How to Make Delicious Publix Mojo Pork at Home

If you’ve ever visited a Publix supermarket, you’ve likely seen juicy pork roasts marinating in their signature mojo criollo marinade. The tangy, citrusy flavor infuses the meat, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful Cuban-style roasted pork. While you can buy pre-marinated Publix mojo pork in stores, it’s surprisingly easy to make this delicious dish yourself at home. In this article, we’ll walk through the entire process step-by-step.

Overview of Publix Mojo Pork

Publix mojo pork features boneless pork shoulder or butt roasted slowly and marinated in a vibrant marinade called mojo criollo. Mojo marinades are commonly used in Cuban cuisine and contain a blend of garlic, citrus juices, olive oil, and spices like cumin and oregano.

The marinade tenderizes the pork while infusing it with plenty of flavor. Slow roasting allows the pork to become fall-apart tender. The end result is juicy, succulent pork that makes amazing sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, and more.

While the dish originated in Cuban cuisine, Publix mojo pork has become a staple across Florida and the Southeast thanks to the grocery chain’s popularity. Recreating it at home is simple with the right ingredients and technique.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Publix-style mojo pork at home, you’ll need

• 3-5 lbs boneless pork shoulder or butt
• 2 cups mojo criollo marinade
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 orange, sliced
• Fresh cilantro

For the mojo marinade:

• 1⁄2 cup orange juice
• 1⁄4 cup lime juice
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

This simple marinade packs a big punch of flavor. You’ll mix it up before pouring it over the pork.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for incredible mojo pork every time:

1. Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together all the mojo marinade ingredients until well blended.

2. Prepare the Pork

Pat dry a 3-5 lb pork shoulder or butt and trim off any excess fat. Place in a gallon size freezer bag.

3. Pour on the Marinade

Reserve a small portion of the marinade, then pour the rest into the bag with the pork. Seal and massage to evenly coat the pork.

4. Marinate the Pork

Refrigerate the pork, turning occasionally, for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

5. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Take the pork out of the fridge and let it come closer to room temp as the oven heats.

6. Roast the Pork

Place pork in a roasting pan. Add diced onion and sliced orange. Roast for 4-5 hours until fork tender.

7. Make Saucing Mixture

In a small bowl, mix reserved marinade with pan drippings.

8. Shred and Serve

Once cool enough to handle, shred pork with two forks. Toss with saucing mixture. Serve and enjoy!

And that’s all there is to it! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have tender, flavorful Publix-style mojo pork.

Handy Tips for Mojo Pork Perfection

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your homemade Publix mojo pork turns out perfect:

• Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for best flavor and tenderness.

• Trim excess fat to prevent greasiness, but leave some for moisture.

• Use fresh-squeezed citrus juices for bright, bold flavor.

• Marinate for at least 2 hours, but the longer the better.

• Roast low and slow at 325°F until fork tender (about 1-1.5 hrs per pound).

• Let pork rest 15 minutes before shredding for easy, juicy pulled pork.

• Toss with reserved marinade and pan drippings to add back moisture.

• Stuff into tortillas, serve over rice, or pile high on buns. Enjoy!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great things about mojo pork is that it stores well for meals throughout the week. Here are some storage tips:

• Let roasted pork cool completely before storing.

• Pork can be refrigerated up to 4 days.

• For longer storage, freeze shredded pork for 2-3 months.

• Portion pork into freezer bags or airtight containers before freezing.

• Frozen pork should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before using.

• Reheat thawed pork gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

With proper storage, you can enjoy ready-to-go mojo pork whenever a flavorful meal is needed!

Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Mojo Pork

A roast this size makes great leftovers. Here are creative ways to use up every last bit:

• Mojo Pork Tacos – Stuff warmed corn tortillas with shredded pork, onions, cilantro and salsa.

• Mojo Pork Pizza – Top pizza crust with pork, peppers, onion and cheese for a Cuban twist.

• Mojo Pork Salad – Toss shredded pork with mixed greens, avocado and citrus vinaigrette.

• Mojo Pork Rice Bowl – Enjoy pork over white rice with black beans and fried plantains.

• Mojo Pork Sandwich – Pile pork high on rolls with Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard.

Leftover mojo pork is also amazing in omelets, pasta, soup, nachos, potatoes, and more. Get creative with the flavors of Cuba!

Enjoy Sensational Homemade Publix Mojo Pork

As you can see, making your own copycat version of Publix mojo pork is easy and rewarding. With a few simple ingredients and a couple hours of roasting time, you’ll have juicy, citrus-flavored pork that makes amazing meals all week long. Impress family and friends with this sensational Cuban-inspired dish.

So next time you get a craving for tender, tangy roasted pork, don’t run to the store – try making it yourself! Homemade mojo pork is rewarding, budget-friendly, and lets you control the quality of ingredients. Plus you’ll have delicious leftovers for all kinds of creative dishes. Dive into the wonderful flavors of mojo with this must-make recipe. Your tastebuds will thank you!