⏱ 35 min
Dinner
Herb-Crusted Grilled Chicken
Juicy chicken breast with a fragrant herb crust, served with roasted seasonal vegetables.
Humble pantry staples can create an extraordinary Authentic Cuban Roast Pork Lechón Asado Recipe (Mojo Marinated) when treated with proper heat and technique. This recipe celebrates bone-in pork shoulder roast, bitter sour orange juice and garlic , into paste in under 3 hr 30 min, providing a reliable, flavor-packed dish you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients
8 servings
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Marinate Pork in Mojo
Score pork skin in a diamond pattern. Whisk sour orange juice, crushed garlic, olive oil, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub Mojo all over pork; **marinate for 4 hours** (or overnight).
2
Slow Roast in Oven
Place sliced onions in roasting pan; place pork shoulder on top. Cover tightly with foil. **Roast at 325°F (165°C) for 3 hours** until meat reaches 195°F (90°C).
3
Crisp Crackling Skin
Remove foil. Turn oven up to **425°F (220°C); roast for 15 minutes** until pork skin is blistered, dark golden, and crackling crisp.
4
Shred & Spoon Mojo Pan Jus
Rest for **15 minutes**. Shred pork into tender chunks; spoon warm garlic citrus pan juices over meat and serve.
Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips
- Score the top pork fat cap before marinating so the garlic Mojo penetrates deep into the meat.
- The 15-minute high heat blast at the end creates shatteringly crisp Cuban chicharrón skin.
1. Let the Meat Rest Before Slicing: Transfer cooked meat to a cutting board for 5–10 minutes before carving. Resting allows tight muscle fibers to relax and redistribute savory juices evenly throughout the cut. 2. Protect Minced Garlic from Burning: Garlic cooks and turns fragrant in just 30 to 45 seconds. Add it toward the end of sautéing onions or aromatics so it perfumes the dish without acquiring a bitter edge. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Score the top pork fat cap before marinating so the garlic Mojo penetrates deep into the meat.
Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs
Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes
- What if the Sauce for Authentic Cuban Roast Pork Lechón Asado Recipe (Mojo Marinated) Separates or Feels Greasy?: If a dairy or emulsion sauce breaks, immediately take the pan off direct heat. Vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of hot water, broth, or cream until the velvety sheen re-emulsifies.
- How to Rescue a Dish That Tastes Overly Salty?: Dilute with additional unsalted liquid (broth, cream, or water), or splash in a small touch of acid like fresh lemon juice or vinegar to soften sharp salinity.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines
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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines
Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, kept covered in the refrigerator, and baked or cooked when ready to serve.
Q: Can I substitute common pantry ingredients? A: Yes, this recipe is forgiving. Check our substitution notes in the ingredient card for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.
Home Cook Community
Kitchen Notes & Discussion
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