Roasted Filipino Pork (Lechón al Horno)

Ingredients

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) pork shoulder or pork belly 2 kg (4.4 lbs) pork shoulder or pork belly
• 8 cloves garlic, minced 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 4 bay leaves 4 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, and vegetable oil to create a marinade.
3. 3.
   Rub the marinade all over the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. 4.
   Place the marinated pork in a roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
5. 5.
   Roast the pork in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
6. 6.
   Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F).
7. 7.
   Continue roasting the pork for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
8. 8.
   Once cooked, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
9. 9.
   Serve the Roasted Filipino Pork with steamed rice and a side of the traditional vinegar dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release its flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin before chopping.
• Pork shoulder or pork belly — For the best results, choose a cut of pork with a good balance of meat and fat, as this will ensure a juicy and flavorful roast.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy skin, pat the pork dry with paper towels before applying the marinade.
• Basting the pork with its own juices during the roasting process will help keep it moist and flavorful.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the marinade.
• Leftovers can be used to make delicious sandwiches or added to stir-fries for a flavorful twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Roasted Filipino Pork as the centerpiece of a festive meal. Slice it into thin pieces and arrange them on a platter, allowing guests to help themselves. Accompany the pork with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, and the traditional vinegar dipping sauce.

Presentation advice

To showcase the crispy skin, present the Roasted Filipino Pork on a large serving platter with the golden-brown skin facing upwards. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color.