Turning Leftover Lechon from the Holidays into Culinary Masterpieces

The holiday season in the Philippines is synonymous with festive celebrations, and no feast is complete without the iconic Lechon Baboy. This roasted whole pig is a culinary masterpiece, renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat. Locals often go to great lengths to find the best lechon, with places like Cebu and La Loma in Quezon City being hailed as havens for this delicious dish.

During Noche Buena and New Year's Eve, many families indulge in the tradition of serving lechon. However, the joyous celebrations can leave a lingering issue – what to do with the leftover lechon? Instead of letting it go to waste, let's explore some creative and mouthwatering recipes to transform those leftovers into delectable dishes.

1. Lechon Paksiw

Lechon Paksiw is a sweet and savory Filipino dish made by stewing leftover lechon in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Bay leaves
• Peppercorns

Procedure: 

• Simmer lechon in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns until the flavors meld into a rich sauce.

Source: maggi.ph

Also read: 10 DELICIOUS RECIPES USING LEFTOVER ROASTED OR FRIED CHICKEN FROM THE HOLIDAYS

2. Lechon Sisig

Lechon Sisig is a sizzling dish that involves chopping leftover lechon into bits and sautéing it with onions, garlic, and chili peppers.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Onions
• Garlic
• Chili peppers
• Calamansi
• Mayonnaise

Procedure: Sauté chopped lechon with onions, garlic, and chili peppers. Add calamansi and mayonnaise for a creamy finish.

Source: kawalingpinoy.com

 

3. Pork Roast with Mushroom Gravy

Turn leftover lechon into a classic Pork Roast with Mushroom Gravy by roasting it again and serving it with a savory mushroom sauce.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Mushrooms
• Butter
• Flour
• Chicken broth
• Thyme

Procedure: Roast lechon until crispy. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms in butter, add flour to make a roux, and then pour in chicken broth. Add thyme for flavor.

Source: angsarap.net

Also read: MANILA'S TOP 5 LECHON PICKS TO ELEVATE YOUR NOCHE BUENA

4. Lechon Fried Rice

Elevate your fried rice by incorporating leftover lechon, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Cooked rice
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Peas and carrots
• Green onions

Procedure: Sauté garlic, add chopped lechon, then mix in cooked rice, soy sauce, peas, carrots, and green onions.

Source: angsarap.net

5. Binagoongang Lechon

Combine the flavors of bagoong (shrimp paste) and lechon in this unique and savory dish.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Eggplant, sliced
• Bagoong
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Sugar
• Siling haba
• 2 tbs. vinegar
• All purpose cream
• 1 cup water

Procedure: Fry the sliced eggplant in oil until golden brown, and set aside, Sauté lechon with bagoong, tomatoes, onions, and sugar and the vinegar until the flavors meld together. Add water, and let it simmer. Add the all purpose cream, and let it simmer again before serving.

Source: maggi.ph

Also read: INDULGING IN FESTIVE FEASTS: A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH MANILA'S 5 PREMIER HOTEL BUFFETS

6. Pinakbet with Lechon

Enhance the traditional Pinakbet by adding the rich taste of lechon.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Vegetables (eggplant, bitter gourd, squash)
• Shrimp paste
• Tomatoes
• Onions

Procedure: Sauté lechon and vegetables with shrimp paste, tomatoes, and onions for a flavorful twist.

Source: maggi.ph

7. Lechon Bicol Express

Spice up Bicol Express by incorporating leftover lechon into this coconut milk-based dish.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Coconut milk
• Shrimp paste
• Green chilies
• Garlic

Procedure: Cook lechon with coconut milk, shrimp paste, green chilies, and garlic until it reaches a creamy consistency.

Source: panlasangpinoy.com

Also read: EXPLORING KANTO FREESTYLE BREAKFAST: A GOURMET TWIST ON FILIPINO FAVORITES

8. Pancit Canton with Lechon

Upgrade your Pancit Canton by adding the savory goodness of lechon.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Pancit Canton noodles
• Vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell peppers)
• Garlic, crushed
• Onion, chopped
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Ground black pepper
• Water

Procedure: Saute garlic and onion. Add the lechon and vegetables. Pour water and add soy sauce and ground black pepper. Let it simmer. Mix in cooked Pancit Canton noodles and soy sauce.

Source: maggi.ph

9. Ginisang Monggo with Lechon

Infuse the earthy flavors of monggo (mung beans) with the richness of lechon.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Mung beans
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Spinach

Procedure: Cook lechon with mung beans, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach for a hearty and nutritious dish.

Source: kawalingpinoy.com

10. Chopsuey with Lechon

Turn the classic Chopsuey into a meat lover's delight by adding leftover lechon.

Ingredients:

• Leftover lechon
• Mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, Baguio beans, chayote, bell peppers)
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Cornstarch

Procedure: Stir-fry lechon and mixed vegetables, then add oyster sauce and soy sauce for a flavorful Chopsuey. Add the melted cornstarch.

Source: lacocinaenlared.wordpress.com

Don't let leftover lechon go to waste. Try these recipes to transform them into delightful creations that will continue the holiday celebration in your kitchen. Each dish brings a unique twist to familiar flavors, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of Filipino culinary excellence.