Cooking a whole pig is a challenging task. But as long as you do your homework and have the right equipment, it can be an amazing experience for everyone involved. In this guide, we will show you how to roast a whole pig with easy-to-follow instructions from start to finish!
Have The Right Equipment
Before you start, be sure that you have the right equipment. You will need a large pot or pan that is at least twice as big as the pig itself. You will also need a lot of aluminum foil and some sturdy forks for turning the pig over. However, the most important thing is to choose from the large selection of pig roasters so that you can get the job done right. Here are some other things to not forget:
- A roasting pan that is at least twice the size of the pig
- Enough aluminum foil to cover the entire pig
- A meat thermometer
- At least four sturdy forks
The Preparation
Now that you have all of the necessary equipment, it’s time to start preparing your pig for roasting. Start by removing the innards and discarding them. Rinse the pig inside and out with cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the entire pig with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The next step is to wrap the pig in aluminum foil. Be sure to wrap it tightly so that there are no openings for the smoke and heat to escape. This will help keep it moist and juicy while it cooks. Make sure that you wrap it tightly so that no moisture escapes. Now, place the wrapped pig in your pot or pan and cover it with water. Bring the water to a simmer and cook the pig until it’s cooked through. It should take about four hours.
The Cooking Begins!
Now that your pig is thoroughly prepped, it’s time to start cooking! Remove the water from underneath the pig and discard it. Place a roasting rack in your pot or pan and place the wrapped pig on top of it. Then, put the water back under the pig until there is about an inch of liquid in the bottom of your pan or pot. Bring this mixture to a hard boil over high heat. Use one of your forks to puncture holes all over its skin as well as between its legs and shoulders (if you can reach them). This will prevent blistering as it cooks. When the thickest part of your pig reaches 180 degrees F, it’s time to start basting. Baste the entire pig every 15 minutes with your boiling mixture until its skin is nice and brown. It will take about two hours for this part of the cooking process.
Seasoning Your Pig
It’s time to start seasoning your pig! The more you season your pig, the more flavors it will absorb as it cooks. Start by sprinkling a little bit of salt and pepper over top of the pig. Then, rub some cooking oil all over its skin so that the spices stick. Keep doing this every 15-20 minutes until all of the skin is seasoned evenly. You can also turn on your broiler at this point to help give your pig an even browner color. It should only take about 30 minutes for this part of the process. Don’t be afraid to get creative with how you season these things, either! Some people like adding barbecue sauce or cloves of garlic cut in half to their boiling mixture before basting. Be sure to check your pig for doneness every 15 minutes or so until it’s done cooking.
The Finishing Touches
After two hours of constant basting, test your pig to see if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into its thickest part. If the toothpick goes in without resistance (and without coming out wet), then you’re ready to serve! At this point, remove the aluminum foil and carve up your juicy masterpiece at once before everything cools down! Be sure to save some leftovers in case anybody wants seconds…or thirds! So what are you waiting for? If you’re feening to roast a whole pig, now is a perfect time! You will be glad that you did and so will your friends and family.
Cooking a whole pig can be a daunting task, but as long as you are well-prepared and have the right equipment, it can be an amazing experience for everyone involved. Follow our handy guide for beginners and you will be able to roast an entire pig with ease! Happy roasting!