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Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork (Lechon Asado)

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Succulent and slow-roasted, this Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork—Lechon Asado—is packed with bold citrus, garlic, and herb flavors. Marinated overnight in a vibrant mojo sauce and roasted until tender with a crispy, caramelized crust, it’s perfect for family meals, festive gatherings, or building unforgettable Cuban sandwiches.

Ingredients

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:

  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 8 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1 tbsp white vinegar

  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano (or 1 tsp dried)

  • 1 tbsp ground cumin

  • 1 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • Zest of 1 lime

Instructions

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

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

3. Roast the Pork:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

  • Remove pork from marinade, pat dry. Rub with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.

  • Sear pork in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides.

  • Transfer to a roasting pan with ½ cup water. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 2.5–3 hours, or until fork-tender.

4. Crisp and Finish:

  • Uncover pork and increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).

  • Roast uncovered for 20–30 minutes until caramelized and crispy, basting with reserved mojo halfway through.

  • Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.

5. Serve:
Garnish with lime wedges and drizzle with extra mojo marinade.

Notes

  • Make extra marinade to drizzle over rice, yuca, or use in Cuban sandwiches.

  • For added flavor, let the pork marinate up to 24 hours.

  • Perfect as a centerpiece for holiday meals or casual weekend dinners.

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