Lechón Asado: Authentic Cuban Roast Pork
Indulge in the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine with this flavorful Lechón Asado (Cuban Roast Pork). This dish features a succulent pork roast marinated in a vibrant blend of citrus juices, aromatic herbs, and spices, resulting in tender, juicy meat that is bursting with flavor. Perfect for celebrations or family gatherings, this roast is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth. Serve it alongside traditional sides like black beans, rice, or plantains for a delightful Cuban feast.
6
Servings
467
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Roast
5-6 lbs (Shoulder or sirloin, trimmed of excess fat)
Garlic
3 cloves (Peeled and slivered)
Orange Juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed is preferable)
Lime Juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed is preferable)
Oregano
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Onion
1 large (Sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
2
Trim any excess fat from the pork roast to ensure even cooking.
3
Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the pork roast and insert the slivers of garlic into the cuts for maximum flavor infusion.
4
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the orange juice, lime juice, oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, and sliced onion. Seal the bag and shake well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
5
Place the seasoned pork roast into the marinade bag, ensuring the meat is well-coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
6
Once marinated, remove the roast from the bag and discard the marinade.
7
Place the pork roast in a covered baking dish or pan, fat side up.
8
Slow roast in the preheated oven for 5 to 6 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender. Turn the roast once during cooking to ensure even browning.
9
After cooking, remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for juicy slices.
10
Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Cuban roast pork!
Nutrition Information
33g
Fat
4g
Carbs
37g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lechón Asado?
Lechón Asado is a traditional Cuban dish consisting of a succulent pork roast marinated in citrus juices, aromatic herbs, and spices, then slow-roasted until tender.
What cut of pork should I use for this recipe?
For the most authentic results, use a 5-6 lb pork shoulder or sirloin roast, trimmed of excess fat.
How long does the pork need to marinate?
The pork should marinate for at least 12 hours, though overnight is preferred to allow the citrus and spices to penetrate the meat deeply.
What oven temperature is used for slow roasting?
The pork is slow-cooked at a low temperature of 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
How long does the roasting process take?
The pork roast typically takes between 5 to 6 hours to become fork-tender.
How do I infuse the garlic flavor into the meat?
Make small incisions all over the roast with a sharp knife and insert slivers of fresh garlic into the cuts.
Should the roast be covered or uncovered while baking?
The pork should be placed in a covered baking dish or pan during the slow roasting process.
Which side of the pork should face up in the pan?
Place the pork roast in the baking dish with the fat side facing up.
Do I need to flip the roast while it is in the oven?
Yes, you should turn the roast once during the cooking time to ensure even browning on all sides.
Should I use the marinade as a basting liquid?
No, once the pork is removed from the marinade bag, the liquid should be discarded and not used for cooking.
How long should the meat rest after it comes out of the oven?
Allow the roast to rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to let the juices redistribute.
What are the primary citrus flavors in the marinade?
The marinade uses a blend of equal parts orange juice and lime juice, preferably freshly squeezed.
What spices are needed for the Cuban marinade?
The spice blend includes ground oregano, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 6 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving of Lechón Asado?
One serving contains approximately 467 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 37 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are approximately 33 grams of fat per serving.
Is this a low-carbohydrate recipe?
Yes, it is very low in carbs, with only 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What traditional sides pair well with Cuban Roast Pork?
It is traditionally served with black beans, white rice, or fried plantains.
Can I use bottled citrus juice?
While bottled juice works, freshly squeezed orange and lime juice are highly recommended for the most vibrant flavor.
What kind of onion is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for one large onion, sliced and added directly into the marinade bag.
Is the garlic crushed or sliced?
The 3 cloves of garlic should be peeled and slivered so they can be easily inserted into the meat.
What type of oregano should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of ground oregano.
Is this dish suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, Lechón Asado is a classic festive dish in Cuban culture, perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.
What is the texture of the meat after 6 hours?
The meat becomes fork-tender, meaning it should easily pull apart with a fork.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
This recipe contains negligible amounts of fiber and sugar.
Is the salt amount fixed?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of salt, but notes it should be adjusted 'to taste'.
How do I ensure even cooking?
Trimming excess fat and turning the roast halfway through the cooking time helps ensure the pork cooks evenly.
What tool is used for the marinade?
A large resealable plastic bag is used to contain the meat and marinade and ensure the pork is well-coated.
Can I make this dish if I am on a gluten-free diet?
Based on the ingredients listed (meat, citrus, and spices), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.