Oven Roasted Lechon (Lechon sa Oven)

whole pig

💰Cheaper: chicken

Chicken is more affordable and easier to manage for smaller gatherings.

rock salt

🥗Healthier: sea salt

💰Cheaper: table salt

Sea salt offers a similar flavor with a different texture.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces salt intake without sacrificing flavor.

Rinse pork picnic in running water and pat dry using paper towels or a clean cloth.

Using a sharp and pointy knife, pierce 6 holes into the meat (deep enough for garlic and lemongrass) per side.

Insert a piece of whole garlic clove in each hole, followed by the lemongrass.

Season pork with a generous amount of ground pepper and salt. Rub the mix into the meat and skin.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Adjust the rack to the lowest level to prevent burning the skin.

Place seasoned pork in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.

Roast pork for about 3-4 hours while basting or brushing the entire skin using the fat drippings from the pan every 20 to 30 minutes until skin is crisp and meat is soft-tender.

Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue to roast while basting the pork occasionally for about 30 to 45 minutes until the skin is super crunchy and crispy, and meat is tender enough to melt in your mouth.

Remove pan from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before transferring into a serving dish.

Chop roasted pork or serve whole.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: