Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork marinates in the fantastic flavors of citrus, garlic, oregano, and cumin all while cooking to a delicious tenderness. This an easy and flavorful meal that is perfect for any day of the week!
Many of you already know I am a Native Floridian and one of things I love about this state is that it is rich in Cuban and Latin culture. Especially in the Tampa area, specifically Ybor City, which is bursting with delicious Latin food. Spanish, Cuban, and Sicilian immigrants came to the area in large part to work in Cigar factories.
Along with them they brought rich and flavorful food traditions to the community! This deliciousness still thrives in the area. If you ever get a chance you have to visit the Tampa Bay area! From the nearby beaches, to the theme parks, culture and why yes the FOOD! So much to enjoy! Especially the FOOD - Y'ALL!! Did I already mention that?
When you think of Cuban food it's natural for Mojo to come to mind right away. Mojo is a marinade typically made with sour oranges and lots of garlic. It really is a delicious marinade, sauce, and can be used as a dip. And don't worry if you can't find Sour Oranges - I'll give you an easy solution in the recipe.
I feel very lucky that I don't have to travel too far to enjoy all this greatness, my hometown is just minutes away from Tampa. But, there are also times we just want to make it at home! And I'm going to share how I make mine with ya!
Tips for making perfect Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork at Home
- Use orange juice and limes or lemons and limes in substitution for sour oranges. The combo recreates the same flavor.
- Sear all sides of the pork first. This locks in the flavor and gives you a perfect crust on the roast.
- You cannot go wrong, making a roast in the crock pot is foolproof! It will be delicious every time.
- Just put it in and forget it. It's important not to open the lid during the process. This causes moisture and heat loss.
- Slow Cooking takes care of all the marinating and cooking with little effort and lots of AMAZING TASTE!
- If you want to create a thicker sauce, add cornstarch after cooking to thicken.
- Gather your ingredients together so that you are not having to run back and forth to the fridge or spice cabinet.
Simple Steps to Making this Cuban Pork Roast
- Salt and pepper all sides of the pork.
- Sear it on all sides in a skillet (I love to use cast iron) or in a multi cooker on saute if you have this feature.
- If searing in the multi cooker, either remove to mix ingredients in the slow cooker or mix in a bowl and then pour over the meat.
- Make sure to really coat all of the meat in the marinade.
- Cover and let it do all the work! 8 hours on low or 6 hours on high.
- Remove roast and put on platter to serve. (I love to serve over white rice)
- Thicken sauce, if desired, by removing some of the cooking liquids and adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and mixing well with a fork or whisk. Pour back into slow cooker, stir and let thicken for a few minutes.
- Pour sauce over roast or serve on side.
Helpful Hint: It's important that your roast isn't too small for your slow cooker. You want the juices to encompass the roast while cooking.
You will see when I started mine I seared it in the multi cooker. The roast I happened to buy was taller, not as flat as some are cut. So I decided to move it to a smaller slow cooker so that it would be in all that wonderful juice.
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Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork Roast Recipe
When you need a little Cuban Spice in your life this is the perfect dish! It's always moist, tender, with hints of citrus and garlic that is sure to wake up your taste buds! It may even having you dancing the SALSA it's so good y'all!
If you like this recipe please let me know in the comments and give it a 5 star rating!
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Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork
Ingredients
- 4 lb boston butt or pork shoulder
- 2 tbls vegetable or canola oil
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ to 2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 to 2 tablespoon cornstarch, to thicken sauce after cooking, if desired
Instructions
- In a large skillet or in slow cooker if it has the saute feature, add the oil over medium high heat.
- Salt and pepper all sides of the pork and sear on all sides.
- In the slow coooker add orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes and bay leaves and mix.
- Add the pork to the slow cooker and spoon marinade over all the sides of the pork roast.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or 6 hours on high.
- For a thicker sauce remove some of the drippings and add in cornstarch and mix well with a fork or whisk.
Katherine A Dietz says
For mojo marinade I was taught to use 2 to 1 ratio of orange juice to lime juice has that changed?
Thanks Katherine
Nikki Lee says
This is how I have always made the slow cooker version. Perhaps if you were using sour oranges yes. Feel free to adjust it to your taste! Enjoy!
Mimi says
I’m Cuban and love this - The perfect Cuban dish!!! Some black beans, white rice and plantains. Sangria and Flan for dessert!!! Yum, yum
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Best compliment I could receive! Thank you so much! You have the perfect meal planned out! I am all in!
Nadia says
This recipe sounds amazing! I plan to cook this for a group of friends but I have an eater who cannot eat pork for religious reasons. What other type of meat would you suggest substituting for the pork and how long should I slow cook it for?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I think it would be great with chicken. I need to give it a try. I have made something similar with a whole chicken but I bake it. If you want to try bone in chicken Cook on high 2 to 3 hours or low 4 to 6 hours.
Isabel says
I like to marinate my meat a day prior to soak the flavor and it cuts in the preparation having the mojo already made, also I’m using a pork loin. Should I make any changes to your recipe?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
When slow cooking a loin, I usually cook about 6 to 6 1/2 hours.
Gil says
I've made this many times over the past few years & it is always delicious! I don't really measure the ingredients & the crushed red pepper flakes give it a "just right" kick! Easy & house smells fantasic!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you Gil! When I started blogging it forced me to start measuring things more often so I could share the recipes. A little of this and that lol!
Christina Pursley says
I made this roast as a trial run for a family gathering later this summer. We made wraps out of it using flour tortillas. It was terrific!!! Definitely a keeper!!!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I am so glad you liked it! Adding these to wraps sounds like a perfect way to enjoy this! Thank you so much Christina. I hope your family gathering turns out wonderfully!
Samantha says
I’m going to try this with my pork tenderloins tomorrow!!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
That sounds delicious! Please let me know how it goes!
Giuliana says
Hi . I made the mojo pork in my very first ever use of a slow cooker. While the flavors of the marinade were great, the liquid didn't cover all the meat and so it was rather bland when I served it. I don't have the option of using a smaller size container. Would it work to double the marinade ingredients so that the meat is fully immersed in the liquid while it's cooking. Thank you. My husband is Cuban and I was hoping to surprise him...
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Giuliana, I would give that a try. You will have extra sauce then too! Please let me know how it goes. I would love to hear back!
Carlee says
That looks so flavorful and absolutely delicious! Save two servings for me next time.
[email protected] says
Thank you so much Carlee! Sure thing! I'll wrap you up a plate!
Sandy says
I have a bottle of mojo marinade, made by
Badia, I’m going to try this roast using that. I have never used it before. We visited Ybor City a few years ago and enjoyed it.
[email protected] says
How did you like the mojo marinade? I have not used it before. So much delicious food and fun in Ybor City. We love to go down and have lunch every once in a while!
Kathy says
We were at the Columbia a few weeks ago for the 1905 Salad. I wish someone could duplicate that dressing! It just can’t be done! Trying your slow cooker pork recipe this week. Can I freeze leftovers for future Cuban sandwiches do you think?
[email protected] says
Hi Kathy! Thanks for stopping by! Yes you can freeze the cooked meat. I let it cool and wrap with freezer quality plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 to 3 months. I need to post the recipe I have for their salad dressing. I make that salad often and it is delicious. My mom, sister, daughter and I love to have lunch at the Columbia.
Penny says
Hey, the 1905 salad dressing is being sold at some Publix markets now!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Yes. I have bought it when in a pinch for time. But I really do like it homemade better!
Linda says
We lived in Tampa for 10yrs. The food was so good! At the Columbia I ordered the gazpacho soup made table side! The 1905 salad too!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Love Columbia! I have the recipe for 1905 Salad here on the blog! It's the best!
Kim says
Lovely and vibrant! Totally making this for my family. Hope it will turn out great.
Christie says
I love the smell of this cooking. It's an amazing way to come home from work to a home cooked meal.
[email protected] says
Oh I agree! It makes the whole house smell divine! And not having a meal ready when you get home is the best!
Jolene says
I do not use my slow cooker enough! This looks awesome!
[email protected] says
Thank you so much! We love the flavor in this one! I use mine a lot! Now that I have a multi cooker I use it even more. It will sauté, bake, is a rice cooker and slow cooks! Love it!
Cheyenne says
I was wondering if a larger crock pot will still work? I don't have a small one only a larger one.
Cheyenne says
Sorry I wasn't specific enough. Will a larger crock pot still work if I don't want to get a larger roast.
Nikki Lee says
Yes a larger one will work as well!
Caroline says
I haven't had mojo pork in a while but this has me wanting to change that ASAP!
[email protected] says
This one is easy to make too! I hope you make it soon! 🙂
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
I love anything pork so I'm looking forward to trying your mojo pork sometime soon! It sounds perfect for a busy weekday night.
[email protected] says
If you are a pork lover, then you will love this one! It is perfect to come home to a meal already ready!