Puerto Rico Lechon Recipe
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Description
Puerto Rico Lechon is a traditional dish that is popularly served during holidays and special occasions in Puerto Rico. It is a whole roasted pig that is marinated in a blend of spices and slow-roasted over an open flame until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender and juicy.Prep Time
The preparation time for Puerto Rico Lechon recipe is around 1 hour.Cook Time
The cook time for Puerto Rico Lechon recipe is around 6-8 hours.Ingredient
The ingredients needed to make Puerto Rico Lechon are:- 1 whole pig, cleaned and dressed
- 1 cup sour orange juice
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 cup olive oil
Equipment
The equipment needed to make Puerto Rico Lechon are:- Roasting pit or large grill
- Large container or bucket for marinating the pig
- Long-handled spatula or tongs
- Meat thermometer
Method
- Combine the sour orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a large container or bucket.
- Place the pig in the container and rub the marinade all over the pig, making sure to get it into all the crevices.
- Cover the container with plastic wrap and let the pig marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the roasting pit or grill to 250-275°F.
- Remove the pig from the marinade and place it on the roasting pit or grill.
- Roast the pig for 6-8 hours, turning it occasionally and basting it with the remaining marinade every hour or so.
- Check the internal temperature of the pig using a meat thermometer. The temperature should reach 180°F in the thickest part of the meat.
- Remove the pig from the roasting pit or grill and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Puerto Rico Lechon is traditionally served with rice, beans, and plantains. It is also common to serve it with a side of mojo, a sauce made with sour orange juice, garlic, and olive oil.Nutrition Info
The nutrition information for Puerto Rico Lechon varies depending on the size of the pig and the serving size.Recipes FAQ
- Can I use a smaller pig for this recipe?
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Do I need to use a roasting pit or grill?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller pig by reducing the amount of marinade and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
While Puerto Rico Lechon is traditionally made with a whole pig, you can use a different type of meat such as pork shoulder or leg if you prefer.
While a roasting pit or grill is the traditional way to cook Puerto Rico Lechon, you can also use an oven or slow cooker if you don't have access to a roasting pit or grill.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to get the marinade into all the crevices of the pig to ensure maximum flavor.
- Use a long-handled spatula or tongs to turn the pig to avoid burning yourself.
- Baste the pig with the remaining marinade every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Let the pig rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
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