Best 9 Lechón Asado Recipes

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**Experience the Exquisite Flavors of Lechón Asado: A Culinary Journey Through Peru's Signature Roasted Pork Traditions**

Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure as we delve into the delectable world of Lechón Asado, a Peruvian culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of roasted pork perfection. This flavorful dish, deeply rooted in Peruvian tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and food enthusiasts alike. Prepare to indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures as we present a diverse collection of Lechón Asado recipes that showcase the vibrant culinary heritage of Peru. From the aromatic and succulent Lechón al Horno, slow-roasted to tender perfection, to the irresistibly crispy and juicy Lechón a la Caja China, cooked in a traditional earthen oven, each recipe promises an extraordinary gustatory experience. Discover the secrets behind these culinary gems and embark on a journey to recreate these mouthwatering dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CUBAN GRILLED PORK (LECHON ASADO)



Cuban Grilled Pork (Lechon Asado) image

What sets Cuban-style pork apart is the use of mojo criollo, a highly seasoned marinade made up of tangy citrus juice, vast amounts of garlic, cumin, and oregano.

Provided by Lourdes Castro

Categories     Pork     Graduation     Father's Day     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Summer     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Party     Paleo     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Serves 10 to 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

Citrus garlic marinade
4 cups (1 quart) seville orange juice or 2 2/3 cups lime juice and 1 1/3 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 heads garlic, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 onions, cut into rings
Pork
6 to 8 pounds boneless pork shoulder butt (blade roast)
Salt

Steps:

  • Prepare the marinade
  • Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Marinate the pork
  • If using a flavor injector (see cooking notes), strain half the marinade into a bowl, adding the strained-out garlic to the other half of the marinade. Use the injector to take in some strained marinade, pierce the pork with the tip of the needle, and inject it into the flesh. Do this all over the meat until the strained marinade has been used up.
  • If you are not using a flavor injector, use a long, thin knife to create deep gashes all over the flesh and pour the marinade over the pork.
  • Place the marinated pork in a deep bowl or container. Generously season the outside of the pork with salt and pour the remaining marinade all over it, spreading the onion rings all over the top.
  • Cover well with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
  • Boil the marinade for basting
  • Remove the pork from the marinade and place it on a platter. Transfer the marinade to a saucepan, add the onions, and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Place the boiled marinade and onions in a blender and puree until smooth. The marinade is now ready to use as a basting liquid.
  • Grill the pork
  • Before heating your grill, remove the pork from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
  • Heat your grill to 550°F and close the lid. Wait at least 15 minutes before lowering the temperature to 300°F. Oil the grill grates with a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel held with a long pair of tongs.
  • If your cut has the skin still attached, begin the cooking process with the skin side up (away from the direct heat).
  • Grill your meat about 2 1/2 hours total. Turn the meat over once when you are one quarter through with the cooking time, again when you are halfway through, and once more when three-quarters of the cooking time has elapsed. The pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F on the grill (it will continue to cook when it's off the heat, raising the internal temperature to the desired 160°F).

LECHóN ASADO



Lechón Asado image

From wild pigs fed on small nuts retrieved by ranch hands nimbly climbing royal palms to all day vigils around wooden roasting boxes, getting pork right is a serious Cuban affair. This Lechón Asado falls in between those extremes. The pork shoulder is marinated in mojo then oven-roasted over several hours, usually overnight. The heat is cranked up at the very end until the skin turns a deep golden brown. Traditionally made for Nochebuena, it's a holiday dish that's simple enough to make for any occasion. This recipe comes from Sofía Benítez Otero.

Provided by Ana Sofia Pelaez

Categories     Pork     Roast     Cuba

Yield 10-12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups freshly squeezed sour orange juice or equal parts lime and orange juice
1 whole head of garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon freshly ground cumin (optional)
2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
7-to-8-pound bone-in, skin-on pork shoulder
1 cup Mojo Criollo

Steps:

  • Combine the juices, garlic, dried oregano, cumin (optional), and black pepper for the marinade in a blender and process until smooth. Set aside until ready to use.
  • Place the pork in a large roasting pan. With the tip of a sharp knife, make numerous incisions into the meat (do not score the skin). Toss the marinade over the pork, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to marinate overnight, turning the meat several times if possible.
  • Preheat the oven to 250°F.
  • Bring the pork to room temperature. Remove the meat from the marinade, pat it dry, and reserve the marinade. Place the pork skin-side up inside the roasting pan and add the marinade back into the roasting pan. Cover the pork with aluminum foil and insert into the oven.
  • Cook for 8 to 9 hours until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 170°F to 190°F near the bone, shreds easily, and the liquid runs clear when the meat is pierced.
  • To get crisp skin, remove the pork from the oven and turn the oven up to 450°F. Once the oven is preheated, remove the foil from the pork and put it back in the oven. Check the pork every few minutes so the skin does not burn. Remove the pork when it has crisped nicely, 15 to 30 minutes total.
  • Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Discard the braising liquid. Serve in chunks and drizzle with Mojo Criollo sauce.

ROAST PORK CUBAN STYLE (LECHON ASADO)



Roast Pork Cuban Style (Lechon Asado) image

Barbara and Kevin brought this for dinner to Family Promise with black beans, rice and plantains (baked) YUM!!! I had to have the recipe. It come from Three Guys From Miami, who have published cookbooks and are well known. There were other roast pork recipes here, but NOT this one. It is SOOOOOO good. You can cook this in the oven, on the grill, on the stove or in the crockpot.

Provided by Ambervim

Categories     Very Low Carbs

Time 7h15m

Yield 20-24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 lbs pork shoulder (butt)
20 garlic cloves
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 1/2 cups sour orange juice (If NO sour orange juice use 2 parts orange to 1 part lemon and 1 part lime)
1 cup onion, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1 1/2 cups olive oil

Steps:

  • Mash the garlic, salt, and peppercorns together with a mortar and pestle.
  • Add dried oregano, onion, and the sour orange to make a mash - mix thoroughly.
  • Heat the olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan until hot, but NOT deep frying hot! We're looking for something in the neighborhood of 220 degrees F. Remove the saucepan from the heat source. Carefully add the mash to the hot oil and whisk gently. Let cool.
  • Pierce the pork as many times as you can with a sharp knife or fork.
  • Pour garlic mixture (save a little for roasting) over pork, cover and let sit in refrigerator for 2-3 hours or preferably overnight.
  • OVEN.
  • To roast in the oven, preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place the pork, fattest side up, in an open roasting pan. Place pan in oven and reduce temperature to 225 degrees F. Spoon extra marinade over the roast occasionally as it cooks. When to temp, immediately cover with foil and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. The roast will continue to cook after you remove it from the heat.
  • GRILL.
  • Use a covered grill, such as the Webber kettle or a covered gas grill. Bank the coals to each side, leaving an empty space beneath your ham. If using a gas grill, use front and rear burners only. The idea is to cook with indirect heat. You want a low heat.
  • Spoon extra marinade over the roast occasionally as it cooks. If not using a gas grill, add charcoal to the sides as needed to maintain roasting temperature. When to temp, immediately cover with foil and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. The roast will continue to cook after you remove it from the heat.
  • STOVETOP OR CROCKPOT.
  • Place ham in a large Dutch oven, or a covered stock pan. Add about one cup of marinade to the pan. Bring to a boil. Adjust the heat to low, cover and cook until completely done. Add additional marinade as needed to keep at least one inch of liquid in bottom of pan so the roast will not burn.
  • All methods internal temp 195F to pull with fork OR 170F to slice. The time of 7 yours is an estimate. Could be less, could be more.
  • Servings based on the size of your ham. Allow about 1/4 to 1/2 pound per person, depending on side dishes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 480.8, Fat 40.8, SaturatedFat 10.7, Cholesterol 96.6, Sodium 322.4, Carbohydrate 3.8, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 1.9, Protein 23.8

CUBAN LECHON ASADO (ROASTED FRESH HAM)



Cuban Lechon Asado (Roasted Fresh Ham) image

This is a great recipe found in Steve Raichlen's cookbook 'Miami Spice'. The pork roast is wonderful. Easy to make. VERY flavourful. Leftovers are great in wraps!

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     Ham

Time 2h15m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (8 lb) fresh ham (pork leg or butt)
1 head garlic, broken into cloves, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon bay leaf powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup fresh sour orange juice (seville) or 1 cup lime juice
1/4 cup dry sherry
2 large onions, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • The day before you plan to serve this dish, trim the excess fat off the pork leg; make shallow slits all over the pork, using the tip of a knife; mash the garlic, salt, oregano, cumin, pepper, bay leaf and olive oil to a paste in a mortar; rub this mixture all over the roast, forcing it into the slits; combine the sour orange juice, sherry, and onions in a small bowl; place the roast in a large, heavy plastic bag; add the sour OJ mixture, making sure that the whole roast gets covered with the mixture; refrigerate and marinate the roast in the bag overnight, turning occasionally during the time.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Drain the roast, and pat dry, reserving the marinade; place it in a lightly oiled, nonreactive, heavy roasting pan; cook the roast for 1 hour, turning once or twice to brown it on all sides.
  • Reduce the heat to 325 degrees; pour the marinade and onions over the pork; tent the pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil; (tear off a piece that is 1 1/2 times the width of your pan; fold it in half and crease the top; open it up, and place over the pan like a tent, tightly crimping edges to seal) continue roasting the pork, basting from time to time with the pan juices, until almost cooked, about 1 hour; add a little water or sherry if the pan dries out.
  • Uncover the roast and continue cooking until the internal temp reads*at least* 150 degrees F on a meat thermometer, about 30 minutes more; (most Cubans like the meat well done, so after sitting, it should be up to 180 degrees--it's safer, also).
  • Let the roast stand for 10 minutes before carving.
  • Note: this is traditionally served with black bean soup and white rice, and fried, sweet plantains; for dessert, serve a rich flan and you're set!

CUBAN STYLE PORK ROAST WITH MOJO CRIOLLO AKA LECHON ASADO CON MOJO



Cuban Style Pork Roast with Mojo Criollo AKA Lechon Asado con Mojo image

This a traditional Cuban dish. It is probably the ONLY dish that when I cook it, I get really nostalgic. The minute I put it into the oven, I can smell every infused spice throughout the cooking process. Not only is this delicious, it is also one of the most economical cuts of meat money can buy. With left overs I can make...

Provided by R C

Categories     Roasts

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

7-8 lb pork leg or shoulder
MOJO SEASONING
1/2 c olive oil, extra virgin
20 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 c onion, sliced rings thin
2 c sour orange or fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp ground oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp parsley flakes
1/4 tsp ground cumin

Steps:

  • 1. THE NIGHT BEFORE: For the Mojo: You will need a large bowl. In a large bowl, pour the sour orange juice or lime juice, oregano, salt, pepper, garlic and sliced onion into the bowl and stir.
  • 2. Mix the mojo ingredients and let sit for 30 minutes.
  • 3. Prepare pork leg by piercing pork with a sharp knife. Place pork leg, fat side up in large pan. Pour Mojo over and around pork, cover in aluminum foil, and let sit in refrigerator overnight. Reserve some of the mojo for basting.
  • 4. DAY OF ROASTING: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • 5. Place the pork in a large open roasting pan with all the Mojo juices. With a large spoon, pour the juices all over the pork.
  • 6. Place the pan in the oven and reduce the temperature to 225 degrees F.
  • 7. Check pork occasionally and pour Mojo on sides over the roast pork with spoon.
  • 8. Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature, when it reaches about 195 degrees F, remove the pork from the oven.The outer skin should be a golden brown and crunchy. Place pork in a large serving pan and cover with aluminum foil. Wait a few minutes to let cool down, then either slice or fork shred and serve. Enjoy!

LECHÓN ASADO -- ROAST PORK CUBAN-STYLE



LECHÓN ASADO -- ROAST PORK CUBAN-STYLE image

Categories     Sandwich     Pork

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

Prep time:
Cook time: 4 to 8 hours
Total time:
Yield: 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
6-pound fresh ham or pork shoulder roast
20 cloves garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 and 1/2 cups sour orange juice (If you can't get sour orange juice in your area, use two parts orange to one part lemon and one part lime)
1 cup onion, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1 and 1/2 cups olive oil

Steps:

  • Mash the garlic, salt, and peppercorns together with a mortar and pestle. Add dried oregano, onion, and the sour orange to make a mash -- mix thoroughly. Heat the olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan until hot, but NOT deep frying hot! We're looking for something in the neighborhood of 220 degrees F. Remove the saucepan from the heat source. Carefully add the mash to the hot oil and whisk gently. Let cool. Pierce the pork as many times as you can with a sharp knife or fork. Pour garlic mixture (save a little for roasting) over pork, cover and let sit in refrigerator for 2-3 hours or preferably overnight. To roast in the oven, preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place the fresh ham or pork shoulder, fattest side up, in an open roasting pan. Place pan in oven and reduce temperature to 225 degrees F. Spoon extra marinade over the roast occasionally as it cooks. Using a meat thermometer, roast should be removed from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 195 degrees F. -- for fork tender, "pulled-pork" quality. (If you want a roast you can slice, remove when the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F.) Immediately cover with foil and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

CUBAN-STYLE SUCKLING PIG (LECHON ASADO)



Cuban-style Suckling Pig (Lechon Asado) image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 4h10m

Yield 12 - 14 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 12-14 pound suckling pig
2 large onions, chopped
1/4 pound butter
Kidneys, heart and liver, diced
3 cups cooked rice
3 cups cooked black beans
1/2 cup guava paste, diced
1/2 cup chopped parsley
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
About 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Saute the onion in the butter until soft. Add the diced liver, kidneys and heart and saute for two to three minutes. Add the rice, beans, guava paste and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and correct seasoning.
  • Stuff the pig loosely with the mixture and sew the cavity or secure with skewers. Place the pig on a roasting rack and rub with olive oil. Roast for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until an internal temperature of 155 to 160 degrees is reached.

ROAST PORK (LECHON ASADO)



ROAST PORK (LECHON ASADO) image

Categories     Pork

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 lbs pork roast
1/4 tsp bay parsley
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 minced cloves garlic
1 sliced green pepper
1 sliced onion
salt and black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Use a sharp knife to remove excess fat and skin from pork roast. Marinate with spices, pierce holes in meat, and set aside for 2hrs. Roast at 350F for 2 1/2to 3 hrs. Turn the meat and baste frequently

CUBAN CHRISTMAS EVE "PIG" / LECHON ASADO



Cuban Christmas Eve

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 ham, whole, fresh (18 to 20 pounds see Note)
2 heads garlic, broken into cloves and peeled
2 tablespoons salt, coarse (kosher or sea)
1 tablespoon oregano, dried
1 tablespoon cumin, ground
1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
2 cups orange juice, fresh and sour or 1 1/2 cups fresh lime juice plus 1/2 cup fresh regular orange juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup sherry, dry
2 onions, large, thinly sliced
4 bay leaves
2 recipes Cuban Mojo (see recipe)

Steps:

  • 2 recipes Cuban Mojo (recipe follows)1. Using the tip of a sharp paring knife, make shallow slits in both the skin and meat sides of the ham, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart. Set aside while you prepare the marinade.2. Combine the garlic, salt, oregano, cumin, and pepper in a mortar and pound to a smooth paste with the pestle, then work in 1 cup of the juice and the oil. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, combine all these ingredients in a blender. Rub this mixture all over the ham, forcing it into the slits. Place the ham in a large plastic bag (such as a garbage bag) with the remaining 1 cup juice, the sherry, onions, and bay leaves. Marinate overnight or even up to 48 hours, turning several times.3. Set up the grill for indirect grilling, placing a drip pan in the center, and preheat to high. When ready to cook, place the ham, meat side down, on the hot grate over the drip pan and cover the grill.4. Cook the ham until the skin is well browned and very crisp and the meat is fork-tender. When tested with an instant-read meat thermometer, the internal temperature should register about 190°F. (Cubans like their pork more well done than we do.) If using charcoal, add 10 to 12 fresh coals per side after each hour of cooking. The whole process will take 6 to 8 hours. If the skin browns too much, drape a sheet of aluminum foil loosely over it.5. Transfer the ham to a cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes. Cut the meat off the bone and chop with a cleaver or thinly slice (be sure to include a little skin). Splash the meat with the Cuban Mojo and serve immediately.Serves 16 to 20Note: You can also prepare a pork loin (2 to 3 pounds) or shoulder (4 to 6 pounds) the same way. You'd need only half as much marinade, and the cooking time would be 4 to 6 hours for the pork shoulder, 1 to 2 hours for the loin.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

Tips:

  • Choose the right cut of meat. Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is the traditional cut for lechon asado, as it is well-marinated and slow-cooked to perfection. However, you can also use other cuts of pork, such as pork loin or tenderloin, if you prefer.
  • Marinate the pork overnight. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. You can use a variety of marinades, but a simple mixture of garlic, oregano, cumin, and citrus juice is a good place to start.
  • Cook the pork slowly and low. Lechon asado is best cooked over low heat for several hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender. This can be done in a traditional oven, a slow cooker, or even a smoker.
  • Baste the pork regularly. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from drying out. You can use the marinade, melted butter, or a mixture of both.
  • Let the pork rest before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.

Conclusion:

Lechon asado is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are hosting a party or simply looking for a new weeknight meal, lechon asado is sure to please. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make this classic Puerto Rican dish at home. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

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