Mojo Pork Bowls
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 10 mins
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Marinate
4 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 25 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
836 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Cuban
Mojo Pork Bowls
Description
Mojo Pork Bowls center on pork shoulder marinated with a blend of fresh cilantro, orange zest and juice, lime juice, mint, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper, which infuse the meat with bright citrus and herbal tones. The marinade is blended smooth and the pork is left to absorb these flavors for several hours or overnight. Cooking the pork slowly in a slow cooker or oven until it shreds easily produces tender, juicy meat infused with the marinade.
The black beans are prepared with olive oil, yellow onion, garlic, and spices like cumin and smoked paprika, which add a smoky depth. Partially mashing some beans creates a creamy yet textured side that pairs well with the pork. The assembled bowls are topped with mango salsa and avocado, providing sweetness and creaminess that balance the savory pork and spiced beans. Fresh cilantro and mint garnish add brightness and herbaceous notes.
Serving with warm corn tortillas or rice makes the bowls substantial and versatile for a casual meal or gathering. The combination of slow-cooked meat, seasoned beans, and fresh toppings delivers a layered flavor profile with varied textures in each bite.
The pork can be marinated ahead and stored in the freezer before or after cooking, allowing for make-ahead convenience. Marinating for one to two days further develops flavor. Freezing cooked pork in marinade preserves moisture and taste for up to two months.
Ingredients
Mojo Pork:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup cilantro fresh
- 1 medium orange , zested
- 3/4 cup orange juice , fresh
- 1/2 cup lime juice fresh
- 1/4 cup mint leaf fresh
- 8 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoons oregano dried
- 1 Tablespoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 3 lbs pork shoulder I usually buy slightly bigger because it will weigh a lot less when I trim all the fat off, or butt roast
Black Beans:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion , diced
- 5 cloves garlic , minced
- 3 cans black beans
- 3 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- salt to taste, freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, freshly ground
Serving:
- 1 1/2 cups mango salsa
- 2 avocado chopped
- cilantro for garnish, fresh
- mint leaf for garnish, fresh
- corn tortillas warm, optional
- rice hot cooked, optional for a heartier meal
Instructions
- Marinate Pork: Combine mojo sauce ingredients (everything but the pork) in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Add pork to a bowl or resealable bag and pour half of the sauce on top. (Reserve remaining sauce for topping on bowls.) Marinate meat overnight, or for several hours.
- Black Beans: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onions and saute for a few minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Drain one can of black beans, and leave the others undrained. Add the black beans and spices and cook for 5 minutes. Use a potato masher to partially mash about half of the beans in the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook Pork:
- Slow Cooker Method: Add pork and marinade to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until it shreds easily with a fork.
- Oven Method: Place pork and marinade in a greased Dutch oven of covered baking dish. Bake at 300 degrees for about 2 hours (30 min/per lb), or until tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Assemble Bowls: Spoon black beans into bowl. Top with shredded mojo pork, a big scoop of mango salsa, sliced avocado, and garnish with cilantro and mint. Drizzle with mojo sauce, as desired.
Notes
- Marinate the pork for several hours or overnight to ensure it absorbs the mojo sauce flavors fully.
- You can freeze the pork either before or after cooking; freeze in a sealed bag for up to two months.
- Partially mash some of the cooked black beans to create a creamy yet textured side.
- Serve bowls with warm corn tortillas or cooked rice for a heartier meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 836 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 836kcal | 42% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 51g | 78% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 33g | 165% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 1749mg | 73% |
| Potassium | 1854mg | 39% |
| Fiber | 22g | 88% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1044IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 42mg | 47% |
| Calcium | 183mg | 18% |
| Iron | 9mg | 50% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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