Lechon Asado Puertorriqueno Puerto Rican Roasted Suckling Pig Recipes

LECHON ASADO PUERTORRIQUENO (PUERTO RICAN ROASTED SUCKLING PIG)

Steps:

• Preparation
• Combine the garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and oregano with the oil.
• Wash and dry the pig thoroughly. Marinate it in the garlic-and-oil mixture for a few hours or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350F.
• Set the pig in a large roasting pan. Insert a ball made of aluminum foil into the pig's mouth. Fold the hind legs under the belly and tie them in place. Cover the ears with small pieces of foil. Bake for 3 to 3-1/2 hours, basting occasionally with corn oil, until the leg juices run clear when pricked with a fork.
• To serve, transfer the pig to a serving tray and insert the orange into its mouth.
• Let the pig rest for 10 to 20 minutes before you carve the meat.

LECHóN ASADO

Steps:

• Combine the juices, garlic, dried oregano, cumin (optional), and black pepper for the marinade in a blender and process until smooth. Set aside until ready to use.
• Place the pork in a large roasting pan. With the tip of a sharp knife, make numerous incisions into the meat (do not score the skin). Toss the marinade over the pork, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to marinate overnight, turning the meat several times if possible.
• Preheat the oven to 250°F.
• Bring the pork to room temperature. Remove the meat from the marinade, pat it dry, and reserve the marinade. Place the pork skin-side up inside the roasting pan and add the marinade back into the roasting pan. Cover the pork with aluminum foil and insert into the oven.
• Cook for 8 to 9 hours until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 170°F to 190°F near the bone, shreds easily, and the liquid runs clear when the meat is pierced.
• To get crisp skin, remove the pork from the oven and turn the oven up to 450°F. Once the oven is preheated, remove the foil from the pork and put it back in the oven. Check the pork every few minutes so the skin does not burn. Remove the pork when it has crisped nicely, 15 to 30 minutes total.
• Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Discard the braising liquid. Serve in chunks and drizzle with Mojo Criollo sauce.