Are you looking for a fantastic meal-prep recipe that can serve you throughout the week? Look no further! This Instant Pot Pork Roast is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Make a large batch on Sunday, and enjoy its deliciousness in various forms for lunches and dinners all week long.

Cooking pork in an Instant Pot or slow cooker has always been one of my favorite methods due to its incredible ease and consistent results. Today’s recipe showcases a pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) transformed into tender Cuban Mojo pulled pork. The secret lies in a flavorful marinade inspired by traditional Cuban Mojo, which infuses the meat with a perfect balance of citrus, garlic, and spices, creating an irresistibly juicy and tender pork every time.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Mojo Pork

• Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot does most of the work, significantly cutting down on active cooking time compared to traditional methods.
• Incredibly Tender & Juicy: Pressure cooking locks in moisture, resulting in pork that practically melts in your mouth and easily shreds with a fork.
• Bursting with Flavor: The Mojo marinade is a game-changer, delivering a vibrant, tangy, garlicky, and herbaceous flavor profile that is utterly addictive.
• Highly Versatile: This pulled pork is a culinary chameleon! Serve it in Cuban Rice Bowls, savory tacos, hearty sandwiches, light wraps, or simply on its own with your favorite side dishes like roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Its versatility makes it ideal for preparing ahead. Cook a big batch and repurpose it into different meals throughout the week, saving you time and effort.

If you enjoy creating delicious pork dishes with minimal fuss, you’ll also appreciate some of my other go-to recipes, such as this Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe, Easy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas, and Instant Pot Carnitas.

For more insights into cooking different cuts of pork, be sure to check out my guides on How to Make Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker and How to Cook Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker.

Key Ingredients for This Mouthwatering Roast

This recipe relies on a few simple yet powerful ingredients to achieve its incredible flavor and texture. For exact amounts and printable instructions, refer to the detailed recipe card below.

• Pork: The star of this dish is a 4-pound pork shoulder or pork butt roast. These cuts are ideal for pulled pork because they have a good amount of marbling and connective tissue, which breaks down during the pressure cooking process, yielding an incredibly juicy and tender result. It’s crucial not to trim the fat before cooking; the fat renders down, contributing to the pork’s moistness and flavor. Cut the roast into 4 to 5 large, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent them from drying out in the Instant Pot.
• Mojo Marinade – Store-bought or Homemade: This Instant Pot shredded pork is a classic Mojo pork, also known as Cuban pulled pork. The signature flavor comes from a bitter orange marinade.
  • Store-bought option: I often use Goya Marinade – Naranja Agria (bitter orange). It’s widely available in many grocery stores, including larger chains like Giant Eagle and Walmart, and definitely in Hispanic markets. You can find a reference link here.
  • Homemade option: If Goya Naranja Agria isn’t available, don’t fret! You can easily make your own Mojo Criollo marinade. This homemade version ensures you still get that authentic, bright, and savory flavor profile. See the section below for details or use a recipe like this one here.

How to Make Tender Mojo Pork Roast in an Instant Pot

Making this incredible pork roast in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, resulting in perfectly tender meat with minimal effort. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade: Begin by placing your cut pork roast pieces into a large, sturdy ziplock bag. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together your chosen marinade ingredients. If using Goya Marinade, simply pour it in. If making your own Mojo, combine the fresh orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, lime zest, olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork for Maximum Flavor: Pour the prepared marinade over the pork pieces in the ziplock bag. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring all air is expelled, and gently massage the marinade around the meat to coat every piece thoroughly. For best results and deepest flavor penetration, marinate the pork in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, allow it to marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cooking.

Step 3: Pressure Cook for Unbeatable Tenderness: Carefully pour the marinated pork and all the flavorful liquid into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Secure the lid and make sure the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Meat/Stew” function and set the cooking time for 60 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release for Ultimate Moisture: Once the cooking cycle is complete, do NOT immediately open the Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 30 minutes. This “slow release” method is key to ensuring the meat reabsorbs its juices, making it exceptionally moist, tender, and truly fall-apart. After 30 minutes, carefully move the venting knob to the “Venting” position to quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Shred the Pork: Once the pressure is fully released, carefully open the lid. Using tongs, remove the cooked pork pieces from the Instant Pot and place them in a large bowl or on a cutting board. The pork should be incredibly tender and easy to shred with two forks. As you shred, remove any large fatty pieces, but don’t be afraid to keep some smaller bits for extra flavor. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; these are packed with flavor!

Step 6: Serve and Savor: Before serving, spoon a cup or more of the flavorful cooking liquid from the Instant Pot over the shredded pork. This adds back incredible moisture and intensifies the Mojo flavor. Serve your delicious Instant Pot Mojo Pork Roast over traditional Cuban yellow rice, in warm tortillas for amazing tacos, or alongside your favorite vegetable side dishes like roasted plantains, green beans, or carrots. It’s also fantastic with creamy mashed potatoes.

Crafting Your Own Homemade Mojo Criollo Marinade

While store-bought Goya Naranja Agria offers convenience, making your own Mojo Criollo marinade from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and enjoy the freshest ingredients. The essence of Mojo comes from a vibrant blend of citrus, garlic, and savory spices. For the perfect homemade version, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Citrus Juices and Zest: The tangy base of Mojo. Freshly squeezed orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, and lime zest are essential. If you can find sour oranges, even better! Otherwise, a mix of regular orange juice and lime juice works wonderfully to mimic that distinct bitter-tangy profile. You can also add a splash of grapefruit juice for extra bitterness if desired.
• Olive Oil: This not only helps emulsify the marinade but also tenderizes the meat and carries the fat-soluble flavors deeply into the pork.
• Onion: Diced yellow or white onion adds a sweet and pungent aromatic layer.
• Garlic: A generous amount of minced garlic is non-negotiable in Mojo. Don’t hold back here; the more garlic, the more authentic and flavorful your marinade will be!
• Oregano: Mexican oregano offers a slightly different, more earthy flavor than Mediterranean oregano, but either will work beautifully.
• Cumin: Ground cumin provides that distinctive warm, earthy, and slightly peppery spice that is characteristic of Cuban cuisine. These spices are crucial for the marinade’s depth.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, herbaceous note during the marinating and cooking process.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
• Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro is typically added after cooking as a vibrant garnish, but a little can be added to the marinade for an extra fresh note.

To make the marinade, simply combine all these ingredients in a bowl and whisk well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, aiming for a balance of tangy, savory, and garlicky flavors.

Adapting Mojo Pork for Your Slow Cooker

Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! This delicious Mojo pork can be easily prepared in a slow cooker, offering a hands-off approach to tender perfection. Simply follow steps 1 and 2 for preparing and marinating the pork. Then, instead of transferring to an Instant Pot:

1. Pour the marinated pork and all the liquid into your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the size of your pork pieces, so keep an eye on it.
3. The pork is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds. Be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to dry pork, even in a slow cooker.

Once cooked, continue with step 6 from the Instant Pot instructions (shredding, reserving liquid, and serving). The slow cooker method is fantastic for busy days when you want to set it and forget it, coming home to a house filled with amazing aromas and a ready-to-eat meal.

Creative Ways to Serve This Versatile Mojo Pork

One of the best things about this Instant Pot Mojo Pork Roast is its incredible versatility. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this flavorful pulled pork:

• Cuban Rice Bowls: The classic pairing! Serve the shredded Mojo pork over fluffy Cuban yellow rice, often accompanied by black beans, sautéed bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright finish.
• Flavorful Tacos: Transform your pulled pork into vibrant tacos. Load warm tortillas with the pork, fresh cilantro, a dollop of pico de gallo, and creamy avocado slices. It’s a delightful twist on traditional taco night, similar to how you might enjoy these Easy Cod Fish Tacos, just with a different protein.
• Hearty Sandwiches & Sliders: This tender pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches. Pile it high on a crusty roll with a slice of Swiss cheese and pickles for a quick Cuban-inspired sandwich. It would also be fantastic in these Cuban Sliders for an appetizer or a lighter meal.
• Quick Wraps: For a fast and easy lunch, add the Mojo pork to a large tortilla with your favorite cheese, crisp lettuce, and other fresh vegetables. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it perfect for on-the-go meals.
• Loaded Nachos or Fries: Layer the pulled pork over crispy tortilla chips or golden fries, then top with melted cheese, jalapeños, red onion, and a drizzle of crema for an ultimate comfort food snack or meal.
• Enchiladas or Burritos: Use the Mojo pork as a filling for enchiladas or burritos, adding a zesty, savory twist to these Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Salads: For a lighter option, add a generous portion of chilled Mojo pork to a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.