Lechon Asado (Roast Pork)

Ingredients

• For the Pork:
• 8-10 lbs pork shoulder (pernil) or whole pig section
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
• 1 tbsp sazón (with annatto, for color and flavor)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 0.25 cup lime juice
• 0.5 cup mojo sauce (garlic-citrus marinade)
• 1 cup chicken or pork broth
• For the Mojo Marinade:
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 0.25 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• For Serving:
• Arroz con gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)
• Tostones or yuca fries
• Fresh avocado slices

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Pork:
2. 21️⃣ Marinate the Pork – In a bowl, mix garlic, olive oil, adobo, sazón, oregano, black pepper, paprika, orange juice, lime juice, and mojo sauce.
3. 32️⃣ Massage the marinade into the pork shoulder or whole pig section, making deep cuts to infuse flavor.
4. 43️⃣ Cover and marinate for at least 12 hours (overnight is best). 🧄🔥
5. 52️⃣ Slow Roast the Pork:
6. 61️⃣ Preheat the Oven – Set to 300°F (150°C).
7. 72️⃣ Roast Covered – Place the pork in a roasting pan, pour in chicken broth, and cover with foil. Roast for 5-6 hours, basting occasionally. 🍖🔥
8. 83️⃣ Crisp the Skin (Chicharrón!):
9. 91️⃣ Uncover the Pork – Remove foil and increase oven heat to 450°F (230°C).
10. 102️⃣ Roast Uncovered – Cook for another 30-45 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown. 🐖✨
11. 114️⃣ Make the Mojo Sauce:
12. 121️⃣ Combine Ingredients – In a small saucepan, heat olive oil, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, salt, pepper, and oregano over low heat for 5 minutes. 🍊🧄
13. 132️⃣ Set Aside – Let the sauce cool slightly before serving. 🌿✨
14. 145️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
15. 151️⃣ Shred or Slice the Pork – Serve hot with extra mojo sauce, arroz con gandules, and tostones! 🍚🔥