Cuban Lechon Asado: Roast Pork Perfection
This succulent slow-roasted pork shoulder, infused with a tangy citrus mojo marinade, is a Cuban culinary treasure. Tender meat, crispy crackling skin, and vibrant flavors combine for a dish that's both celebratory and comforting.
Servings: 4
Calories: 500kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Mojo Marinade:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Lechon Asado:
- 5-6 pound bone-in pork shoulder roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork: Whip up the mojo marinade by combining all the ingredients in a bowl. Submerge your pork shoulder in its citrusy embrace, cover, and chill for at least 8 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Roast to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Pat your marinated pork dry and give the skin a gentle oil massage. Place it, fat side up, on a wire rack perched over a roasting pan. Also can cook in a Dutch Oven on wire rack.
- Slow Cook for Tenderness: Let the pork roast for 5-6 hours, basting occasionally with the marinade, until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) and falls apart with a fork.
- Crisp Up the Crackling: Crank up the oven to 450°F (230°C) for the final 30 minutes. This heat blast delivers the coveted crispy pork skin.
- Rest and Savor: Let the roasted pork rest for 20 minutes before carving. Slice and serve with your favorite Cuban sides, like black beans and rice, yuca fries, or pickled veggies, for a complete feast.
Notes
Bone-in pork shoulder is your key to flavorful and tender meat.
Give the pork space in the roasting pan for even cooking.
Basting isn't mandatory, but it adds extra moisture and richness.
Leftovers? Shred them for sandwiches, tacos, or stews – the possibilities are endless!
Lechon asado is a dish to celebrate, a testament to slow-cooked perfection and vibrant Cuban flavors.
So gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and prepare to be enticed by this culinary masterpiece!
Bonus Tip: On the barbecue infuse your roast with an extra layer of smokiness by placing a small pan of wood chips in the barbecue during the roasting process.
Nutrition
Calories: 500kcal