Vegan Cuban Pull pork with Mojo

Vegan Cuban Pull pork with Mojo is a medium Cuban recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cocinera Lele / Lelita’s Cuban kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 1 hr 50 min

Cost: $7.92 total, $1.98 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cans (20 oz each) Young Green Jackfruit in Brine (drained, seeds and core removed)
  • 0.25 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
  • 0.5 lime (juice) Lime (about 1 tablespoon fresh juice)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with coconut or grapeseed oil)
  • 1 teaspoon Saffron Threads (optional for color and subtle flavor)
  • 1 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

  1. Drain and Clean Jackfruit

    Open the cans, pour the jackfruit into a colander and rinse under cold water. Using a knife, cut off the core and remove all large seeds. Pull apart the flesh into shreds.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Boil Half of the Jackfruit

    Place half of the shredded jackfruit in a large pot of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until the pieces are tender.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 212°F

  3. Roast the Remaining Half

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the other half of the jackfruit on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, turning halfway, until the edges are slightly crisp.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 400°F

  4. Prepare the Citrus Marinade

    In a mixing bowl combine orange juice, lime juice, ½ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp ground cumin, a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Marinate the Jackfruit

    Add all boiled and roasted jackfruit pieces to the bowl, toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H

  6. Fry the Marinated Jackfruit

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated jackfruit, sprinkle with 1 tsp saffron, ½ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp cumin, salt and pepper. Stir‑fry for 8‑10 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the pieces become golden and slightly crisp. Add sliced onion and continue cooking 3‑4 minutes until onion softens. Finish with 1 tsp garlic powder and stir well.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  7. Plate and Serve

    Serve the crispy jackfruit lechon alongside white rice, Cuban black beans, sliced avocado and air‑fried sweet plantains. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Low‑Calorie

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Vegan Cuban Pull pork with Mojo

Recipe by Cocinera Lele / Lelita’s Cuban kitchen

A Cuban-inspired vegan "lechón" made from young canned jackfruit. The jackfruit is boiled, roasted, marinated in citrus and spices, then fried until crispy, mimicking the texture and flavor of pork. Served with rice, black beans, avocado and sweet plantains for a complete Cuban meal.

MediumCubanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
2h 15m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.92
Total cost
$1.98
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Removing all seeds and core from the canned jackfruit
  • Rinsing and boiling the jackfruit to reduce brine saltiness
  • Marinating for at least 1 hour to absorb citrus and spice flavors
  • Frying uncovered so the jackfruit dries and crisps like pork

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Boiling water can cause burns – keep children away.
  • Sharp knife required for seed removal; cut away from your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of jackfruit lechon in Cuban cuisine?

A

Traditional Cuban lechón is roasted pork, a centerpiece for celebrations. Using jackfruit as a vegan alternative is a modern adaptation that keeps the festive spirit while offering a plant‑based option for health‑conscious or vegan diners.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lechón in Cuban cuisine?

A

In Cuba, lechón is often marinated with sour orange, garlic, oregano and roasted over a spit. Coastal regions add a touch of citrus and herbs, while the interior may use a sweeter mojo sauce. The jackfruit version mimics the classic mojo flavor profile.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Cuban lechón traditionally served?

A

Authentic lechón is served sliced with rice, black beans, fried plantains, and a side of avocado or salad. It is usually accompanied by a citrus‑herb mojo sauce for extra brightness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is lechón traditionally associated with in Cuban culture?

A

Lechón is a staple for holidays such as Christmas, New Year's, and family birthdays, as well as for large gatherings like weddings and community festivals.

cultural
Q

What makes jackfruit lechon special or unique in Cuban cuisine?

A

Jackfruit provides a shredded texture similar to pulled pork while absorbing the classic Cuban mojo flavors, offering a plant‑based twist that retains the celebratory feel of traditional lechón.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan Cuban jackfruit lechon?

A

Common errors include not removing all seeds, insufficient rinsing of the brine, skipping the marinating step, and covering the pan while frying, which prevents the jackfruit from drying and crisping.

technical
Q

Why does this jackfruit lechon recipe use a citrus‑herb marinade instead of a sweet glaze?

A

Citrus and herbs replicate the traditional Cuban mojo that balances the richness of pork. A sweet glaze would mask the savory, tangy profile that defines authentic lechón.

technical
Q

Can I make the vegan jackfruit lechon ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the jackfruit up to 24 hours ahead. After cooking, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet to regain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when frying the jackfruit lechon?

A

The pieces should turn golden‑brown, slightly crisp on the outside, and retain a tender, shredded interior that resembles pulled pork. No visible liquid should remain in the pan.

technical
Q

How do I know when the jackfruit lechon is done cooking?

A

When the liquid has evaporated, the jackfruit is browned and crispy, and the added onions are softened and translucent, the lechon is ready. A quick taste should reveal a savory, citrus‑herb flavor.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cocinera Lele / Lelita’s Cuban kitchen specialize in?

A

Cocinera Lele / Lelita’s Cuban kitchen focuses on traditional Cuban recipes, home‑cooked comfort food, and creative vegan adaptations that keep the flavors of Cuba while offering healthier options.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cocinera Lele / Lelita’s Cuban kitchen’s approach to Cuban cooking differ from other Cuban cooking channels?

A

Lele blends classic Cuban techniques with modern health‑focused twists, often using plant‑based ingredients like jackfruit to recreate beloved meat dishes, whereas many other channels stick to traditional meat‑centric recipes.

channel

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