
Cuban Pork Steak in Green Mango and Onion Sauce with Savory Coconut Rice
An original Cuban main dish featuring pork steak marinated with garlic, cumin, and lime, seared and finished in a criollo-style sauce of green mango, onion, sweet pepper, and tomato. It is served with savory coconut rice for a balance of tang, richness, and home-style flavor.
Ingredients
- 700 g thin pork steak slices (boneless)
- 18 g fresh garlic, minced (divided)
- 4 g ground cumin (divided)
- 2 g dried oregano
- 10 g salt (divided, or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (divided)
- 45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 45 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 220 g white onion, thinly sliced
- 90 g sweet pepper, chopped (puede ser cubanela or mini sweet peppers)
- 180 g ripe tomato, diced
- 180 g green mango, peeled and cut into thin strips (firme and ácido)
- 120 ml tomato puree
- 180 ml chicken broth or water
- 1 unit bay leaf
- 220 g long-grain rice (enjuagado)
- 240 ml unsweetened coconut milk
- 240 ml water (for the arroz)
- 12 g fresh cilantro, chopped (for terminar)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a bowl, combine the pork with half of the garlic, 1 teaspoon (2 g) cumin, the oregano, 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper, and the lime juice. Let it marinate for 15 minutes at a cool room temperature or up to 30 minutes refrigerated.
- 2
2. For the savory coconut rice, place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the coconut milk, water, and 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt. When it reaches a gentle boil, add the rice, stir once, reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- 3
3. Turn off the heat under the rice and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- 4
4. While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until well seared. Transfer them to a plate.
- 5
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oil if needed. Add the onion, sweet pepper, and the rest of the garlic. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens.
- 6
6. Add the diced tomato, remaining cumin, 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper, and the bay leaf. Cook for 3 minutes to build a juicy sofrito.
- 7
7. Stir in the tomato puree, chicken broth or water, and the green mango. Cook for 4 minutes over medium heat so the mango softens slightly while still keeping some texture.
- 8
8. Return the pork and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cover partially and cook for 10 to 12 minutes over medium-low heat, until the meat is tender and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C, followed by a 3-minute rest before serving.
- 9
9. Taste the sauce and adjust with the remaining salt as needed. Remove the bay leaf and turn off the heat.
- 10
10. Serve the pork steak with plenty of green mango and onion sauce over or alongside the savory coconut rice. Finish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Chef tips
Use a firm green mango to keep the tangy contrast and a pleasant texture in the sauce. If the pork is thick, lightly pound it so it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Substitutions
You can substitute the pork steak with thin pork loin medallions. Sweet pepper can be replaced with mild green bell pepper. If you do not have lime, use the same amount of sour orange juice or a mix of lime and orange juice.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Creole Okra with Shredded Turkey, Garlic-Lime Rice
75 min

Cuban Pork and Sweet Corn Stew with Cilantro Lime Rice
80 min

Cuban Criollo Picadillo with Golden Sweet Potato and Lime
55 min

Cuban Pork Cazuela with Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, and Mint Mojo
85 min

Cuban Chicken and Eggplant Picadillo with Lime Rice and Crispy Green Plantain
65 min

Cuban Creole Cod with Cumin Sweet Potato and Lime-Glazed Onions
60 min