Cuban Mojo Pork Belly with Grilled Corn
Juicy Cuban-style mojo pork belly roasts until tender and crisp-edged, with smoky sweet corn and a bright cilantro-lime finish that feels made for early summer.
This recipe may need another look before cooking.
It scored 6/10, below our 8/10 retry mark.
Ingredients
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Pork Belly1 lb, skin removed if present, cut into 1-inch cubes $7.99
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Kroger® Sweet Corn on the Cob2 ears $4.99
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Garlic3 cloves, minced $0.79
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Fresh Large Lemon1, juiced $1.25
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Fresh Organic Lime1, juiced, plus wedges for serving $1.50
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Organic Cilantro1/3 cup chopped $1.69
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Green Onions2, thinly sliced $1.50
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Olive oil1 tablespoon, divided
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Ground cumin1 1/2 teaspoons, divided
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Dried oregano1 teaspoon
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Kosher salt1 teaspoon, plus more to taste
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Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
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Honey or sugar1/2 teaspoon
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Crushed red pepper flakespinch, optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F; cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes, mince the garlic, juice the lemon and lime, chop the cilantro, slice the green onions, and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- In a bowl, whisk the garlic, lemon juice, lime juice, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, honey, and red pepper flakes; spoon half of this mojo into a separate clean bowl and stir in half the cilantro for finishing later.
- Toss the pork belly only with the remaining mojo, then spread it in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Roast for 22 minutes, flip the pork belly, then roast 16–18 minutes more until the fat is rendered, the edges are browned, and the pork reaches at least 145°F in the center.
- When the pork has about 15 minutes left, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high; brush the corn with the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and a pinch of salt.
- Grill the corn for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until tender and charred in spots; if the pork needs extra crisping, broil it for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
- Rest the pork for 5 minutes, then drizzle it with the clean reserved cilantro mojo, scatter with green onions and remaining cilantro, and plate with the grilled corn and lime wedges.
Total time: 58 minutes
Estimated cost: About $17–$21 using listed ingredients plus pantry staples
Health notes: Serves 2; about 760 calories per serving, protein-rich and indulgent, with fiber and seasonal sweetness from the grilled corn.
Drink pairing: A crisp lager, sparkling limeade, or citrusy white wine balances the rich pork and smoky corn.