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Let me take you back to a sun-soaked afternoon when I first stumbled upon the magic of Slow Cooker Cuban Pork. I was exploring an appetizing cookbook I had just rifled through from my grandmother’s kitchen – that well-loved old thing with its pages lovingly stained by years of flavors and stories. As I flipped through the pages, a beautiful photo of pulled pork, glistening with a zesty orange marinade, caught my eye. I could almost smell the citrus and spices wafting through the kitchen, tantalizing my taste buds.
I decided to dive right in, and after a day of slowly cooking the pork shoulder, the aroma filled my home like a hug – warm, inviting, and utterly irresistible! When it came time to shred that tender, succulent pork, I knew I had discovered a dish that would become a staple not just in my home, but also in the hearts of those I served. The zesty, bright flavors of orange and lime paired with fragrant cumin and oregano had a way of bringing people together – whether we were enjoying it over a warm bed of rice or tucked into some soft tortillas. Friends and family kept coming back for more, and I just knew you all would fall in love with this delectable dish too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the magic while you relax.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of citrus and spices brings vibrant flavors to your plate!
- Nourishing: Using pork shoulder means you’re getting a wholesome protein that cooks down to tender perfection.
- Versatile: Enjoy it over rice, in tacos, or however your heart desires.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings, as it’s easily scaled up and everyone loves it!
Ingredients
- Pork Shoulder: This cut is perfect for slow cooking as it becomes beautifully tender and juicy.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth that brings the mojo sauce to life!
- Orange Juice: The sweetness and acidity balance nicely, giving the dish a bright pop.
- Lime Juice: A splash of lime brings a refreshing zing that perfectly complements the flavors.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil helps emulsify the sauce and keeps the meat moist.
- Cumin: This warm, earthy spice is essential for that classic Cuban flavor.
- Oregano: Dried oregano lends a lovely herbaceous note that ties everything together.
- Salt: A necessary seasoning to enhance all the other delightful flavors!
- Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a little kick and depth.
- Onion: Sautéed or slow-cooked, onions become sweet and savory, enhancing the dish.
- Bell Pepper: Any color will do! They add a pop of sweetness and crunch.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Create the Mojo Sauce
In a cozy little bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Oh, the smell of that citrusy goodness is going to make your heart sing!
2. Get the Pork Ready
Place the pork shoulder in your slow cooker like it’s settling in for a spa day. It loves that! Pour the mojo sauce over it, letting it drizzle and pool around the edges.
3. Add the Veggies
Chop up your onion and bell pepper, then sprinkle them generously over the pork. They’re going to mingle with the meat and sauce, adding flavor and texture.
4. Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let that slow magic happen! You’ll be greeted by the comforting scent of citrus and spice filling your kitchen.
5. Shred and Enjoy
When the cooking time is up, carefully shred the pork with two forks. Mix it with the sauce and watch the flavors meld into a divine meal. Serve it over rice, inside warm tortillas, on nachos—let your creativity soar!
Pro Tips for Success
- Sear First: For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
- Adjust Acidity: Feel free to adjust the citrus balance based on your taste – a bit more lime juice can be delightful!
- Add Vegetables: Toss some veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes into the slow cooker for added nutrition.
- Plan Ahead: Prepping the sauce the night before can cut down on kitchen time!
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for heat!
- Herb Swap: Toss in fresh cilantro or parsley instead of dried oregano for a fresh twist.
- Seasonal Goodness: In fall, consider adding some diced pumpkin or squash for a seasonal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cuban Pork with fluffy rice or wrapped in warm tortillas. Add a side of black beans and avocado for a complete meal, and consider enjoying it with a lovely mojito or chilled sangria for a delightful pairing!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the mojo sauce a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. The cooked pork can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can savor those lovely flavors!
Leftovers
Don’t let any delicious pork go to waste! Use leftovers in breakfast burritos, toss it in an omelet, or make a Cuban-inspired hash with diced potatoes.
Freezing
Absolutely! Cool the pork completely, then portion it into zip-top bags, removing all the air. It freezes well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
- Skillet: For best texture, reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or juice to keep it moist.
- Oven: Place in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Definitely! Pork loin or pork tenderloin can work, but remember, they are leaner, so adjust cook time accordingly.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Follow the same steps but cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes, with a natural release.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all! The flavors are more zesty and savory than spicy, but you can always add heat if you prefer.
What’s the best way to serve this?
Over rice, in tacos, or with nachos are all fantastic options, but feel free to get creative with your favorite sides!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! A nourishing and scrumptious Slow Cooker Cuban Pork recipe that’ll warm your heart and home. With each bite, I hope you feel the love and vibrant spirit of this dish. So grab those ingredients, dive into this culinary adventure, and enjoy the beautiful moments shared around the table. Happy cooking, my dear friends! ❤️