Name: Homemade Lechon Manok Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon juice); 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 stalk lemongrass, pounded (optional); Banana leaves (optional for presentation)

Learn how to make a mouthwatering Filipino-style roast chicken, known as Lechon Manok. This recipe will guide you through the process of marinating the chicken with flavorful herbs and spices, roasting it to perfection, and serving it with a delicious dipping sauce. It's a dish that is loved by many and perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe at home and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons calamansi juice (or lemon juice)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 stalk lemongrass, pounded (optional)
Banana leaves (optional for presentation)

Directions

In a bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, calamansi juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated. Add the pounded lemongrass on top. Seal the bag or cover the container, and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking pan with aluminum foil. If desired, line the pan with banana leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the prepared baking pan. Reserve the marinade for basting later.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the Lechon Manok on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, calamansi juice, and sliced chili peppers.
Enjoy the delicious Lechon Manok with steamed rice and a side of vegetables. Savor the flavorful and succulent meat that will surely satisfy your cravings!

Interesting Facts

Lechon Manok is a popular Filipino dish often served during special occasions and celebrations.

The key to a flavorful Lechon Manok is the marinating process, which allows the chicken to absorb the aromatic flavors.

Traditionally, Lechon Manok is roasted over an open fire, but this recipe gives you an option to roast it in the oven for convenience.

Banana leaves are often used in Filipino cooking to enhance the aroma and add a subtle flavor to the dish.

The dipping sauce made with soy sauce, calamansi juice, and chili peppers adds a tangy and spicy kick to the dish.

Lechon Manok pairs well with traditional Filipino condiments like atchara (pickled papaya) and sawsawan (dipping sauces).