How long can I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I substitute another cut of pork?

Yes, pork shoulder works well, though cooking time may vary.

Can I make the plantains ahead?

It's best to make them fresh for optimal texture, though you can reheat them gently in a skillet.

What if I can't find plantains?

Substitute with ripe bananas, but reduce sugar as they are sweeter.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, ensure the spices and sauces are gluten-free labeled.

Cuban Mojo Pork Belly with Caramelized Plantains

Name: Cuban Mojo Pork Belly with Caramelized Plantains
Prep time: 5 h
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice; Lime juice; Garlic cloves, minced; Dried oregano; Ground cumin; Salt and pepper; Olive oil; Pork belly; Mojo marinade; Ripe plantains, peeled and sliced; Butter; Brown sugar

A Flavorful Cuban Feast

A succulent pork belly marinated in zesty Cuban mojo, paired with sweet caramelized plantains.

5 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Mojo Marinade

Freshly squeezed orange juice

1 cup

Lime juice

1/2 cup

Garlic cloves, minced

8 cloves

Dried oregano

1 tablespoon

Ground cumin

1 teaspoon

Salt and pepper

to taste

Olive oil

1/4 cup

For the Pork Belly

Pork belly

3 lbs, skin on

Mojo marinade

prepared earlier

For the Caramelized Plantains

Ripe plantains, peeled and sliced

Butter

4 tablespoons

Brown sugar

1/4 cup

Preparation

Marinating the Pork Belly

Combine ingredients

In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Add olive oil

Slowly whisk in olive oil until well combined.

Marinate pork belly

Pour marinade over pork belly, ensuring it is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.

Preparing the Caramelized Plantains

Heat butter

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook plantains

Add plantain slices and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Caramelize sugar

Sprinkle brown sugar over the plantains and cook until caramelized.

Ensure the plantains are ripe; otherwise, they will not caramelize properly.

Cooking Process

Roasting the Pork Belly

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove pork belly from marinade and place on a roasting rack, skin side up. Roast for 2 hours or until tender.

Caramelizing the Plantains

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, prepare plantains as per instructions above.

Finishing the Dish

Increase oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) in the last 10 minutes to crisp the pork skin.

Plating & Serving