This Mojo Pork Sandwich has the perfect blend of tangy citrus and savory spices, making it an ideal choice for an easy and delicious meal. This recipe captures the heart of Cuban cuisine, providing a flavorful and convenient sandwich that busy families and home cooks will love.
Our family loves to serve this sandwich with the famous 1905 Salad or a side of Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans.
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Mojo pork is a staple in Cuban cuisine, known for its delicious citrus-garlic marinade. Traditionally slow-cooked, this recipe speeds up the process using an Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tender, juicy pork shoulder infused with orange and lime juice, garlic, and spices makes it an ideal filling for sandwiches.
If you like this Cuban recipe, you may also love our Authentic Cuban Ropa Vieja Recipe.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in a fraction of the time with the Instant Pot.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh citrus juices and spices.
- Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served with rice and beans.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
Mojo Pork Sandwich Ingredients
- Pork shoulder: Opt for bone-in for maximum flavor. Love pulled pork? Try our Mexican Pork Carnitas Recipe.
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed for the best taste.
- Lemon and lime juice: Adds tangy zest.
- Onion and garlic: Key for depth of flavor.
- Jalapeño and chili pepper: Adds a subtle heat.
- Bay leaves, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, kosher salt, and pepper: Essential spices for authentic mojo flavor.
- Hoagie rolls: Perfectly soft and sturdy for holding the juicy pork.
- Provolone cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Pork shoulder: Boneless pork butt or pork loin.
- Provolone cheese: Swiss or mozzarella cheese.
- Hoagie rolls: Ciabatta or baguettes.
- Cuban Sandwich: Add ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles to make a pressed Cuban sandwich.
How to Make a Mojo Pork Sandwich
STEP ONE: Prepare the Marinade
Combine orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, jalapeño, chili pepper, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in the Instant Pot. Add the pork shoulder, ensuring it is well-coated with the marinade.
STEP TWO: Pressure Cook the Pork
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 70 minutes (20 minutes per pound). Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Make sure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
STEP THREE: Shred the Pork
Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded pork with some of the cooking liquid for added moisture and flavor.
STEP FOUR: Assemble and Toast the Sandwiches
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice hoagie rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Layer the bottom half of each roll with provolone cheese. Place the sandwiches in the oven and toast until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven and add a generous amount of shredded mojo pork on top of the cheese. Top with the remaining half of the hoagie roll.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Let the pork marinate in the citrus and spice mixture for at least an hour before cooking.
✔️ DO Use fresh citrus juices for the most flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover mojo pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, store any leftover shredded pork in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat Instant Pot mojo pork in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of the cooking liquid to maintain moisture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can make Mojo Pork in a slow cooker. Simply add the pork and marinade ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on high for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
Mojo Pork sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides such as black beans and rice, fried plantains, or a fresh citrus salad. These sides complement the Cuban flavors and add variety to the meal.
Store leftover Mojo Pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pork in a microwave or on the stove with a little bit of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. You can also freeze the pork in portions for up to 3 months.
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📖 Recipe
Mojo Pork Sandwich (Instant Pot)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Forks for shredding
- Knife for slicing
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs bone-in pork shoulder
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 onion quartered
- 1 head of garlic halved
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded
- 1 chili pepper seeded
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Sandwich
- hoagie rolls
- provolone cheese
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder in the Instant Pot.
- Add the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, jalapeño, chili pepper, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 1 hour 10 minutes (20 minutes per pound).
- Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Make sure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork and shred it using two forks.
Sandwich Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice hoagie rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Layer the bottom half of each roll with provolone cheese.
- Place the sandwiches in the oven and toast until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add a generous amount of shredded mojo pork on top of the cheese. Top with the remaining half of the hoagie roll and serve warm.
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