Whole30 Lechon

Experience the bold flavors of the Philippines with this Whole30 Lechon, a flavorful twist on the classic roasted pork dish made entirely compliant with Whole30 guidelines. This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork shoulder infused with aromatic garlic and lemongrass, while a savory marinade of coconut aminos and apple cider vinegar enhances its rich flavor profile. The real showstopper is the irresistibly crispy, golden-brown skin, achieved through slow roasting and a high-temperature finish. Perfect for special occasions or meal prep, this lechon pairs beautifully with fresh salads or roasted vegetables to keep your meal balanced and satisfying. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this Whole30 Lechon makes it possible to enjoy a traditional delicacy while sticking to your healthy eating goals.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:330 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 5 pounds whole pork shoulder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 10 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 cup coconut aminos
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels, ensuring the skin is dry to achieve a crispy finish.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, lemongrass, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to form a paste.

Step 4

Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the pork shoulder. Stuff a portion of the garlic-lemongrass paste into each incision to infuse the pork with flavor.

Step 5

Rub the remaining paste over the surface of the pork, then drizzle olive oil on top and rub it into the skin and meat evenly.

Step 6

Place onions and bay leaves in the bottom of a roasting pan to form a bed for the pork. Set the prepared pork shoulder on top, skin side up.

Step 7

In a separate bowl, mix coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, and water. Pour this mixture around the base of the pork shoulder in the roasting pan, avoiding wetting the skin.

Step 8

Cover the roasting pan with foil, sealing it well, and place it in the preheated oven.

Step 9

Roast the pork in the oven for 4 hours, basting occasionally with the cooking juices to maintain moisture.

Step 10

After 4 hours, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Continue roasting uncovered for an additional 1 hour, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Step 11

Remove the lechon from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.

Step 12

Slice and serve the Whole30 Lechon with your choice of compliant side dishes, such as a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3191.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6267.6

Total Fat 500.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 174.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1587.6mg	0%
Sodium 19648.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.5g	0%
Total Sugars 52.8g
Protein 387.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 407.8mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 6793.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.7%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 4.9%