Imagine diving into a mouthwatering Cuban dish that transforms ordinary pork into a zesty, flavor-packed meal in just 30 minutes! These Quick Mojo Pork Bites aren't just another dinner recipe—they're a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Havana. With a perfect blend of citrusy orange and lime juices, aromatic garlic, and warm spices, these tender pork bites wrapped in convenient foil packets promise an easy, mess-free cooking experience that will make you look like a gourmet chef without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Prepare a large baking sheet and have heavy-duty aluminum foil ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the mojo marinade.
- Cut the pork tenderloin into uniform bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch chunks, ensuring even cooking.
- Add the pork pieces to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece completely. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Cut four large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 inches wide.
- Slice the red and green bell peppers and onion into thin, even strips.
- Divide the marinated pork evenly among the foil squares, placing the meat in the center of each piece of foil.
- Top each pork portion with an equal amount of sliced bell peppers and onions.
- Carefully fold the foil edges to create sealed packets, ensuring no juices can leak out during cooking.
- Place the foil packets on the baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from oven and let packets rest for 3-5 minutes before carefully opening to release steam.
- Serve hot directly from the foil packets, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or additional lime wedges.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While the recipe suggests a quick 10-minute marinade, for even more intense flavor, you can marinate the pork for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Meat Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches exactly 145°F for perfectly juicy, safe-to-eat bites.
- Foil Packet Technique: Seal the foil packets tightly but leave a little room for steam to circulate, ensuring even cooking and preventing tears.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap bell peppers with your favorite vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to suit your taste.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these pork bites over rice, with a side of black beans, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover Magic: These foil packet pork bites reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
