Puerto Rican Pig Roast Recipe
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Description
Puerto Rican pig roast, or lechón, is a traditional dish that is often served at special occasions such as weddings, holidays, or family gatherings. The pig is slow-roasted over an open fire, resulting in a crispy skin and tender meat that is infused with the flavors of the marinade.Prep Time
The prep time for this recipe is approximately 2 hours, which includes the time it takes to prepare the marinade and season the pig.Cook Time
The cook time for this recipe is approximately 8-10 hours, depending on the size of the pig.Ingredients
- 1 whole pig, cleaned and dressed (40-50 pounds)
- 1 cup of sour orange juice
- 1 cup of olive oil
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Equipment
- Charcoal grill or fire pit
- Large metal rod or spit
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
Method
- Mix together the sour orange juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Using a large syringe, inject the marinade into the pig's meat, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout.
- Season the pig generously with salt and pepper on the inside and outside.
- Insert the metal rod or spit through the pig's body, securing it in place.
- Place the pig on the grill or fire pit, making sure it is balanced and evenly distributed over the heat source.
- Cook the pig slowly over low heat, basting it every hour with the remaining marinade.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pig is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the pig is fully cooked, remove it from the grill or fire pit and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
- Carve the pig into sections, making sure to include the crispy skin and tender meat.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- It is important to clean and dress the pig before marinating and cooking it.
- Make sure to baste the pig regularly to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Be careful when working with the fire and hot metal rod or spit.
Nutrition Info
This recipe yields approximately 30-40 servings. The nutrition information per serving is as follows:- Calories: 500
- Total Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 80g
Recipes FAQ
What is sour orange juice?
Sour orange juice is a type of citrus juice that is commonly used in Puerto Rican cuisine. It has a tart and tangy flavor that is similar to a combination of orange and lime juice.Can I use a different type of meat?
While this recipe is specifically for a whole pig, you could use a smaller cut of pork, such as a shoulder or leg, and follow the same marinade and cooking method.How do I clean and dress the pig?
Cleaning and dressing a whole pig can be a complex process. It is recommended that you consult with a butcher or experienced cook for assistance.Recipe Tips
- Double-check your fire and heat source to ensure that it is evenly distributed and consistent throughout the cooking process.
- Consider adding additional seasonings or spices to the marinade to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Make sure to use a large enough grill or fire pit to accommodate the size of the pig.
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