Top 5 Iconic Fiesta Dishes in the Philippines! A Must Try!

whole pig

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken is lower in fat, while pork shoulder is more affordable.

rock salt

🥗Healthier: sea salt

💰Cheaper: table salt

Sea salt offers a similar flavor with less processing.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free and offers a similar taste.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a unique flavor profile.

The creator introduces the dish, Lechon, as a centerpiece for fiesta celebrations.

They mention that the whole pig is prepared and cleaned, including the removal of innards.

The creator demonstrates rubbing the pig with rock salt and spices, emphasizing the importance of seasoning.

They stuff the cavity of the pig with garlic, lemongrass, and onion.

The pig is secured with cooking twine to maintain its shape during cooking.

The creator mentions the need to preheat the cooking area, which is a wood fire, to a high temperature.

The pig is placed on a spit over the fire for roasting, with the creator noting that the cooking is done over wood fire, not gas.

They emphasize the importance of monitoring the fire and stoking it to maintain heat throughout the cooking process.

The pig is cooked until the skin is crispy and golden, with the creator indicating that this takes several hours, typically 4-6 hours.

They mention basting the pig with a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar during the cooking process to enhance flavor.

The creator checks the internal temperature of the pig to ensure it is fully cooked before removing it from the heat.

Once cooked, the pig is allowed to rest for a period before carving and serving.

The dish is served with a dipping sauce made from vinegar and calamansi, highlighting the traditional accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary