The smell hits first, a rich, smoky aroma that makes neighbors peek over the fence, wondering what magic is cooking.

It’s Asado de Puerco, the kind of dish that can turn any regular Sunday into something special. This isn’t fancy restaurant food.

The recipe takes time, but that’s part of its charm. With patience, the sauce thickens into something rich and bold, and the pork turns melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Soon, the kitchen fills with warmth and anticipation, drawing everyone closer. It’s the kind of meal that feels like magic in every bite.

Recipe Notes

How to Make Cerdo Asado the Right Way

Cerdo asado is a mouthwatering Latin-style roasted pork dish packed with flavor and tender texture. Below are the step-by-step instructions to prepare it perfectly from scratch.

Step 1: Marinate the Pork

Start by preparing a flavorful marinade with citrus juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, and olive oil.

Coat the pork thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This ensures the flavors penetrate deeply, giving the pork its rich, savory taste.

Pro Tip: Use fresh orange and lime juice for the marinade. The natural acidity of the meat tenderizes it better than bottled juice.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Meat

Before roasting, take the marinated pork out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Place the pork in a roasting pan, reserving the marinade to baste during cooking for maximum flavor.

Pro Tip: Line the roasting pan with onions or a rack so the meat cooks evenly and doesn’t sit in excess juices.

Step 3: Roast the Pork Slowly

Roast the pork at a low temperature for 3–4 hours, depending on size, until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

Slow roasting allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy, making it easy to shred later. Baste occasionally with the marinade for extra moisture.

Pro Tip: Cover the pork with foil for the first half of cooking to retain moisture, then uncover for a golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Rest and Shred the Pork

Once roasted, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

After resting, use two forks to shred the pork into tender, flavorful pieces, discarding excess fat as needed.

Pro Tip: Save the pan drippings and mix them into the shredded pork for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your cerdo asado with rice, beans, or warm tortillas, and garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime. The smoky, citrusy flavors make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Its flexibility also allows you to use leftovers in sandwiches, tacos, or bowls.

Pro Tip: Pair with a tangy mojo sauce or salsa verde for a fresh, zesty kick that brings out the flavour in every bite.

Nutrition Facts

Cerdo asado is packed with protein and low in carbs, an ideal choice for those looking for a hearty yet balanced meal after a long day.

Storage & Reheating Secrets

Cerdo asado stays just as flavorful the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep every bite juicy and satisfying:

• Refrigerate: Cerdo asado can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days without losing its tenderness.
• Freezing: For longer storage, cooked cerdo asado can be frozen in portioned freezer bags or wrapped in foil, good for up to 3 months.
• Reheating magic: To reheat, cover the pork with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes to preserve moisture.
• Microwave hack: When reheating at work or in a pinch, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave at 70% power for tender results, no dryness.

Make It Your Own: Quick Swaps!

Cerdo asado is a flexible dish that can be tailored to match any flavor, mood, or dietary need. Here are a few tasty ideas to switch things up:

1. Flavor Twists:

• Swap sour orange juice with lime and grapefruit for a citrusy zing
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a deeper tang
• Mix in soy sauce for a savory Cuban-Asian fusion twist

2. Herb & Spice Upgrades:

• Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or cilantro for bold herbal notes
• Try adding smoked paprika or chipotle for a deeper, smokier flavor
• Rub in a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and spicy caramelized crust

3. Low-Carb & Diet Swaps:

• Use leaner pork cuts for a lighter version
• Skip the added oil and use broth in the marinade
• Replace citrus with vinegar and herbs for low-sugar, keto-friendly flavor

Delicious Duos that Go with Cerdo Asado

When serving up juicy cerdo asado, the right side dishes bring out its smoky, citrusy goodness. Here are perfect pairings that round out the meal beautifully:

1. Garlic Mojo Yucca

Tender yucca is boiled until soft, then drizzled with a vibrant garlic mojo sauce made from olive oil, sour orange, and plenty of garlic.

This Cuban classic balances the richness of cerdo asado with its tangy, garlicky punch. The starchy yucca soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every bite bright and satisfying.

2. Cilantro Lime Rice

Light, fluffy rice gets a flavorful upgrade with fresh lime juice, savory broth, and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

The citrusy aroma pairs perfectly with the smoky, citrus-marinated pork, while its refreshing taste keeps the meal balanced. It’s a simple yet zesty side that increases the bold flavors of cerdo asado.

3. Sweet Plantains (Plátanos Maduros)

Golden-fried ripe plantains bring natural sweetness and caramelized edges to the plate, creating a delicious contrast to the savory pork.

Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a comforting side dish that feels indulgent yet traditional. Plátanos maduros round out the meal with warmth, sweetness, and Latin flair.

4. Black Beans with Sofrito

Slow-simmered black beans cooked with a rich sofrito of onions, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes create a hearty, flavorful companion for cerdo asado.

The beans add earthy depth, while the sofrito infuses every spoonful with savory goodness. Paired with rice and pork, they form a classic trio that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Create Your Own Cuban Feast Today!

I still remember the first time I smelled cerdo asado cooking in my kitchen. That rich, smoky aroma filled every corner of my house.

Now here’s the thing – this recipe isn’t just about feeding people. It’s about bringing them together. When you pull that golden, crispy-skinned pork from the oven, you’re creating memories.

Sure, it takes some time. But trust me, every minute is worth it when you see your family’s faces light up at dinner.

This dish has become my go-to for Sunday gatherings and special occasions. It never fails to impress. The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

Ready to bring these bold flavors home? Try this cerdo asado recipe today and share a truly memorable meal with family and friends.