Cuban Lechon asado / Paleta de cerdo

sour orange juice

🥗Healthier: fresh orange juice + lime juice

💰Cheaper: regular orange juice

Fresh orange juice adds acidity and brightness.

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: pork tenderloin

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Pork butt is more affordable and flavorful.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a cost-effective alternative.

bay leaves

💰Cheaper: dried basil

Dried basil can mimic the flavor profile.

Start by preparing a marinade for the pork shoulder.

In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 3 crushed bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Add 8 cloves of garlic pureed to the marinade mixture.

Pour in 1 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of white wine.

Squeeze the juice of 1 lime into the marinade (optional).

Poke holes in the pork shoulder with a knife to allow the marinade to penetrate.

Rub the marinade all over the pork shoulder, ensuring it gets into the holes.

Place sliced onions and lime on top of the pork shoulder.

Cover the pork and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

The next day, remove the pork from the marinade and place it in a baking pan, adding more seasoning on top if desired.

Add fresh onions and lime to the bottom of the pan and cover the pork with aluminum foil, creating a tent to prevent sticking.

Bake the pork shoulder at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4 hours, checking every hour.

After 1 hour, baste the pork with juice from the pan and cover it back up.

After 3 hours, check the tenderness of the pork; if not tender enough, continue cooking for another hour.

Rotate the pan for even cooking and cover it back up again.

After a total of 4 hours, uncover the pork and let it cook for a few more minutes to crisp the skin.

Brush the skin with salt or water to achieve crispiness, or fry the fat separately for a crispy texture.

Once done, the pork should be tender and juicy, falling off the bone.

Remove the bone and save it for stock, and enjoy the tender meat.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: