Lechon Asado, also known as Cuban Roast Pork, is marinated in a rich and zesty Cuban mojo garlic sauce that infuses every bite with flavor. It’s cooked until incredibly tender and juicy, then served with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains for a comforting, traditional plate.
While it’s typically slow-roasted in the oven, I opted for the Instant Pot to cut down on cooking time without sacrificing taste. For a festive spread, pair this lechon asado with yucca fries and flan to create a truly memorable Latin-inspired holiday meal.
Lechon Asado
This Lechon Asado, also known as Cuban Roast Pork, is soaked in a bold and zesty Cuban mojo garlic marinade that gives it incredible flavor. It’s cooked until perfectly tender and juicy, then served alongside white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains for a classic combination. While it’s traditionally slow-roasted in the oven, I used the Instant Pot to make it quicker and easier. For a festive touch, serve this lechon asado during the holidays with crispy yucca fries and creamy flan for a delicious Latin-inspired feast.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the garlic, lime zest and 1/4 cup lime juice (reserving the other ¼ cup for later), orange zest and juice, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin and whisk together until well combined. Using a paring knife, cut 1 inch deep slashes into the six pieces of pork, placing them into a large mixing bowl or a large freezer bag as you go.
- Evenly pour the marinade over the pork and give it a good mix to thoroughly coat all the pieces of pork and get into all the crevices. If using a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and if using a bag, seal it and then transfer to the refrigerator to marinate for six hours.
- After the pork has marinated for six hours, set your pressure cooker to the sauté setting on high and add the olive oil. Add three of the six pieces of pork to the cooker, shaking off any excess marinade back into the bowl or bag, and brown for three minutes on each side. Place the browned pieces on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining three pieces of pork.
- Transfer the browned pieces on the plate back to the cooker and add any remaining marinade juices from the bowl or bag into the pot. Put half of the onion slices, reserving the other half for later, on top of the pork and Lock the lid. Cook on high pressure for 1 hour and 15 minutes, letting the pressure release naturally when it’s done.
- Transfer the pork pieces to a serving platter and use two forks to shred the meat. Taste a piece and sprinkle some additional salt and pepper if necessary. Cover with a piece of foil and rest. Using the simmer function on your cooker, add the reserved 1/4 cup of lime juice and reserved onion slices and simmer them with the juices for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Taste the juices from the pot and see if you need to adjust with more salt and pepper. Toss the shredded pork with about a cup or so of the juices and the simmered onion slices. Serve with lime wedges, cilantro, rice, sweet plantains, and black beans.
Notes
- Tips and Tricks
Use an Instant Pot! A pressure cooker cuts the cooking time of the pork in half. You don’t have to worry about checking on it as it bakes in the oven and it the meat comes out perfectly tender every time! - Marinade the meat the night before. The pork needs to sit in the mojo marinade for at least 6 hours in order to soak up those delicious flavors. Combine all the ingredients together right before bed so it will be ready to cook in the morning.
- Pork cooking temperature – Cuts like pork shoulder will require a longer cook time and higher endpoint temperature for the best eating experience, which is why a pressure cooker is ideal for this recipe. Pork is safe to eat once it reaches 145°F, but for pork shoulder we’ll be looking for somewhere around 170°F or higher. You can find more information on pork cooking temperatures here.
