What Is Lechón Asado (Cuban Roast Pork With Crispy Skin)?

Lechón Asado (Cuban Roast Pork) is traditionally a whole suckling (young) pig that has been marinated in Cuban mojo criollo and roasted outside in a fire pit or in a Caja China.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures that is characteristic of Cuban cuisine. Marinated in a delectable blend of citrus juices, garlic, and aromatic spices, the pork absorbs all the vibrant flavors, resulting in a moist and flavorful roast.

Served alongside traditional Cuban accompaniments like black beans, rice, and fried plantains, this dish is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse flavors that the Caribbean has to offer.

I know you’re thinking, “What do you do when you don’t have a whole pig to roast or a Caja China? Roast a pig leg or a shoulder in the oven. Today I am going to show you how to roast a pig leg.

Traditionally, Lechón Asado is made for Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) dinner and special occasions. However, for the first time I was able to get my hands on some real Seville oranges. So, I am celebrating by making mojo criollo without any store bought bottles.  Wow, this feels like Christmas to me!

The marinade plays a crucial role in infusing the pork with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. The combination of citrus juices, garlic, and aromatic spices creates a harmonious blend that enhances the natural taste of the pork. The acidity of the citrus juices helps to tenderize the meat while also adding a refreshing tanginess. The garlic and spices provide depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

If you want to get some Seville oranges too, I found them online at Kamala.com.

Usually I will buy Goya naranja agria as a substitute for Seville oranges.  Seville oranges are sour oranges used for marinades, sauces, and cocktails.

Another alternative is to make your own naranja agria. Simply mix a 1/2 cup of each; fresh squeezed limes, fresh squeezed oranges, fresh squeezed grapefruit and white distilled vinegar. Combine all ingredients and its ready for use or save for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Best Cut Of Meat For Lechón Asado (Cuban Roast Pork)

As I said earlier, traditionally a whole pig is roasted outside in a fire pit or in a Caja China. A pork leg is a great alternative to roasting a whole pig because you still get that fabulous crispy skin (chicharrones).

As you are going to see I am roasting a 27 lb pork leg that is still going to be in the oven all day. The leg comes from the hind legs of the pig with the bone still in.

If you are looking for a quicker cook time a pork shoulder works great. The shoulder comes from the front legs and is marbled with more fat. I have absolutely used a shoulder and the meat is great because of the higher fat content you can achieve a pulled pork tenderness.

For the absolute best flavor let the pork leg or shoulder marinate for 24-48 hours. I was able to let this giant leg marinate for 48 hours and it was so worth it.
Using a turkey bag with a ziplock close works the best. For the mojo recipe I am going to share with you, it will need to be multiplied by at least 4 times for a pork leg this big. However, if you are roasting a small shoulder you might only need to double it.

Achieving The Perfect Level of Tenderness

One of the key factors in achieving a tender and juicy roast is cooking the pork at a low temperature for an extended period. This slow-roasting method allows the connective tissues in the meat to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 195°F (90°C) for optimal tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

What Is The Difference Between Lechón and Pernil?

Pernil is also a roasted pork leg or shoulder, however pernil is a Puerto Rican dish.
Lechón is Cuban.

Pernil is also mostly served on Christmas Eve and special occasions. Puerto Rican pernil is marinated with with a little different type of mojo consisting of sofrito and adobo along with the base of garlic and citrus.  Lechón is marinated with Cuban mojo criollo.

What Do You Eat With Lechon?

Black Beans and Rice

or

Congri

Yuca con Mojo de Ajo (Yuca with Garlic Sauce)

Maduros (Fried Plantains)

Drizzle extra Mojo de Ajo on top of lechon when served.

What do you do with all of the leftover lechon? Cuban sandwiches of course!!

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Lechón Asado (Cuban Roast Pork With Crispy Skin)

Author: Noelle Cooking Method: Roasted Cuisine: Cuban Courses: Main Dish Recipe Keys: C christmas dinner C cuban christmas dinner C cuban roast pork L lechon asado P pork chicharrones P pork with crispy skin

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 1,444 mins Cook Time 480 mins Total Time 32 hrs 4 mins

Servings: 6

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Marinated pork in a delectable blend of citrus juices, garlic, and aromatic spices, when cooked the pork absorbs all the vibrant flavors, resulting in a moist and flavorful roast. 

Ingredients

Servings

Mojo Criollo Marinade

• 1 cup Garlic Cloves
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 3 tbsp Cumin
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Oregano
• 1 cup Olive Oil
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cup Naranja Agria
• 4 Limes (juiced)

Lechón

• 1 Pork Leg or Shoulder
• 5-10 cup Mojo Criollo

Garlic Mojo

• 1 cup Olive Oil
• ¹⁄₂ cup Garlic Cloves
• 2 Limes (juiced)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions

Mojo Criollo Marinade

1. Using a mortar and pestle smash garlic with a pinch of salt. Transfer to a bowl.
   
2. Juice Seville oranges to make 1 1/2 cups of juice or use 1 1/2 cups of naranja agria. Juice the four limes as well. Add to the bowl with the smashed garlic.
   
3. Stir in the rest of the ingredients to combine and set aside. *Remember depending on how big your pork leg or shoulder is you may have to double or even quadruple mojo criollo recipe.
   

Marinating Pork Leg

1. Make as many deep slits into the meat of the leg. However, DO NOT pierce the skin. To achieve crispy skin for chicharrones it needs to be in one piece.
   
2. Put the leg or shoulder into a turkey brining bag with a good closure, preferably ziplock. Pour mojo criollo all over pork. Using your hands push some of the smashed garlic from the mojo criollo into all the deep slits.
   
3. Seal the bag and put into large roasting pan. Marinate for 24-48 hours in the refrigerator. Turn periodically so every part of the meat gets submerged.
   

Cooking The Lechón

1. Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before you are ready to cook it. You don't want to shock the meat going from a really cold refrigerator into a hot oven. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Using a cooking syringe add more mojo criollo deep into the meat.
   
2. Place the pork into the roasting pan skin side up. Any extra mojo can be left in the bottom of the pan. I don't use a rack and I let the meat cook in the extra mojo. Put in the 425 degree oven and cook for 30 minutes. Decrease the temperature to 325 degrees, cover lightly and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
   
3. A good guide is for every pound cook for 30 minutes until done. About every hour I like to take the leg out and continue to push mojo into the meat using a cooking syringe. Keep the skin covered each time it goes back into the oven.
   
4. The last 30 minutes of cooking remove foil and let the skin finish cooking for crispy results. While skin is crisping make garlic mojo. When done remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter or cutting board and let rest.
   

Garlic Mojo

1. Using a mortar and pestle smash garlic with a pinch of salt.
   
2. Heat a small saute pan on medium heat and add olive oil. When olive oil is warm add garlic and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then add lime juice. Season with salt, taste until personal flavor is desired.
   
3. Cut and serve with garlic mojo. If garlic mojo is too strong for some people serve meat with pan drippings of mojo.
   

Keywords: Cuban Christmas dinner, Christmas roast, pork with crispy skin, lechon asado, pork chicharrones