Puerto Rican Chinese Arista

Ingredients

In the original Italian Arista, the pork roast is typically seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and salt. However, in this Puerto Rican Chinese adaptation, we incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and traditional Puerto Rican spices to infuse the dish with a unique flavor profile. Additionally, the original Arista is often served with roasted potatoes, but in this version, we pair it with stir-fried vegetables and steamed rice to embrace the Puerto Rican Chinese influence. We alse have the original recipe for Arista, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork loin roast 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) pork loin roast
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons water
• Stir-fried vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots), for serving Stir-fried vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots), for serving
• Steamed rice, for serving Steamed rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper to create a marinade.
3. 3.
   Rub the marinade all over the pork loin roast, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork roast on all sides until browned.
5. 5.
   Pour the chicken broth into the skillet or roasting pan, cover with foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. 6.
   Roast the pork for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F).
7. 7.
   Remove the pork from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
8. 8.
   While the pork is resting, prepare the sauce by combining cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Pour the pan juices into a saucepan, add the cornstarch mixture, and cook over medium heat until thickened.
9. 9.
   Slice the pork roast and serve it with the sauce, stir-fried vegetables, and steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork loin roast — Choose a well-trimmed cut of pork loin for a leaner option. Make sure to marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• Soy sauce — Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the salt content of the dish.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger provides the best flavor, so grate it just before using. If you don't have fresh ginger, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of pineapple juice to the marinade.
• To achieve a crispy exterior, sear the pork roast on high heat before transferring it to the oven.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch and water in the recipe.
• Experiment with different stir-fried vegetables to customize the dish to your liking.
• Leftover Puerto Rican Chinese Arista makes delicious sandwiches when thinly sliced and served on crusty bread with some mayo and pickled vegetables.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Chinese Arista as the centerpiece of a family-style meal. Arrange the sliced pork roast on a platter, drizzle it with the sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Accompany it with a generous portion of stir-fried vegetables and steamed rice.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, place the sliced pork roast on a bed of vibrant stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions for a pop of color. Serve the dish family-style, allowing guests to help themselves to the succulent pork and flavorful accompaniments.