Cuban Pork Chunks with Grapefruit Mojo and Cumin, Plantain Fufu, and Cucumber Salad

Name: Cuban Pork Chunks with Grapefruit Mojo and Cumin, Plantain Fufu, and Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Cubana
Ingredients: 1.75 lb pork shoulder, medium cubes; 4 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup pink grapefruit juice; 1/4 cup sour orange juice or orange-lime mix; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 medium white onion; 1 leaf bay leaf; 2 large green plantains; 2 cups chicken broth or water; 1 tbsp lard or olive oil; 1 large cucumber; 1/2 medium red onion; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tsp sugar

An original Cuban recipe featuring pork chunks marinated with garlic, cumin, and grapefruit, roasted until golden and served with silky green plantain fufu and a fresh cucumber, red onion, and herb salad.

30 minPrep

55 minCook

85 minTotal

4Servings

Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

800 g pork shoulder, medium cubes (without exceso of grasa)
20 g garlic (machacado)
120 ml pink grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed)
60 ml sour orange juice or orange-lime mix (for the mojo)
45 ml olive oil (divided)
4 g ground cumin
2 g dried oregano
8 g salt (divided)
2 g black pepper
150 g white onion (en pluma fina)
1 unit bay leaf
700 g green plantains (pelados and en trozos)
480 ml chicken broth or water (for cocer the plátano)
15 ml lard or olive oil (for the fufú)
220 g cucumber (en medias lunas finas)
80 g red onion (thinly sliced finas)
10 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
15 ml white vinegar
4 g sugar

Nutrition facts

per serving

585 kcal

Calories

33 g

Protein

33 g

Carbs

34 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

29 g

Net carbs

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 large bowl, combine the pork with the crushed garlic, grapefruit juice, sour orange juice, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, cumin, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Add the white onion and bay leaf, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
2
2. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Arrange the pork with some of the onion and a little of the marinade on a baking tray in a single layer. Roast for 25 minutes.
3
3. Remove the tray, turn the pork pieces, and toss gently so they brown evenly. Roast for 20 minutes more at 220 °C / 425 °F, until the pork is fully cooked and the edges are caramelized.
4
4. While the pork roasts, place the green plantains in a pot with the chicken broth or water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes until very tender.
5
5. Drain the plantains, reserving 120 ml / 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Mash them while hot with the lard or olive oil and enough reserved liquid to make a smooth but thick fufu. Keep warm.
6
6. For the salad, combine the cucumber, red onion, cilantro, white vinegar, sugar, the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes so it softens slightly.
7
7. If you want a juicier mojo, place the pork roasting tray over the stovetop or pour the pan juices into a small skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat to reduce slightly with the roasted onion.
8
8. Serve a bed of plantain fufu on each plate, top or side it with the pork chunks, onions, and juices, and finish with the fresh cucumber salad.

Chef tips

To peel green plantains more easily, score the skin lengthwise and rub your hands with salted water to reduce sticking. Do not overcrowd the baking tray or the pork will steam instead of brown.

Substitutions

You can use orange juice with a little lime if sour orange is unavailable. Cilantro can be replaced with parsley. Pork shoulder may be replaced with pork loin, though it will be less juicy.

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 image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
View on Amazon
Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
View on Amazon
Illustrative image
T-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
View on Amazon