The Cuban Mojo Pork Burger is a dish that draws its inspiration from the heart of Cuban cuisine, a celebration of bold, bright, and harmonious flavors. Cuban food often revolves around simple, fresh ingredients that are brought to life with carefully crafted marinades and spices. The “mojo” marinade used in this recipe is a classic example of this culinary philosophy. Mojo (pronounced MO-ho) is a tangy, garlicky blend often made with citrus juices, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, widely regarded as one of the cornerstones of Cuban cooking. In this recipe, the mojo marinade becomes the superstar, transforming ground pork into a succulent, flavor-packed patty that captures the essence of Cuban gastronomy.
The combination of lime and orange juice in the marinade introduces a fine balance of acidity and subtle sweetness. In Cuban cuisine, citrus is not merely an accent; it is a defining ingredient that complements the natural richness of pork and cuts through its fattiness. Garlic, another fundamental flavor in Cuban cooking, adds depth and an aromatic punch, while cumin and oregano bring warm, earthy, and herbaceous notes characteristic of Caribbean and Latin culinary traditions. Together, they create a marinade that doesn’t just soak into the pork—it infuses it with layers of flavor, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
This burger goes beyond just the patty. The toppings are thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. Creamy avocado slices add a layer of richness, while crisp lettuce provides freshness and crunch. A thin slice of red onion offers a slight bite, balancing the citrusy pork patty. Nestled inside a toasted burger bun, each component works together to create a dish that is both familiar (thanks to its burger format) and excitingly different (through its vibrant flavor profile).
The preparation process retains its simplicity, making it accessible for anyone, whether you’re an experienced cook or a home chef trying something new. While the recipe includes a step for marinating the pork for about 10 minutes, for a deeper, more robust flavor, you may opt to let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for up to four hours. This step allows the citrus juices and spices to permeate the meat fully, delivering an even more flavorful result.
The Cuban Mojo Pork Burger serves as a wonderful entry point into Cuban cuisine, blending a familiar dish with bold, tropical flavors. It’s not only perfect for backyard barbecues and casual weeknight dinners but also an excellent choice for themed gatherings where you aim to surprise and delight guests with something unique and memorable. The cultural inspiration behind this burger is rooted in the idea of sharing good food and vibrant flavors, much like the Cuban tradition of communal dining. Give it a try, and you’ll be bringing a touch of the Caribbean straight to your table, one juicy bite at a time!
Cuban Mojo Pork Burger
Ingredients
- 500 g ground pork high-quality, such as free-range
- 2 cloves garlic minced fresh, for best flavor
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
- ¼ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin to add a warm, earthy note
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano adds a herbaceous aroma
- 4 medium burger buns toasted
- 1 medium avocado sliced, for a creamy finish
- 4 medium lettuce leaves crispy, to add freshness
- 1 slice red onion thinly sliced, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a patty, ensuring they are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 190°C/375°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the patties for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F) and the outside has a nice char.
- While the patties are cooking, toast the burger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- To assemble the burgers, lay a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Place the pork patty on top, followed by slices of avocado and a few onion rings, if using. Top with the other half of the bun and serve warm.