Cilantro-Lime Marinated Roasted Pork Shoulder
Tender pork shoulder transforms into a flavor-packed centerpiece with a vibrant citrus-herb marinade featuring fresh orange and lime juices, aromatic cilantro, and warm spices. The meat marinates for hours to absorb the bright, zesty flavors before being seared and slow-roasted until perfectly tender. This crowd-pleasing dish works beautifully for weekend dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep, delivering restaurant-quality results at home. The combination of citrus acidity and herbs creates a marinade that both tenderizes and infuses the meat with fresh, bold flavors that complement the rich pork.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Combine orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, cilantro, mint, garlic, oregano, cumin, and olive oil in a bowl and season with salt and pepper
- 2
Place pork shoulder in the marinade and marinate for 4 to 12 hours
- 3
Preheat oven to 375 F
- 4
Brown the meat in a skillet over high heat on all sides for 3 to 4 minutes per side
- 5
Roast the shoulder in the oven for 2 to 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 160 F
- 6
Let the meat rest for 15 to 20 minutes
- 7
Slice the pork shoulder against the grain
Tips
Marinate the pork for the full 12 hours for maximum flavor penetration and tenderness.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness - the internal temperature should reach 160 F.
Save some marinade before adding raw pork to use as a serving sauce after cooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked pork for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Marinate pork up to 24 hours in advance. Cooked pork can be sliced and reheated gently.
Serve warm with rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables. Great for tacos or sandwiches.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting period to avoid losing juices when slicing.
Avoid overcooking past 160 F to prevent dry meat.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork tenderloin works but reduce cooking time significantly as it's much leaner and cooks faster than shoulder.
How long will the marinated pork keep?
Raw marinated pork keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cooked pork keeps for 4 days refrigerated.
Can I freeze the marinated pork?
Yes, freeze raw marinated pork for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in refrigerator before cooking.