Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1286 · Cuban Lechon Asado

Cuban Lechon Asado, and where to source it

Cuban Lechon Asado — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Cuban Lechon Asado Cuban 5best2buy.com

Marinate the pork in real mojo built on sour (Seville) orange juice, garlic, and oregano overnight, then roast it low and slow, so the citrus enzymes tenderize the shoulder and the mojo perfumes it all the way through.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook4 hr
Makes8 servings
CuisineCuban
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 8 servings
Pork shoulder
Bone-in shoulder with fat that bastes the meat as it roasts.
6 lb
Source it →
Sour oranges
Seville sour orange is the true mojo base, tart and floral.
1.5 cups juice
Source it →
Garlic
A full head mashed into the marinade; mojo is a garlic sauce.
1 head
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Dried oregano
The dominant herb in Cuban mojo.
1 tbsp
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Ground cumin
For the warm, earthy backbone.
1 tbsp
Local / market
Onion
Sliced under and over the roast to sweeten the drippings.
1
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Bay leaves
A couple in the marinade for aroma.
2
Local / market
Olive oil
Emulsifies the mojo and helps the crust.
1/2 cup
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Air fryerInstant PotSlow cookerOne-potSheet pan
The Method
  1. Make the mojoMash garlic with salt, oregano, and cumin, then whisk in sour orange juice and oil into a loose marinade.
  2. Marinate deepPierce the pork all over, rub and pour the mojo into the cuts, and refrigerate overnight.
  3. Roast lowSet the pork on sliced onion in a pan, cover with foil, and roast at 300F basting now and then, about 3.5 hr.
  4. Crisp the topUncover and raise the heat to brown and crisp the skin and fat for the last 30 min.
  5. Rest and pullRest 20 min, then pull the meat and moisten it with the pan mojo. Serve with rice, beans, and more mojo.
The Toolkit

Roasting pan · Mortar and pestle · Foil

Straight Answers
Can you make Cuban Lechon Asado in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Cuban Lechon Asado? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Cuban Lechon Asado ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Cuban Lechon Asado gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Cuban Lechon Asado vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1286