Puerto Rican Pernil Roast Pork Shoulder Recipe

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with this mouthwatering Pernil Roast Pork Shoulder recipe. Tender, juicy pork infused with aromatic garlic, herbs, and spices, roasted to golden perfection, promises a culinary journey to the heart of the Caribbean. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with every succulent bite of this cultural delicacy, destined to become the centerpiece of your next celebration or family gathering.

Rich Cultural Heritage: Pernil is deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culinary tradition and is often served during special occasions and celebrations such as Christmas, New Year's, and family gatherings. This recipe showcases the unique blend of flavors and spices that are characteristic of Puerto Rican cuisine, including ingredients like Adobo seasoning, Sazon seasoning, and fresh herbs like oregano and thyme. It's not just a dish; it's a reflection of Puerto Rican cultural heritage and culinary identity.

Versatile Cooking Method: While this recipe calls for roasting the Pernil in the oven, it's worth noting that Pernil can be cooked using various methods, including grilling, slow cooking, or even smoking. Each method imparts its own distinct flavor and texture to the pork, allowing for flexibility in preparation based on personal preference and available cooking equipment. Whether roasted to perfection in the oven or slow-cooked to tender perfection in a crockpot, Pernil remains a beloved and versatile dish enjoyed by many.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
- While this recipe specifically calls for pork shoulder, you can also use pork leg or pork loin for similar results. However, pork shoulder is traditionally preferred for its tenderness and flavor.
What is Adobo seasoning, and can I substitute it with something else?
- Adobo seasoning is a versatile spice blend commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. If you don't have Adobo seasoning, you can try substituting it with a mixture of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
What is Sazon seasoning, and can I omit it or substitute it with something else?
- Sazon seasoning is a popular seasoning blend used in Spanish and Latin American cooking, typically containing ingredients like garlic, cumin, coriander, and annatto. If you don't have Sazon seasoning, you can omit it or substitute it with a combination of the individual spices listed on the ingredient label.
Can I marinate the Pernil for less than overnight?
- While marinating the pork shoulder overnight allows the flavors to develop fully, if you're short on time, you can marinate it for at least a few hours. However, for the best results, overnight marination is recommended.
Do I need to baste the Pernil while it's roasting?
- No, basting isn't necessary for this recipe. The marinade penetrates the meat and keeps it moist during the roasting process.
Can I roast the Pernil in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
- Yes, you can cook the Pernil in a slow cooker if you prefer. Cook it on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Should I remove the skin before roasting?
- No, it's best to leave the skin on while roasting to help keep the meat moist and flavorful. Plus, roasting the skin will result in a crispy and delicious outer layer.
Can I freeze the leftover Pernil?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover Pernil for future meals. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What sides can I serve with Pernil?
- Traditional Puerto Rican sides like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), tostones (fried plantains), or yuca con mojo (yuca with garlic sauce) complement Pernil well. You can also serve it with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a green salad.
How should I store leftover Pernil?
- Store leftover Pernil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Watch the video recipe

Puerto Rican-style Pernil Roast Pork Shoulder

Ingredients:

1 pork shoulder (about 5-6 pounds)
2 heads of garlic
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp Adobo seasoning
1 packet of Sazon seasoning
2 tsp thyme
1 tsp cumin
1 red onion
1 chicken bouillon cube (Sopita)
2 stems of fresh rosemary
1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Pernil:
- Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Clean the pork shoulder with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
- Use a sharp knife to poke holes all over the pork shoulder. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the meat.
Prepare the Marinade:
- Peel the garlic cloves and place them in a food processor.
- Add salt, oregano, black pepper, Adobo seasoning, Sazon seasoning, thyme, cumin, red onion (chopped), chicken bouillon cube, and the leaves from the rosemary stems to the food processor.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture.
- Drizzle in the olive oil.
- Blend all the ingredients together in the food processor until you have a smooth marinade.
Marinate the Pernil:
- Pour the marinade over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring it gets into the holes you made earlier.
- Cover the pork shoulder and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Roast the Pernil:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Place the marinated pork shoulder in a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Cover the pork shoulder with aluminum foil.
- Roast the pork shoulder in the preheated oven for 4 hours.
Crisp the Skin:
- After 4 hours of roasting, remove the foil covering from the pork shoulder.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Let the pork shoulder roast for an additional 1 hour, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Rest and Serve:
- Once the pork shoulder is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice the Pernil and serve it hot. Enjoy your delicious Puerto Rican-style roast pork!

This recipe yields tender, flavorful Pernil with a crispy skin, perfect for serving with rice, beans, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your meal!