Pernil Recipe Puerto Rican Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Name: Pernil
Prep time: PT-491578H43M12S
Cook time: PT-491578H13M12S
Total time: PT-491578H13M12S
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: – 7-pound pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless); – ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil; – 12 cloves garlic; – ¼ cup fresh oregano; – 1 tablespoon dried oregano; – 2 tablespoons Adobo seasoning powder; – 1 tablespoon paprika; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning later); – ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for seasoning later); – Juice of 2 lemons; – Juice of 1 orange

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

January 19, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This Pernil

Pernil is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings families together, especially during holidays. This Puerto Rican style slow roasted pork shoulder stands out for its ease of preparation, making it ideal for home cooks who want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine pulling tender, juicy pork straight from the oven, ready to wow your guests with minimal effort.

One of the best parts is the health benefits packed into every bite. Made with wholesome ingredients like lean pork, which provides essential proteins and vitamins, this recipe supports a balanced diet for busy parents and working professionals. For those mindful of their intake, adaptations keep it versatile for diet-conscious individuals, like using herbs that add flavor without excess calories.

This pernil’s distinctive flavor comes from a blend of aromatic herbs and spices that create a rich, savory taste you’ll crave. Its adaptability shines through, as it easily fits various lifestyles, from students looking for quick meals to seniors seeking comforting classics. Whether you’re a food enthusiast exploring new tastes or newlyweds building traditions, this dish promises memorable moments around the table.

Beyond its taste, pernil offers flexibility for different dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. For instance, you can tweak the recipe for gluten-free options or reduce oils for a lighter version. This makes it perfect for travelers adapting to new kitchens or baking enthusiasts experimenting with sides what a way to store leftovers for future meals, turning one recipe into several.

Benefits for Everyday Life

Let’s talk about how this pernil fits into your routine. For busy parents, the simple steps mean dinner is ready with just a bit of planning. Students will appreciate the hands-off cooking time, allowing them to study while the oven does the work. Plus, its hearty nature satisfies food enthusiasts without needing fancy tools.

Another angle is its role in creating lasting memories. I remember my first time making pernil it turned a regular Sunday into a family favorite, with everyone asking for seconds. This recipe has that magic, blending tradition with ease to inspire joy in cooking.

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Essential Ingredients for Pernil

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making authentic Puerto Rican pernil. Below is a comprehensive list based on this traditional recipe, ensuring you have everything needed for a flavorful outcome. I’ll break it down into main ingredients for clarity, so you can shop and prep with ease.

7-pound pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
12 cloves garlic
¼ cup fresh oregano
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons Adobo seasoning powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning later)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for seasoning later)
Juice of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 orange

This structured list covers all the essentials, making it simple to follow. Each item is measured precisely to help you achieve the best results, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

Special Dietary Options

If you’re adapting for dietary needs, consider these tweaks. For a vegan version, swap the pork with jackfruit to keep that tender texture. Always check that spices like Adobo are gluten-free if needed, ensuring your pernil stays inclusive and delicious for all.

How to Prepare the Perfect Pernil: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect pernil starts with careful prep, turning a simple pork shoulder into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Begin by scoring the fat on the 7-pound pork shoulder in a criss-cross pattern, making about 20 slits that are 1 inch deep across the meat this helps the flavors seep in deeply.

Next, mix together the oil, garlic, fresh and dried oregano, Adobo seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to form a robust rub. Rub this mixture all over the pork, ensuring it gets into those slits for maximum taste. Cover the pork with foil and let it marinate in the fridge overnight to lock in those flavors.

Before cooking, let the pork sit at room temperature for about an hour to cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 300°F and bake the covered pork for 3 hours. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 3 to 4 hours until it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

To get that irresistible crispy crust, crank the oven up to 375°F and bake for 20 to 30 more minutes until nicely browned. After cooking, let it rest for at least 20 minutes, then pull the meat into chunks using forks, sprinkle with the juice of the lemons and orange, and season with a bit more salt and pepper if desired. Serve it warm for the best experience, and for more ideas on what pairs well, check out ways to enhance your pernil.

Tips for Smooth Cooking

One helpful trick is to baste the pork halfway through to keep it moist. This step ensures every bite is juicy, making it a hit for family gatherings. Remember, patience is key with slow roasting it’s all about that tender fall-apart texture.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Pernil

Making pernil your own is easy with a few smart swaps. For the main protein, you can replace the pork shoulder with jackfruit or seitan for a vegan option that still feels hearty and satisfying.

When it comes to seasonings, try swapping oregano with fresh cilantro for a brighter twist. If you’re going gluten-free, use tamari instead of any soy-based sauces, and add veggies like bell peppers as sides to balance the dish.

For those watching calories, opt for leaner cuts or cut back on oil. These changes keep the pernil versatile for everyone, from working professionals to travelers experimenting abroad.

Mastering Pernil: Advanced Tips and Variations

Technique	Benefit
Use a slow cooker	Provides precise temperature for extra tenderness
Add smoked paprika	Brings a smoky flavor to elevate the taste
Garnish with herbs	Enhances presentation for a fresh, appealing look

These pro techniques can take your pernil to the next level. For make-ahead meals, marinate overnight and prep sides early to save time on busy days. Experimenting with flavors like chipotle adds a fun twist for food enthusiasts.

Variations for Different Tastes

If you’re a baking enthusiast, pair pernil with homemade sides. Travelers might adapt it with local herbs, making it a global favorite.

How to Store Pernil: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your pernil fresh and tasty. Store cooked pernil in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it within 3-4 days to maintain quality.

For longer preservation, wrap it tightly in foil and put it in a freezer-safe bag; it can last up to 3 months. When reheating, use the oven or microwave gently to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Meal prep is simpler if you portion it before freezing, helping busy schedules run smoothly. This way, you always have a quick, delicious option on hand.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Pernil

What is pernil and where is it popular?

Pernil is a slow-roasted pork shoulder or leg, seasoned with garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. It is a traditional dish in Puerto Rico, widely enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. Variations of pernil also exist in the Dominican Republic and Cuba, each with unique seasoning differences, but the method of slow roasting for tender, flavorful meat remains consistent.

How long should I cook pernil for the best tenderness?

For tender pernil, roast it low and slow—typically about 6 hours at 300°F or longer at lower temperatures, such as 10 hours at 200°F, followed by a short period at a higher temperature to crisp the skin. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

What is the “cuero” on pernil and how do I get it crispy?

The “cuero” is the crispy, crackling pork skin on pernil, prized for its crunch and flavor. To achieve this, roast the pork skin uncovered at higher temperatures toward the end of cooking. Scoring the skin and drying it beforehand with salt can help render the fat and crisp up the crust.

Can I make pernil in a slow cooker?

You can cook pernil in a slow cooker, which produces tender meat, but it typically won’t have the crispy skin that traditional oven roasting provides. If using a slow cooker, consider finishing the pork under a broiler or in a hot oven to crisp the skin before serving.

What are traditional side dishes served with pernil?

Traditional Puerto Rican side dishes with pernil include arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), mofongo (mashed plantains), and tostones (fried plantain slices). These sides complement the rich, savory flavor of the pork and create a well-rounded meal.

Pernil Recipe Puerto Rican Style Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder