Cuban Lechon Asado Roasted Fresh Ham
Experience a true taste of Cuba with this authentic Cuban Lechon Asado Roasted Fresh Ham—an irresistible centerpiece for any feast. This slow-roasted, bone-in, skin-on ham is marinated to perfection in a vibrant blend of fresh orange and lime juices, garlic, olive oil, and warm spices including cumin and oregano. The ham is infused with flavor as it rests overnight, then roasted until the skin becomes irresistibly crisp and golden while the meat stays juicy and tender. The recipe combines simple ingredients and traditional techniques to create a dish that’s bursting with bold, citrusy, and savory notes. Perfectly paired with classic Cuban sides like rice, black beans, or fried plantains, this show-stopping dish is just what you need to wow your guests at your next gathering—or transform any dinner into a celebration.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 10 lbs fresh ham (bone-in, skin-on)
- 12 garlic cloves
- 1.5 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed, or bottled)
- 0.5 cups lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 cups olive oil
- 2 tbsp oregano (dried)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 onion (sliced into rings)
Instructions
Rinse the fresh ham thoroughly and pat it dry. Using a small, sharp knife, make small incisions all over the skin and meat to allow the marinade to penetrate.
In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic cloves, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend until a smooth marinade forms.
Place the ham in a large roasting pan or a container large enough to hold it. Pour the marinade over the ham, rubbing it thoroughly into the meat and incisions. Add the bay leaves and scatter the onion rings on top.
Cover the ham tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, turning the ham once or twice to ensure even marination.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
Place the ham, skin-side up, in the roasting pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
Roast the ham in the preheated oven for about 4 hours (30 minutes per pound), basting occasionally with the juices in the pan. Remove the foil for the final hour of cooking to allow the skin to crisp and turn golden brown.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat.
Carve the ham into thin slices and serve with the roasted onions and pan juices. Enjoy with traditional Cuban sides like rice, black beans, and fried plantains!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
713 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.8 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 265 mg | 88% | |
| Sodium | 1199 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.6 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 80.1 g | 160% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 66 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1142 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
