Cuban Pork Roast is a flavorful and tender dish marinated in a citrus and spice blend. Virginia Cronk from Little Torch Key, Florida, shares this versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or used to make traditional Cuban sandwiches. The pork roast is mild yet packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 10 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 boneless pork top loin roast (3 pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, minced thyme, minced cilantro, and bay leaves. Pour half of the marinade into a large resealable plastic bag and add the pork roast. Seal the bag and turn it to coat the pork. Refrigerate the pork for 2 hours, reserving the remaining marinade in the refrigerator.
- Drain and discard the marinade from the pork. Place the roast in an ungreased 13×9-inch baking dish. Pour the reserved marinade over the roast and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
- Cover the baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Uncover the dish, baste the roast with the pan drippings, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until a thermometer reads 145°F. Discard the bay leaves. Allow the roast to stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
YIELD: 12 servings
PREP TIME: 10 minutes + marinating
COOK TIME: 1 hour + standing
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Marinate the pork for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse and enhance the taste of the roast.
TIPS:
- Use fresh lime and orange juice for the best flavor. If using dried thyme, adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Serve the Cuban Pork Roast as the main dish, or use it to make traditional Cuban sandwiches with ham, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, mustard, mayonnaise, and dill pickles.
Cuban Pork Roast is a versatile and flavorful dish that features a citrus and spice marinade, making it moist and tender. Virginia Cronk from Little Torch Key, Florida, shares this delightful recipe that is loved by everyone who tries it. The pork roast can be enjoyed on its own or used to make traditional Cuban sandwiches.
Preparing this Cuban-style pork roast is a breeze. The marinade combines lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, minced thyme, minced cilantro, and bay leaves. Marinate the pork roast for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse and enhance the taste of the meat.
Once marinated, place the roast in a baking dish and pour the reserved marinade over it. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover the dish, and bake in the oven until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature. Basting the roast with the pan drippings adds extra flavor and juiciness to the final result.
After baking, allow the roast to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender pork roast.
Cuban Pork Roast can be served as the centerpiece of a meal, accompanied by classic Cuban sides such as black beans and rice. Alternatively, use the flavorful meat to create traditional Cuban sandwiches. Layer the sliced pork with ham, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, mustard, mayonnaise, and dill pickles for a mouthwatering sandwich experience.
Whether enjoyed on its own or used in sandwiches, Cuban Pork Roast is a delightful and versatile dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine. The combination of citrus, spices, and tender pork creates a memorable dining experience for any occasion.
