Chops & Roasts

Cuban Style Lechon Asado

Name: Cuban Style Lechon Asado
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 210 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, boneless; 6 slices of thick-cut bacon; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1/4 cup (60g) brown sugar; 2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprika; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed orange juice; 2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed lime juice

By Jonah Blackwood · June 19, 2026 · Chops & Roasts

Prep30 min

Cook180 min

Total210 min

Serves8

Cuban Style Lechon Asado — Tender, smoky pork shoulder

I still remember the first time I tasted authentic Cuban Lechon Asado - the combination of smoky pork, crispy bacon, and a hint of citrus was love at first bite. As a home cook, I've spent years perfecting this recipe to bring a taste of Cuba to my own kitchen. This comforting dish is perfect for a crowd, and with a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a truly unforgettable meal.

The key to a great Lechon Asado is in the slow cooking process, which breaks down the connective tissues in the pork shoulder and infuses it with a deep, smoky flavor. By cooking the pork low and slow, we can achieve a tender, fall-apart texture that's sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of pork shoulder, bacon, and a few aromatics to create a rich, savory broth that's perfect for serving with rice, beans, or roasted vegetables. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So why make Cuban Style Lechon Asado? For one, it's an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners. It's also surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. And with its rich, comforting flavors, it's sure to become a crowd-pleaser in no time.

As we dive into the recipe, I'll be sharing some of my favorite tips and tricks for making the perfect Lechon Asado. From the importance of using high-quality ingredients to the secret to achieving that perfect, crispy crust on the pork, I'll be covering it all. So let's get started, and let's bring a taste of Cuba to our own kitchens!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.
The slow cooking process makes the pork tender and fall-apart, perfect for serving with rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
The use of bacon adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish that's absolutely irresistible.
The addition of citrus and spices creates a bright, refreshing flavor that helps to balance out the richness of the pork and bacon.
This recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners, and can be made ahead of time for added convenience.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your own favorite spices and ingredients to make it your own.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great Lechon Asado lies in the slow cooking process, which breaks down the connective tissues in the pork shoulder and infuses it with a deep, smoky flavor. By cooking the pork low and slow, we can achieve a tender, fall-apart texture that's sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Another key factor is the use of bacon, which adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. By rendering the bacon slowly, we can create a crispy, caramelized crust on the pork that's absolutely irresistible. And with the addition of some aromatics like onions and garlic, we can create a rich, savory broth that's perfect for serving with rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.

Finally, the use of citrus and spices adds a bright, refreshing flavor to the dish that helps to balance out the richness of the pork and bacon. By using a combination of orange and lime juice, we can create a beautiful, tangy glaze that's perfect for serving with the pork.

Overall, the combination of slow cooking, bacon, aromatics, and citrus makes for a truly unforgettable meal that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Cuban Style Lechon Asado, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. We'll be using a combination of high-quality pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and a few aromatics to create a rich, savory broth that's perfect for serving with rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.

Some key ingredients to look out for include a good-quality pork shoulder, preferably with a layer of fat on the bottom to keep the meat moist and flavorful. We'll also be using thick-cut bacon, which adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. And with the addition of some aromatics like onions and garlic, we can create a rich, savory broth that's perfect for serving with the pork.

2 lbs (900g) pork shoulder, bonelessLook for a pork shoulder with a layer of fat on the bottom to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also use a bone-in pork shoulder, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6 slices of thick-cut baconThick-cut bacon is essential for adding a rich, savory flavor to the dish. Look for a high-quality bacon that's smoked or cured for added depth of flavor.
1 large onion, choppedOnions add a sweet, savory flavor to the dish and help to create a rich, savory broth. Be sure to chop the onions finely to release their natural sugars and flavor compounds.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dish and helps to create a rich, savory broth. Be sure to mince the garlic finely to release its natural oils and flavor compounds.
1/4 cup (60g) brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the acidity of the citrus. Look for a high-quality brown sugar that's free from additives and preservatives.
2 tbsp (30g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish and helps to create a rich, savory broth. Look for a high-quality smoked paprika that's smoked over real wood for added depth of flavor.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminGround cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish and helps to create a rich, savory broth. Look for a high-quality ground cumin that's free from additives and preservatives.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and helps to create a rich, savory broth. Look for a high-quality salt that's free from additives and preservatives.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, savory flavor to the dish and helps to create a rich, savory broth. Look for a high-quality black pepper that's free from additives and preservatives.
2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed orange juiceFreshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the pork and bacon. Look for a high-quality orange that's free from additives and preservatives.
2 tbsp (30g) freshly squeezed lime juiceFreshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the pork and bacon. Look for a high-quality lime that's free from additives and preservatives.

Ingredients for Cuban Style Lechon Asado

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lidSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerTongs or slotted spoonLarge serving platter or tray

How to Make Cuban Style Lechon Asado

1
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside.
3
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the pork shoulder to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside with the bacon.
5
Add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
6
Add the freshly squeezed orange and lime juice to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid has reduced slightly.
7
Return the pork shoulder to the pot and add the cooked bacon on top. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
8
Braise the pork for 2-3 hours, until tender and easily shredded with a fork. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, which should reach 190°F (88°C).
9
Remove the pot from the oven and let the pork rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding with two forks. Strain the braising liquid and discard any excess fat.
10
Serve the shredded pork with the braising liquid spooned over the top, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality pork shoulder with a layer of fat on the bottom to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking the bacon, as this can cause the bacon to steam instead of crisp.
Let the pork rest for at least 10-15 minutes before shredding to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Strain the braising liquid before serving to remove any excess fat and impurities.
Consider serving the pork with a side of rice, beans, or roasted vegetables to soak up the flavorful braising liquid.
For added flavor, try adding some diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the pork to a safe internal temperature, which can result in foodborne illness.
Overcooking the pork, which can make it dry and tough.
Not letting the pork rest before shredding, which can cause the meat to become tough and dense.
Not straining the braising liquid before serving, which can result in a greasy and unappetizing presentation.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as thin-cut bacon or low-grade pork shoulder, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Try adding some diced ham or chorizo to the pot for added smoky flavor.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Use different types of citrus, such as lemon or grapefruit, to change up the flavor profile of the dish.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Try using different types of protein, such as beef or chicken, for a variation on the recipe.

What to Serve With Cuban Style Lechon Asado

Cuban Style Lechon Asado is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for serving with a variety of sides. Consider serving with a side of rice, beans, or roasted vegetables to soak up the flavorful braising liquid.

Some other ideas for serving include:

- Grilled or roasted corn on the cob

- Fried or baked plantains

- Steamed or sautéed greens, such as kale or spinach

- Warm tortillas or crusty bread for making sandwiches

Grilled or roasted corn on the cobFried or baked plantainsSteamed or sautéed greens, such as kale or spinachWarm tortillas or crusty bread for making sandwiches

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Cuban Style Lechon Asado can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To refrigerate, let the pork cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze, let the pork cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

To reheat, thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator or thaw quickly by submerging the container in cold water. Reheat the pork in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

Some tips for reheating include:

- Reheat the pork in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

- Reheat the pork on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

- Consider adding some fresh herbs or citrus juice to the pork during reheating to brighten up the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork shoulder should I use?

Look for a pork shoulder with a layer of fat on the bottom to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also use a bone-in pork shoulder, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I know when the pork is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork, which should reach 190°F (88°C). You can also check for tenderness by shredding the pork with two forks - if it's tender and easily shreds, it's done.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the pork and cook the bacon in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

How do I strain the braising liquid?

Let the braising liquid cool to room temperature, then skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any impurities and solids.

Can I freeze the pork?

Yes, you can freeze the pork. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

How do I reheat the pork?

Reheat the pork in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also reheat the pork on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Let the pork cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve. Reheat the pork according to the instructions above.

What are some variations on this recipe?

Try adding some diced ham or chorizo to the pot for added smoky flavor. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Use different types of citrus, such as lemon or grapefruit, to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

The Full Recipe

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