Teresa's Recipes
Lechon
Lechon is the crown jewel of Filipino celebrations, a dazzling centerpiece that captures the spirit of festivity and unity. This iconic dish features a perfectly roasted pork shoulder, marinated in a symphony of garlic, spices, and citrus, yielding tender, juicy meat enveloped in a crackling, golden-brown skin. Traditionally served during holidays and special gatherings, lechon embodies warmth and hospitality, inviting family and friends to gather around the table and indulge in its rich flavors. Complete your experience with a side of savory liver sauce, a beloved accompaniment that elevates each bite into a celebration of Filipino culinary heritage.
Ingredients
- 5-7 pounds Pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 3-4 leaves Bay leaves
- 1 large, chopped Onion
- 10 cloves, minced Garlic
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 10
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped onion, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil until well combined.
- Rub the marinade all over the pork shoulder, ensuring to get it into any crevices for maximum flavor.
- Place the pork shoulder in a roasting pan, skin side up, and cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep the meat moist.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 3 hours, removing the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to become crispy and golden brown.
- Once cooked through, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices of lechon with the warm Filipino liver sauce on the side.
Tips
- For an even more flavorful lechon, marinate the pork shoulder overnight in the refrigerator.
- Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an aromatic twist.
- If you enjoy a bit of sweetness, you can add pineapple juice to the marinade for a tropical touch.