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This Citrus and Mojo-Spiced Pork Loin is marinated in a bright and flavorful sauce with pineapple juice, orange juice, lime, garlic, and oregano. It’s then rubbed in a cumin-based blend and is a easy dinner for spring.
As the weather warm ups, I start to crave dinners featuring light and healthy ingredients. Citrus in particular comes to mind: just a touch can really bring a dish to life. Spices like oregano and cumin have a similar effect. In the spring and summer months, I love combining all of these components to make Citrus Spice Mojo Pork Loin. It’s so easy to make and so good.
Pork is my go-to because it’s a great lean and healthy option. It’s packed with protein, and the marinade really makes the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. This recipe is no exception. It’s absolutely bursting with zesty pops of orange and lime which are balanced perfectly by a hint of spice and a touch of sweetness from the honey. My husband and I can’t get enough, and I know you will love this nutritious and easy recipe, too!
Before I give you all of the juicy recipe details, let me tell you more about the star of the show: Farm Promise pork loin. Farm Promise pork comes from local, Pennsylvania family farms, raised by farmers who pride themselves on making high-quality and affordable pork accessible to everyone. They believe in putting better food within reach that you can feel good about eating and feeding your loved ones. All of their pork products are:
- Never administered antibiotics or growth promotants
- Free of added hormones
- Born, raised, and harvested in the USA
- Fed an all-vegetarian diet
- Raised on local family farms
- Gestation-crate free (group housed sows)
Antibiotic-free, “clean label” meats can sometimes be pricey and hard to find, so I love that Farm Promise products are available at ShopRite (with locations in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania as well as several locations in Delaware and Maryland) and affordable. I used the Farm Promise Pork Loin for this recipe, but they also offer pork tenderloin, pork chops, ground pork, bacon, and more.
CITRUS SPICE MOJO PORK LOIN RECIPE
Back to the pork recipe! The marinade contains not one but two types of citrus (orange and lime) which are balanced nicely by sweet pineapple juice and a bit of honey. Minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and extra-virgin olive oil complete the classic Cuban mojo sauce.
To add maximum flavor and a hint of spice, the pork is rubbed all over with a bit of cumin, salt, and pepper. Simply cover the pork with the spice mix, then seal everything up in a ziplock bag to soak for 4 hours (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator. If you can, I highly suggest sticking with at least 4 hours because the meat comes out incredibly tender. Be sure to reserve the marinade, boil it up, then pour it all over the cooked meat before serving.
Besides the incredible flavor, the best part about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make (just 5 minutes of prep!). The marinade and oven do the rest of the legwork for you. Serve the pork with brown rice and a mixture of corn and black beans simply seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin and/or a simple side salad. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to sneak spoonfuls of the mojo marinade while no one is watching…
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Citrus and Mojo-Spiced Pork
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Sweet and savory pork loin marinated in a vibrant citrus mojo. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) Farm Promise boneless pork loin
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) orange juice
- 0.25 cups (60 ml) lime juice
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) pineapple juice
- 0.25 cups (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano
- 5 cloves garlic
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Combine salt, pepper, and cumin in a small bowl; rub all over the pork.
- Combine orange juice, lime juice, pineapple juice, ¼ cup olive oil, honey, garlic, and oregano in a large ziplock bag. Add the pork, seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours (or up to overnight), turning several times.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides, including the ends.
- Transfer the pork to a shallow roasting pan or a wire rack over a baking tray; cover with foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes (about 15-30 minutes per pound), or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Bring the marinade to a rolling boil in a small saucepan for 3-4 minutes; set aside.
- Remove pork from oven and let rest at least 5 minutes. Slice into ½” thick rounds and pour reserved marinade over before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork loin for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Substitute other citrus juices, such as grapefruit or lemon, for some of the orange or lime juice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and are delicious cold or reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Latin
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 80
Find it online: https://honestcooking.com/citrus-and-mojo-spiced-pork/
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the pork loin in the citrus and mojo sauce?
You should marinate the pork loin for at least 2 hours, but for best results, marinate it overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
What can I substitute for honey in the marinade if I want to avoid sugar?
You can use agave syrup or maple syrup as a substitute for honey in the marinade to achieve a similar sweetness.
Is it necessary to use both orange juice and lime juice in the marinade?
Yes, the combination of orange juice and lime juice provides a balanced flavor; the orange adds sweetness while the lime brings acidity and brightness.
