Name: Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork (Lechon Asado)
Prep time: 8 h 15 min
Cook time: PT-484992H14M3S
Total time: PT-484992H14M3S
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 4–5 lb boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed; 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing); 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp oregano; ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice; ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 8 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Zest of 1 orange; Zest of 1 lime

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Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork, or Lechon Asado, is a traditional Cuban dish featuring pork shoulder marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juice, garlic, and herbs, then slow-roasted until tender with a perfectly caramelized crust. Every bite is rich with flavor—bold, juicy, and aromatic. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a holiday gathering, or a batch of Cuban sandwiches, this dish captures the essence of classic Cuban cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together deep, savory flavors with bright, citrusy notes for an unforgettable pork dish. The long marination infuses the meat with garlic and herb goodness, while the slow-roasting method ensures the pork stays juicy inside and crispy outside. It’s perfect for both casual dinners and festive occasions. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it sliced, shredded, or piled high on crusty bread for Cuban sandwiches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pork:

4–5 lb boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt), trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano

For the Mojo Marinade:

¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
8 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup olive oil
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tbsp ground cumin
1½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lime

Directions

1. Prepare the Mojo Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and both citrus zests. Reserve ½ cup of this marinade for basting or serving.

2. Marinate the Pork:
Place the pork shoulder in a large zip-top bag or non-reactive dish. Pour in the remaining mojo marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally for even flavor absorption.

3. Roast the Pork:

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Remove the pork from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the pork.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until well browned.
Transfer the pork to a roasting pan and add ½ cup water to the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with foil.
Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until fork-tender.

4. Crisp the Exterior:

Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
Uncover the pork and baste with the reserved mojo marinade.
Roast for another 20–30 minutes, basting once more midway through, until the outside becomes crisp and caramelized.
Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.

5. Serve:
Serve warm with lime wedges and additional mojo marinade on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 3.5 hours
Total Time: Approximately 12 hours
Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or red chili to the marinade for a bit of heat.
Herb Blend: Replace oregano with fresh cilantro or add thyme for a different herbaceous note.
Grill Finish: For a smoky touch, finish the last 20 minutes of roasting on the grill over medium-high heat.
Slow Cooker Version: After marinating, cook the pork on low in a slow cooker for 8 hours. Finish in the oven or under a broiler to crisp the exterior.
Sandwich Style: Shred the pork and serve it on Cuban bread with mustard, pickles, ham, and Swiss cheese for a classic Cuban sandwich.

storage/reheating

Store leftover mojo pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through. For best texture, drizzle with extra mojo sauce before reheating. You can also freeze the pork for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What is Lechon Asado?

Lechon Asado is a traditional Cuban roasted pork dish, usually marinated in mojo sauce and slow-roasted until tender and flavorful.

Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?

Yes, bone-in pork shoulder works well but may require additional roasting time.

Is it necessary to marinate overnight?

While not strictly required, marinating overnight yields the most flavorful results.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate and roast the pork a day ahead, then reheat it before serving.

What should I serve with Mojo Pork?

It pairs well with rice and black beans, yuca, fried plantains, or Cuban bread.

Can I use bottled orange and lime juice?

Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

How do I know the pork is done?

The pork should be fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of at least 190°F (88°C) for shredding.

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Absolutely. Mojo works well with chicken, beef, or even vegetables.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it’s flavorful but not spicy. You can add chili for heat if desired.

Can I use the leftover marinade for basting?

Only if it hasn’t come into contact with raw meat. Otherwise, use the reserved portion you set aside before marinating.

Conclusion

Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork (Lechon Asado) is a stunning centerpiece for any meal, offering rich flavor, tender texture, and vibrant citrus-garlic notes that define traditional Cuban cuisine. Whether served family-style or tucked into sandwiches, this dish delivers authenticity and comfort with every bite. It’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again, perfect for both casual and celebratory occasions.