Lechon Asado (Cuban Roast Pork)

Lechon Asado is a beloved dish traditionally prepared for special occasions like Christmas and New Year's Eve. This mouthwatering recipe features pork marinated in a tangy, flavorful citrus-based sauce known as "mojo," then slow-roasted until tender and juicy. It’s a centerpiece of Cuban cuisine, offering a perfect balance of smoky, citrusy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs (2.27 kg) pork shoulder or pork butt, bone-in
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour orange juice (or a mix of orange and lime juice)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 10 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mojo Marinade

   In a blender or bowl, combine the sour orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and white vinegar. Blend or whisk until smooth. This is your mojo marinade.

2. Marinate the Pork

   Place the pork shoulder in a large, shallow dish. Pour the mojo marinade over the pork, ensuring it's well-coated. Add thinly sliced onions on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

4. Roast the Pork

   Remove the pork from the marinade, reserving the marinade for basting. Place the pork in a roasting pan, fat side up. Pour the reserved marinade with onions over the pork and cover with foil. Roast for 4-5 hours, basting occasionally, until the pork reaches 190°F (88°C) and is tender.

5. Crisp the Skin (Optional)

   Remove foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting and increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to brown and crisp the skin.

6. Rest and Shred

   Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding excess fat, and mix with remaining pan juices for extra flavor.

Serving

Lechon Asado is typically served with Cuban rice and beans, yuca with mojo, or fried plantains. Garnish with fresh cilantro for color and freshness. Perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.

Lechon Asado brings together citrusy mojo and tender roasted pork in a flavorful harmony. With its crispy skin and juicy, slow-roasted meat, it’s a dish that transports you straight to the heart of Cuban cuisine.