Roast Pork Pernil Puerto Rican Style

Experience the bold and authentic flavors of Puerto Rico with this Roast Pork Pernil recipe, a succulent, slow-roasted pork shoulder brimming with garlic, herbs, and spices. Infused with a vibrant marinade of garlic, lime, oregano, paprika, and adobo seasoning, the pork is tenderized overnight to ensure maximum flavor absorption. The result? Juicy, fall-apart-tender meat and crispy, golden skin achieved through a high-heat finishing roast. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this traditional Puerto Rican dish pairs beautifully with rice and beans or other hearty sides. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or craving a taste of the Caribbean, Pernil is a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as flavorful as it is unforgettable.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:320 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 6 lbs Pork shoulder (bone-in)
• 8 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 tbsp White vinegar
• 2 tbsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Ground oregano
• 1 tbsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
• 1 piece Lime

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pork shoulder under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the skin and fatty layer of the pork in a crisscross pattern, making sure not to cut into the meat beneath.

Step 2

Prepare the marinade: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, combine garlic cloves, olive oil, white vinegar, salt, black pepper, ground oregano, paprika, cumin, and adobo seasoning to create a paste.

Step 3

Rub the marinade thoroughly onto the pork, ensuring you work it into the cuts of the scored skin. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the pork and rub it in for added flavor.

Step 4

Place the pork in a large container, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for best flavor penetration.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the pork out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 6

Place the pork in a roasting pan, skin-side up. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and roast for 4 hours, basting the pork with its own juices every hour to keep it moist.

Step 7

Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Remove the foil and roast the pork for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the skin becomes golden and crispy.

Step 8

Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with rice, beans, or your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2955.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7218.1

Total Fat 575.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 195.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1905.1mg	0%
Sodium 17121.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 35.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 2.0g
Protein 495.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 480.8mg	0%
Iron 40.6mg	0%
Potassium 7925.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 70.9%

Protein: 27.1%

Carbs: 1.9%