LECHóN ASADO

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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.

Dipa Katwal
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I have tried several lechon asado recipes and this one is by far the best. It is a great recipe for a party or a special occasion.


Kasey Combs
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This recipe is easy to follow and the results are amazing. I highly recommend it.


Johnny Karousi
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I made this recipe for my family and they loved it. It is a great recipe for a family meal.


Derreck Buswell
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it is worth it. The lechon asado is so delicious.


Susma Shrestha
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I have made this recipe several times and it always turns out perfect. It is a great recipe for a special occasion.


Eshal Zulfiqar
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This recipe is easy to make and the results are amazing. I highly recommend it.


Affaq Ali
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I made this recipe for my friends and they loved it. It is a great recipe for a get-together.


Yasir's Vlogs
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This recipe is a bit spicy, but it is so flavorful. I highly recommend it.


Shazadi Sughra
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I have tried several lechon asado recipes and this one is by far the best. It is a great recipe for a party or a special occasion.


SR Sujon
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This recipe is easy to follow and the results are amazing. I highly recommend it.


Lucas Mason9090
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I made this recipe for my family and they loved it. It is a great recipe for a family meal.


Allama mesam Abbas shah
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it is worth it. The lechon asado is so delicious.


Opeyemi Grace
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I have made this recipe several times and it always turns out perfect. It is a great recipe for a special occasion.


catherine wanja
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This is the best lechon asado recipe I have ever tried. It is so easy to make and the results are amazing.


WOLF MAKO WOLF
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I made this recipe for a party and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it.


Mukama Aggrey
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This recipe was amazing! The lechon asado was so flavorful and juicy. I will definitely be making this again.