Cuban lechón asado is roast pork marinated in sour orange juice, garlic, oregano, and other seasonings.
The marinade, commonly called mojo, combines citrus juice with garlic, salt, and spices. Pork is marinated before being slow-roasted until tender, with a browned exterior and strongly flavored meat. Traditional preparations may use a whole young pig for large celebrations, while home cooks often use pork shoulder or another manageable cut.
Lechón asado is central to Cuban festive and family meals, especially around Christmas and other major gatherings. The dish reflects the interaction of Spanish, African, and Caribbean culinary traditions.
It should not be confused with ropa vieja, a shredded beef dish, or vaca frita, which uses fried shredded beef. The word lechón can refer broadly to roast suckling pig, but in Cuban cuisine the associated mojo marinade is a particularly recognizable feature.