keeping the dish suitable for vegetarians.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the pork to cool: Before storing, let the mojo pork cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Use airtight containers: Transfer the cooled pork into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. This helps to keep the pork fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
Label and date: Always label your containers with the date you cooked the pork. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
Refrigerate: Store the pork in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. Make sure your fridge is set to 40°F (4°C) or lower to keep the pork safe.
Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep the pork for a longer period, place the airtight containers or bags in the freezer. The pork can be stored for up to 3 months. For best results, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Portion control: If you plan to use the pork in different meals, consider dividing it into smaller portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
Thawing: When ready to use, thaw the pork in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be sure to use the pork immediately after thawing.
Reheating: Reheat the pork in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F (175°C), or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or orange juice to keep it moist. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Avoid multiple reheats: To maintain the quality and safety of the pork, try to reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Repeated reheating can dry out the pork and diminish its flavor.
Creative leftovers: Use the stored mojo pork in various dishes like tacos, sandwiches, salads, or soups. This adds versatility to your meals and ensures nothing goes to waste.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the mojo pork in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or orange juice to the pan to prevent the pork from drying out. Add the shredded pork and stir occasionally until it’s heated through, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave Method: Place the leftover pork in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of chicken broth or orange juice to keep it moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warmed.
Slow Cooker Method: If you have the time, you can reheat the mojo pork in the slow cooker. Set it to low and add a bit of chicken broth or orange juice to keep the meat moist. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is hot.
Sous Vide Method: Place the leftover pork in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag with the air removed. Submerge the bag in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) and let it heat for about 45 minutes. This method ensures the pork remains juicy and flavorful.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical appliance used to simmer at a lower temperature than other cooking methods, perfect for tenderizing the pork shoulder over several hours.
Pan: Used to sear the pork shoulder on all sides to develop a rich, browned exterior before slow cooking.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the orange juice, lime juice, and chicken broth.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Tongs: Handy for turning the pork shoulder while searing it in the pan.
Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Cutting board: A surface to prepare and mince the garlic cloves.
Knife: Used for mincing the garlic cloves.
Forks: Two forks are needed to shred the pork once it is tender and fully cooked.
Serving platter: A dish to serve the shredded pork once it is mixed with the juices from the slow cooker.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare the marinade ahead: Mix the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper the night before to save time in the morning.
Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.
Sear in the same pot: If your slow cooker has a sear function, use it to brown the pork shoulder directly in the slow cooker, eliminating the need for a separate pan.
Shred with a mixer: Use a hand mixer to quickly shred the pork instead of using two forks.
Slow Cooker Mojo Pork Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 lbs Pork shoulder boneless
- ½ cup Orange juice
- ¼ cup Lime juice freshly squeezed
- 8 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Oregano dried
- 2 teaspoon Cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
- ½ cup Olive oil
- 1 cup Chicken broth low sodium
Instructions
- 1. In a bowl, mix together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned.
- 3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour the juice mixture over the pork.
- 4. Add chicken broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender.
- 5. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the juices in the slow cooker. Serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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