It’s a staple across many South Florida homes during the holidays and for Cubans, in particular, La Caja China is basically synonymous with Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). Pork roasts underneath layers of burning coal to create what many consider one of the most tender and flavorful foods in the world.

The name literally translates to “the Chinese box." It is a roasting box made of wood, lined with sheets of aluminum.

“You basically place the meat or whatever you are cooking inside. You close the box and put charcoal on top. On the end panel it gives you instructions on how much to put depending on what model you have and every hour you add charcoal. In about 3 and a half to 4 and a half hours depending on the size of your meat you’ll have it nice and ready to go. Crispy skin!” says Avian G

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