If you're craving something bold, garlicky, and packed with flavor, this slow cooker Cuban pork is it. Pork tenderloins simmer away in a citrusy mojo sauce until they're so tender you can shred them with a fork. Serve it up Cuban style with rice and beans, pile it into sandwiches, or turn it into tacos. However you dish it out, this shredded pork will quickly become a favorite.
Why you'll love this Cuban pork recipe
This pork is all about big flavor without the hassle. The slow cooker easily transforms pork tenderloins into shredded Cuban pork that's both juicy and flavorful.
Easy comfort food. Just toss everything in the crockpot, walk away, and let the magic happen. Dinner basically makes itself.
Plenty of Cuban flavor. That garlicky mojo sauce with citrus and herbs gives the pork an authentic, Cuban-style flavor that you'll want to put on everything.
Tender, juicy shredded pork. Lean pork turns into pull-apart meat that's perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or sandwiches.
Popular and versatile. Make it for family dinner, game day, or meal prep. It's the kind of dish everyone loves, and it works in so many different meals.
Ingredients and what they bring to the dish
Each ingredient in this Cuban pork recipe plays a part in building that iconic mojo flavor:
- Pork tenderloins - Lean, tender pork that shreds beautifully.
- Sweet onion - Adds mild sweetness to balance the tangy mojo.
- Bay leaf - Subtle earthiness that enriches the broth.
- Olive or avocado oil - Helps toast aromatics and carry flavors.
- Orange and lime juices - Provide a bright citrus base for classic Cuban mojo.
- Mint and cilantro - Fresh herbs that bring herbal lift and island vibes.
- Cumin and oregano - Earthy, slightly smoky spices central to Cuban flavor.
- Crushed red pepper - A whisper of heat to keep it exciting.
- Salt and black pepper - Essential seasoning to bring all elements together.
- Garlic - Garlicky mojo makes every bite pop with flavor.
How to make Cuban pork in a slow cooker
This Cuban pork simmers away while you go about your day. Here's how to prepare it:
- Place pork, sliced onions and bay leaf in a crockpot.
- Mix mojo sauce by whisking olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, mint leaves, chopped cilantro, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in small bowl.
- Pour over pork and onions and give it a little stir.
- Cook low and slow for 6 hours.
- Lift pork out to cutting board and shred into thick chunks. Reserve sauce and serve extra on side.
To serve, plate rice and heap pulled mojo pork on top. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Add a slice of lime and black beans and dive in!
Recipe tips for success
Even though this Cuban pork is super easy, a few little tricks can take it from really good to "wow, can we have this every week?"
Pick the right cut. Pork tenderloin (or pork loin roast) is lean and gets beautifully tender in the slow cooker. Skip the pork butt unless you're okay with skimming fat off the top.
Layer the flavor. Tuck the onions and bay leaf under the pork so they can infuse the mojo sauce from the bottom up.
Go low and slow. Cooking on the low setting brings out the deepest flavor and gives you the most tender shredded pork.
Don't skimp on garlic. Mojo is all about that garlicky punch. Mince it fine so every bite gets some.
Save the sauce. Don't toss the cooking liquid! Spoon some over the pork when serving, or drizzle it over rice for extra mojo magic.
Recipe variations to make it your own
This recipe is fantastic just as it is, but it's also super easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand (or what you're craving).
Switch up the cut. Pork tenderloin is the star, but a pork loin roast works well too. Just steer clear of pork butt unless you're ready to skim off a lot of fat.
Protein swap. Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, or turkey breast.
Play with the herbs. No cilantro on hand? Use parsley instead, or add extra mint for a fresher twist.
Turn up the heat. Love spice? Toss in some jalapeños, add dashes of Cholula hot sauce, or swap the crushed red pepper for a hotter chili.
What to serve with Cuban pork
Wondering what to serve alongside this garlicky, mojo-marinated pork? You've got plenty of tasty options. These side dishes for Cuban pork round out the meal and give you that full-on Cuban-style experience.
- Black beans. They're a classic pairing with Cuban pork and rice.
- Rice. Plain white rice soaks up all that mojo sauce, or go with cilantro lime rice for a fresh twist. For the cilantro rice, just cook 1 cup of rice according to directions then stir in 3 tablespoons lime juice, 1-½ teaspoons lime zest, and ¾ cup chopped cilantro.
- Fried plantains. Sweet, caramelized, and slightly crisp, they balance the tangy pork beautifully.
- Yuca con mojo. A traditional Cuban side of cassava topped with, you guessed it, more garlicky mojo.
- Cuban bread. Layer the pork with ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard, then press until melty and crisp for a classic Cuban sandwich.
- Tortillas. Turn the pork into tacos or wraps. Provide pickled onions and guacamole for a fun twist.
- Mojito. A refreshing mojito is the perfect drink to pair. Go classic lime or try a fruity version. Find mojito recipes here.
How to store and freeze leftovers
Leftovers of this Cuban pulled pork are a total win. They taste just as good (if not better) the next day. Once the pork has cooled, pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat gently in a skillet or the microwave, adding a spoonful of the reserved mojo sauce to keep it juicy.
Want to save some for later? This shredded pork freezes beautifully. Pack cooled pork into freezer bags or containers, squeeze out as much air as you can, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it up with a splash of mojo or broth to bring those flavors back to life.
More easy crockpot main dish recipes
Crockpot Ropa Vieja - Another Cuban classic dish of beef with tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Crockpot Eye of Round Roast - an easy one-pot dinner complete with carrots, potatoes, and onions.
Crockpot Italian Meatloaf - Full of the flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese and a nice kick from Italian sausage. A moist, full-flavored dinner that takes only 15 minutes of prep then set it and forget it.
Crockpot Chili- a hearty chili complete with beans with a kick from Bloody Mary mix. Sure to satisfy a hungry crowd.
Crockpot White Chicken Chili - with beans, corn, and green chiles is perfect for a cold day and game day too.
Find lots more easy slow cooker recipes right here on 2CM!
Slow Cooker Cuban Pork
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. pork tenderloins (2 1-½ pound tenderloins)
- 1 sweet onion, sliced thin
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 Tablespoons extra light olive oil
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ½ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or 1 teaspoon coriander)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6-8 large cloves garlic, chopped
Instructions
- Place pork tenderloins in bottom of slow cooker. Add onions and bay leaf.
- Combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl. Pour over pork & onions. Stir gently.
- Cover & cook on low for about 6 hours.
- Remove pork from slow cooker and shred or break into thick chunks.
- Reserve sauce and serve on side.
- Serve over rice, spooning sauce over both, accompanied by black beans and plantains.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with more helpful information and important tips. It was first published on August 28, 2016.
