Deciding to roast a whole pig is quite a feat and requires a lot of planning for a successful outcome. It may sound like a glorified barbecue, but the details that go into execution and the time and effort it takes to cook properly are no small undertaking.

Pork roast traditionally has its roots in the cultures of the Pacific and Caribbean islands, specifically Hawaii, the Philippines, and Cuba. It is even known to be practiced in some areas of southern China. It is a very common practice for New Year’s celebrations and has been extended to include Christmas, Christmas Eve and even Thanksgiving. Now pork roast has infiltrated mainstream American culture and is often called chopping pork in the Deep South.

As a result, there are several traditional styles for dressing and seasoning your pork, each providing a unique style and flavor in the kitchen. Options and cooking methods should be thoroughly researched before attempting a pork roast on your own, and having an experienced roaster with you can go a long way!

So what important things should be taken into account?

1. Who when? – With a whole pig to roast, you better plan on having a lot of guests. Events this large require enough lead time for people to clear time in their schedules. Decide on a date and start compiling your guest list right away. Send invitations as early as possible so your friends and family know what date to save.
2. How big of a pig? – The average pig will weigh over 100 pounds, which translates into a lot of meat to serve and eat. However, pigs are available in weight ranges, and you can even order a younger, smaller pig for smaller occasions. If you’re not sure what size animal you need, be sure to ask for an estimate of the number of guests when ordering.
3. Extra Help: Having an experienced chef to help out is a great idea. But more than that, cooking a pig takes hours. Be sure to gather enough volunteers so the roast can be seen in turns at all times. Leaving your kitchen unattended could have disastrous results, both for your food and your location.
4. Grilling Kit/Tools – When examining ways to roast a pig, the options can seem as varied as the stars in the sky. Try to take a look at the seasoning you want first before finalizing on a cooking method. Different styles may have different cooking methods, so that can help point you in the right direction. Also, see which method might work best for the space you’ll be using for your party.
5. Seasonings: Each culture that has a tradition of roasting pork has created its own unique flavor styles. Furthermore, these styles have been modified and combined over time to create unique offshoots. You’ll find Hawaiian style, Cuban style, Caja China, Puerto Rican, and even Filipino for starters. You can even buy your pork professionally seasoned and 100% ready to start roasting!
6. Venue location: A large meal and large number of guests may not fit in the average person’s backyard. Start early to visit big places like parks and community centers. Keep in mind that not every location will suit this style of cooking, so do your research thoroughly before selecting a location.
7. Address timing – Because an animal this large takes so long to cook, timing is perhaps the single most important point in making your event a success. Please note the weight of the pig and estimated cooking times based on your specific cooking method. Some cooking styles require more than 24 hours of cooking, while others only need 4-6. Get a firm understanding of how long your pig will require, and plan to have all of your grill helpers ready to go well in advance.
8. Equipment Rental: Not all available venues will come equipped with tables and chairs. Be sure to secure enough rentals for all of your guests, as well as buy any cutlery you need in bulk. Plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery (or plastic items) will need to be purchased in much larger quantities than the total number of guests.
9. Additional Entertainment – ​​While you wait for the big meal to begin, your guests will have plenty of free time. Adults will be happy to mingle and mingle, but the recreational activities will help keep the night running smoothly. If there will be children at your event, they will need a lot to keep them busy.
10. Sides and Drinks – While their amazing asado is the main event, no meal is complete with just one dish! Be sure to include a variety of side dishes and drinks for your guests to choose from, and don’t forget to get enough for everyone. If you also want to cook these dishes at home, make sure you have enough support and hands to accomplish everything.

When in doubt, the best advice you can get is from an experienced roaster. Check out some books from your local bookstore or library. Give enough time to planning and your event will go off without a hitch. Enjoy!