Here’s a high-protein, flavor-packed recipe for Cuban Mojo Pork with Plantains and Black-Eyed Peas
a nutrient-dense, muscle-friendly meal inspired by Cuban cuisine! 🍖🌴
Cuban Mojo Pork with Plantains and Black-Eyed Peas
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the mojo pork:
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin (or lean pork shoulder)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the plantains:
- 2 ripe plantains (sliced diagonally)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
For the black-eyed peas:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cans, rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
1. Marinate the pork: In a bowl, mix orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add pork and marinate for 1-2 hours (or overnight).
2. Cook the pork: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sear pork in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish and pour marinade over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
3. Cook the black-eyed peas: In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add black-eyed peas, bay leaf, and broth. Simmer for 1-1.5 hours (or 20 minutes if using canned beans) until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Fry the plantains: Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry plantain slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
5. Serve: Slice pork and serve with black-eyed peas and fried plantains.
Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~500-550 kcal
- Protein: 40-45g (from pork + black-eyed peas)
- Carbs: ~45-50g (from plantains and black-eyed peas)
- Fats: ~15-18g (healthy fats from olive oil and coconut oil)
Why This Meal is Great for Bodybuilders
- High-Quality Protein: Pork provides lean protein and B vitamins for energy and muscle repair.
- Complex Carbs: Plantains and black-eyed peas offer sustained energy and fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and coconut oil add monounsaturated fats for hormone health.
- Customizable: Swap pork for chicken or tofu.
Pro Tips
- Boost Protein: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or extra black-eyed peas.
- Lower Carbs: Use green plantains for less sweetness.
- Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of lime juice or hot sauce.
- Meal Prep: Cook pork and black-eyed peas in bulk for quick meals.
Enjoy this hearty, protein-packed dish to fuel your workouts and recovery! 🇨🇺💪