Crispy Lechon: A Modern Twist on a Filipino Classic

Ingredients

• 1 whole pig (approximately 40 pounds / 18 kg) 1 whole pig (approximately 40 pounds / 18 kg)
• 10 cloves of garlic, minced 10 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped 4 stalks of lemongrass, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper 1 tablespoon black pepper
• Cooking oil, for basting Cooking oil, for basting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 500 kcal / 2092 KJ
• Fat: 30g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 0g (Sugars: 0g)
• Protein: 55g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the rotisserie or oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. 2.
   Clean the pig thoroughly, removing any excess hair and internal organs.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
4. 4.
   Rub the marinade all over the pig, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. 5.
   Secure the pig onto the rotisserie or place it on a roasting rack in the oven.
6. 6.
   Cook the pig for approximately 4-5 hours, basting it with cooking oil every 30 minutes to ensure a crispy skin.
7. 7.
   Increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 30 minutes of cooking to achieve a perfectly crispy skin.
8. 8.
   Once cooked, remove the pig from the rotisserie or oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
9. 9.
   Carve the pig into desired serving portions and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release its flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin before chopping.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve an even crispiness, make sure to baste the pig with cooking oil regularly during the cooking process.
• For an extra burst of flavor, you can inject the pig with a marinade using a meat injector before cooking.
• Serve the Crispy Lechon with a side of lechon sauce, which is a tangy and savory liver-based sauce traditionally served with the dish.
• Leftover Crispy Lechon can be used in various dishes such as sandwiches, tacos, or stir-fries.
• If you don't have access to a rotisserie, you can still achieve a crispy skin by using a roasting rack in the oven and periodically flipping the pig.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Lechon as the centerpiece of a festive meal. Accompany it with steamed rice, lechon sauce, and a variety of traditional Filipino side dishes for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Presentation advice

Present the Crispy Lechon on a large platter, showcasing the golden brown and crackling skin. Garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an added touch of elegance.