This Cuban Mojo pork is prepared with pork butt marinated in a blend of citrus juices, garlic, cumin, and oregano and then slow-cooked until fall-apart tender.
Make the marinade. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, lime zest, orange zest, garlic, onion, orange juice, and lime juice to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the pork. Use a sharp knife to score the pork and make shallow slits on the surface of the meat so that it can absorb the marinade. Place the pork in a large Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over it. Close the bag and massage the marinade into the meat through the bag. Place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Sear the pork. Remove the pork from the fridge and allow it to sit on the countertop for 20 to 30 minutes Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the bag and let any excess marinade drip off the meat and back into the bag (reserve all of the marinade). Sear the pork in the skillet on all sides.
Load the crockpot. Transfer the seared pork to the basin of a crockpot and pour the reserved marinade over it. Add the bay leaves.
Cook. Close the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours.
Shred. Remove the cooked pork and shred it; return it to the crockpot and stir it with all of the cooking juices. Then serve.
Notes
Pork: If pork butt isn't available, a pork shoulder makes a great substitute.
Prep the Pork: Create shallow cuts on the pork's surface to enhance the absorption of the marinade.
Marinating: Letting the pork sit in the marinade for at least 4 hours is essential, and up to 10 hours for the most intense flavor infusion.
Searing: Browning the pork before slow cooking seals in moisture and amplifies the flavor richness.
Serving Suggestions: Traditionally, enjoy Mojo Pork over a bed of black beans and rice, or use it as a tasty filling for tacos or sandwiches.
Storage: Allow the pork to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Steps: Place the pork in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until it's warmed throughout.