Vegetarian Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder)

Transform your dinner table with this delicious Vegetarian Pernil, a plant-based twist on the classic Puerto Rican roast pork shoulder. Made with succulent young green jackfruit, this vegan-friendly recipe captures the bold, savory flavors of traditional pernil thanks to a vibrant marinade bursting with garlic, smoked paprika, citrus juices, and fresh cilantro. Slow-roasted to perfection, the jackfruit absorbs the rich spices and develops tender, caramelized edges that mimic the texture of roast pork. Perfect for holiday feasts or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with arroz con gandules, beans, or a crisp side salad. Whether you're embracing a vegetarian lifestyle or simply looking for a flavorful meatless alternative, this recipe brings the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine right to your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:95 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 40 oz canned young green jackfruit
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 large garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• 1 medium red onion
• 1 bay leaf

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Drain and rinse the canned jackfruit thoroughly. Cut off the cores if they are too hard.

Step 3

In a blender or food processor, combine garlic cloves, olive oil, paprika, oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and cilantro. Blend until you form a smooth marinade.

Step 4

Place the jackfruit pieces in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss until all pieces are well-coated.

Step 5

Let the jackfruit marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more intense flavor.

Step 6

While marinating, slice the red onion into thin strips.

Step 7

In a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, spread the marinated jackfruit evenly. Add the sliced red onion and bay leaf.

Step 8

Cover the skillet or pan with aluminum foil, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 9

After 45 minutes, remove the foil, stir the jackfruit gently, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. The jackfruit should be tender and the edges slightly caramelized.

Step 10

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve the Vegetarian Pernil with rice, beans, and a side salad for a complete Puerto Rican-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1981.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	904.9

Total Fat 33.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3579.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 139.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.5g	0%
Total Sugars 42.3g
Protein 23.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 665.8mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 7656.7mg	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: 31.4%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 58.8%