Lechon Asado: Authentic Cuban Roast Pulled Pork
Lechon Asado is a quintessential Cuban dish, renowned for its tender, flavorful pork infused with zesty citrus and aromatic spices. This recipe combines techniques from traditional slow-roasting methods and modern kitchen conveniences to achieve the perfect balance of crispy skin and succulent, shredded meat. The marinade, a bright and tangy 'mojo' sauce made from fresh orange and lime juices, garlic, and spices, permeates the pork shoulder, transforming it into a feast for the senses. Enjoy the leftovers in delicious Cuban sandwiches or serve with rice and beans for a complete Cuban meal. Best prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop during marination, this dish will leave an indelible mark on your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
461
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt Roast
4-5 lbs (Bone-in, skin on)
Garlic cloves
2 tablespoons (Minced)
Onion
1 large (Sliced)
Dark Rum
1/4 cup (N/A)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Fresh Orange Juice
3/4 cup (N/A)
Fresh Lime Juice
1/4 cup (N/A)
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Chicken Stock or Water
1 cup (N/A)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
4g
Carbs
36g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lechon Asado?
Lechon Asado is a traditional Cuban dish featuring tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a citrus-based 'mojo' sauce with aromatic spices.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using a 4-5 lb Pork Shoulder or Boston Butt Roast, ideally bone-in and skin-on for the best flavor and texture.
What are the ingredients in the mojo marinade?
The mojo marinade consists of garlic, onion, orange juice, lime juice, dark rum, olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the pork marinate?
For the best flavor development, the pork should be marinated in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I cook Lechon Asado in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe provides instructions for both oven-roasting and a slow cooker version which takes 8-10 hours on low.
What is the initial oven temperature for roasting?
The pork starts in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20 minutes to crisp the skin before the temperature is lowered.
What temperature should the oven be set to after the initial sear?
After the initial 20 minutes at 450°F, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) for the remainder of the cooking time.
What is the internal temperature for sliced pork?
For slicing the pork, aim for an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C).
What is the internal temperature for pulled or shredded pork?
For meat that is easy to shred, cook the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C).
How do I get crispy pork skin?
Score the skin at 1/2 inch intervals, pat it dry, and rub salt into the cuts before roasting at a high initial heat.
How long does the oven roasting process take?
Depending on if you want it sliced or shredded, it takes approximately 2-3 hours or 4-6 hours respectively at 325°F.
What should I do if the skin darkens too quickly in the oven?
If the skin is becoming too dark, tent it loosely with foil to protect it without steaming it.
Should the pork rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the pork to rest for 15 minutes post-roasting before shredding or slicing.
How are the onions served with this dish?
The sliced onions are sautéed in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of pan juices until tender and caramelized, then served with the pork.
What can I do with leftover Lechon Asado?
The leftovers are perfect for making authentic Cuban sandwiches.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 461 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains 30g of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This dish is high in protein, providing 36g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in Lechon Asado?
This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, with only 4g per serving.
Is there alcohol in the recipe?
Yes, the marinade includes 1/4 cup of dark rum.
What kind of citrus juices are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced garlic cloves.
What spices are included in the mojo?
The spices used are dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use chicken stock in this recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of chicken stock or water is listed as an ingredient to provide moisture.
Do I use all the marinade for the overnight soak?
No, use 2/3 of the marinade for the overnight soak and reserve the remaining 1/3 for serving.
How should I prepare the pork before putting it in the oven?
Remove it from the fridge 1 hour before cooking, pat the skin dry, score the skin, and rub it with salt.
What should I do with the pork skin (crackling) after cooking?
Remove the crackling from the meat, chop it into small pieces, and serve it with the shredded pork.
What are traditional sides for Lechon Asado?
It is traditionally served with rice and beans for a complete Cuban meal.
Is the onion cooked with the pork?
In the oven version, the onion is pureed into the marinade, and extra sliced onions are sautéed separately at the end using pan juices.
Can I prepare this dish the same day?
While you can, it is best prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop during marination.