Pernil (Slow-Roasted Pork)

Pernil (Slow-Roasted Pork)
  • PREP TIME
    20 mins
  • COOK TIME
    5 hrs 30 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    6 hrs
  • SERVING
    16 People
  • VIEWS
    54

Indulge in the captivating flavors of Pernil, a Puerto Rican masterpiece. This slow-roasted pork shoulder, infused with aromatic spices and herbs, transforms into a succulent and tender delight with irresistibly crispy skin. Perfect for festive gatherings or a memorable family meal.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    3 g
  • Cholesterol
    101 mg
  • Fiber
    0 g
  • Protein
    26 g
  • Saturated Fat
    9 g
  • Sodium
    1171 mg
  • Sugar
    0 g
  • Fat
    25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). (5 minutes)

02

Step

Thoroughly rub the pork shoulder with the lime halves, ensuring the entire surface is coated. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Using a mortar and pestle, or a food processor, mash the garlic cloves into a smooth paste. Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl. (10 minutes)

04

Step

In the bowl with the garlic paste, add the salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, black pepper, adobo seasoning, and vinegar. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a homogenous paste. (5 minutes)

05

Step

Carefully pull the skin back from the pork shoulder, leaving about 1 inch attached near the narrowest part of the bone. (5 minutes)

06

Step

Using a sharp knife, create 3/4-inch deep slits all over the exposed pork shoulder. These slits will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. (15 minutes)

07

Step

Generously stuff the seasoned garlic paste into each of the slits you've made. Ensure each slit is well-filled with the aromatic mixture. Once filled, pull the skin back into its original position, covering the seasoned pork. (10 minutes)

08

Step

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil with the sazón seasoning. (2 minutes)

09

Step

Rub the sazón oil mixture all over the pork skin, ensuring an even coating for a beautiful color and crispy texture. (5 minutes)

10

Step

Transfer the prepared pork shoulder to a large roasting pan. Pour the beer into the bottom of the pan, being careful not to wash off the seasoning on the pork. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil, creating a secure seal to trap the moisture. (5 minutes)

11

Step

Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches slightly pink. (180 minutes)

12

Step

Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the aluminum foil and continue roasting for another 2 1/2 hours, or until the skin is golden brown, deeply crispy, and the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). (150 minutes)

13

Step

Remove the Pernil from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast. (10 minutes)

For an even more intense flavor, marinate the pork shoulder with the spice paste for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
If the skin starts to brown too quickly during the final roasting stage, loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Serve the Pernil with traditional Puerto Rican sides such as arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), tostones (fried plantains), and a fresh salad.

Ashleigh Bode

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 5.0/ 5 ( 18 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (10)
  • Cody Conn

    I've made Pernil before, but this recipe is by far the best. The crispy skin is addictive!

  • Cloyd Stanton

    I used a Dutch oven instead of a roasting pan, and it worked great!

  • Belle Auer

    Next time, I'm going to try marinating the pork overnight for even more flavor.

  • Oleta Stanton

    The garlic paste is the key! It really infuses the pork with so much flavor.

  • Maryjane Weber

    This recipe is a game changer! The flavors are incredible, and the pork was so tender.

  • Shanny Dibbert

    This recipe is perfect for a party! It's impressive and delicious.

  • Francisca Cormier

    Be patient with the cooking time. It's worth the wait!

  • Dolores Leuschke

    My family devoured this! It's definitely going to be a regular dish in our house.

  • Braden Pfeffer

    The only change I made was to add a little orange juice to the marinade. It added a nice sweetness.

  • Ofelia Swift

    Don't skip the step of making slits in the pork. It's essential for getting the flavor deep inside.

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