cuban style pork roast recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cuban style pork roast recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Cuban-style pork roast recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and I just can’t get enough of it.

The combination of flavors and textures is absolute perfection. The pork roast is slow-cooked in a rich and tangy sauce made with sour orange juice, garlic, and spices, which gives it an incredible depth of flavor.

My family loves it when I serve this with a side of moros y cristianos (black beans and rice) and some steamed vegetables. It’s the perfect meal for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday night dinner.

I’ve also found that this recipe is incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for later use. Plus, it’s relatively healthy considering how rich and indulgent it tastes.

My kids have even started requesting this dish for their birthdays, which says a lot about how much they adore it. I’ve tried making this recipe with different types of meat, but the pork roast remains my top choice.

There’s just something about the way the fat renders out during cooking that makes it tender and juicy to perfection.

Cuban Style Pork Roast

Cuban Style Pork Roast

4.6 from 1013 votes

This Cuban style pork roast features a citrus and garlic marinade that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with bright, savory flavor. Slow roasted until golden and fork tender, it is a classic dish perfect for sandwiches or as a main course.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time3 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours 50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pork and Marinade

4 to 5 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
1/2 cup fresh sour orange juice (or 1/4 cup orange juice plus 1/4 cup lime juice)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

For the Roasting

1 large onion, sliced into rings
1 cup chicken broth or water

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the sour orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
2Add the pork shoulder and turn to coat evenly.
3Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
4Preheat the oven to 325°F.
5Remove the pork from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
6Reserve the marinade.
7Arrange the onion slices in the bottom of a roasting pan and place a rack over them.
8Set the pork on the rack and pour the reserved marinade and chicken broth into the pan, avoiding the meat.
9Roast the pork uncovered for 2 hours.
10Then cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and continue roasting for another 1 to 1.
5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F to 200°F and the meat is fork tender.
11The higher temperature helps break down collagen for shredding.
12Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest, covered, for 20 minutes.
13Transfer to a cutting board and shred using two forks.
14Serve the shredded pork with the pan juices and roasted onions, or use it for Cuban sandwiches.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl or resealable bag
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Roasting pan with rack
Aluminum foil
Meat thermometer
Tongs
Serving platter

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For authentic flavor, use sour oranges if available. If not, combine equal parts orange juice and lime juice. The pork is best when cooked to a high internal temperature for easy shredding. Leftover pork can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Cuban Style Pork Roast Works

This Cuban-style pork roast recipe is truly a showstopper for any occasion. Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also relatively easy to make ahead of time and store for later use.

My family loves when I serve this with some steamed vegetables and moros y cristianos (black beans and rice). It’s also a great option for those looking for healthier meal options despite its rich flavor profile.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Style Pork Roast

Q: What is Cuban-style pork roast?

This dish is a variation of the traditional Cuban dish called ‘Lechon Asado,’ which is typically roasted on a spit over an open flame.

Q: Can I use boneless pork shoulder instead of pork roast?

Yes, you can use boneless pork shoulder as a substitute for pork roast. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly shorter due to the lack of bone.

Q: How do I store leftover Cuban-style pork roast?

Store leftover Cuban-style pork roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the pork roast in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.

Q: What type of sour orange juice should I use?

You can use either freshly squeezed sour orange juice or bottled sour orange juice for this recipe. If using bottled juice, be sure to choose one that is free from added sugars and preservatives.

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