Crispy and Juicy Pernil: Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder

Want the BEST pernil recipe? My Puerto Rican pork shoulder is fall-off-the-bone tender with unbelievably crispy skin. Get my easy seasoning for pernil recipe now!

Alright, let's dive into the glorious world of pernil recipe . Ever had that craving for something unbelievably flavorful, something that just screams "celebration"? Honestly, Puerto Rican roast pork might be the answer!

Pernil: The King of Puerto Rican Feasts

Pernil , a cornerstone of puerto rican cuisine, is slow-roasted pork shoulder . it's the kind of dish that brings families together.

Originating from the heart of puerto rico, this dish embodies the island's vibrant culinary heritage. think christmas dinners or big family gatherings.

It’s that special.

It's a labour of love, but totally worth it. this easy pernil recipe sits at a medium difficulty level. we’re talking around 30 minutes prep.

Don't forget 24- 48 hours marinating time. then, it simmers away in the oven for 6- 8 hours. this spanish pernil recipe will yield around 10-12 servings.

Perfect for a party, right?

Why You'll Obsess Over This Pernil Recipe

Besides tasting amazing, pernil has its perks. Pork shoulder is packed with protein. This is essential for muscle building. Plus, the slow roasting process helps tenderise even the toughest cut.

This pork pernil is the dish for any special occasion. forget boring sunday roasts. this pernil pork shoulder recipe is a showstopper.

What sets it apart? the marinade, my friend. garlic, oregano, cumin. a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Ready to move on to the ingredients list? this seasoning for pernil is magical. it really elevates the pork pernil recipe ! i once forgot the cumin in my marinade.

Never again! it makes such a difference. there are plenty of puerto rican pork recipes to discover, but this one is close to my heart.

Getting that crispy skin just right takes patience. don't crank up the heat too soon, or you'll burn it. ask me how i know.

We're diving deep into pernil in oven territory now, so buckle up!

Alright, let's talk ingredients and equipment for the best pernil recipe ever! Honestly, this is where the magic happens. You know? Get this right, and you're golden.

Main Ingredients for Your Pernil

We are gonna make some seriously good puerto rican roast . you’ll need an 8-10 pound (3.6-4.5 kg) bone-in pork pernil shoulder , skin on.

Make sure the skin is scored. for the marinade, grab 12 cloves of minced garlic. also, you’ll need 1 tbsp of kosher salt, 2 tbsp of dried oregano, 2 tsp of black pepper, 1 tbsp of cumin, 1 tbsp of smoked paprika.

Finally, get ½ cup of olive oil, ½ cup white vinegar, ¼ cup lime juice and orange juice. don't forget 2 cups of water or chicken stock.

Quality matters! The pork pernil shoulder should look pink and fresh. The skin should be relatively smooth. This Spanish Pernil Recipe is simple to cook in the oven.

Seasoning that Sings

The key here is the mojo ! Garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika—it's a flavor explosion. Seriously, don't skimp. For a little extra oomph , try a pinch of cayenne! If you are looking for a seasoning for pernil this is it!

No oregano? Use marjoram. It's similar. Missing lime juice? Lemon will do in a pinch. This easy pernil recipe is super adaptable!

Equipment You’ll Need for a Perfect Pernil

You'll need a large roasting pan with a rack. a sharp knife for scoring the skin is essential. seriously, get a good one.

Oh my gosh, i nearly sliced my finger off once using a dull knife! a meat thermometer is your best friend.

Aim for an internal temperature of 195- 205° f (90- 96° c).

Don't have a roasting rack? use some chopped veggies to lift the pork! no fancy thermometer? use a regular one, but check it often.

This pork pernil pork shoulder will be so good. it will be on your rotation of puerto rican pork recipes .

The best pork pernil recipe is the one that makes you happy! make this pernil in oven .

Alright, let's talk pernil recipe ! seriously, who doesn't love a good puerto rican roast ? it's like, the ultimate comfort food, you know? this spanish pernil recipe is gonna be your new go-to.

Pernil Prep: Get Your Ducks (and Pork) in a Row

Okay, first things first: mise en place , darling! translation? get everything ready. mince that garlic. measure those spices. i'm telling you, organization is key.

This easy pernil recipe becomes even easier when you're not scrambling for ingredients mid-cook. for real, it will save you so much time and stress.

Essential Mise en Place

Before we get down to business, it's all about prep. i usually start by mincing 12 cloves of garlic – trust me, you want that garlicky goodness.

Then, i measure out 1 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp ground cumin and 1 tbsp smoked paprika.

Get your ½ cup of olive oil, ½ cup of white vinegar, ¼ cup of fresh lime juice, and ¼ cup of orange juice ready too.

It sounds like a lot, but it's worth it.

The Crispy Skin Secret

The seasoning for pernil is simple but packed with flavour! we're talking garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika – the works. now, find your pernil pork shoulder (aim for 8-10 pounds).

Score that skin! i cannot stress this enough. use a sharp knife. crosshatch it like you're playing tic-tac-toe on a pig! this is critical for that crispy skin.

Honestly, a dull knife will just make you frustrated. please be careful!

Pernil in Oven: The Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get cooking!

1. Mojo Magic: Mix all the marinade ingredients. Slather it generously all over that pork. Get it in every nook and cranny of those scores!
2. Marinate Time: Bag it up. Shove it in the fridge. Wait 24- 48 hours . The longer, the better. Think of it like a spa day for your pork. Honestly, this is where the magic happens.
3. Oven Time: Preheat that oven to 325° F ( 160° C) . Low and slow, baby!
4. Roast It Up: Place pork, skin side up, on a roasting rack. Add 2 cups water or chicken stock to the pan.
5. Slow and Steady: Roast for 6- 7 hours , until internal temp hits 195- 205° F (90- 96° C) . Use a meat thermometer. It's the only way to know for sure!
6. Crisp It, Baby: Crank that oven to 450° F ( 232° C) . Roast for 15- 30 minutes , watching like a hawk! Don't burn it!
7. Rest Up: Let it rest for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial. Don't skip it!
8. Shred and Serve: Shred that pork pernil with two forks. Serve it up!

Pro Pernil Tips and Tricks

Honestly, getting that skin perfectly crispy can be tricky. try a dry brine the day before. sprinkle the skin with salt and leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight.

Trust me, it works wonders! don't be afraid of the fat! it's what makes it delicious! you've got this! now go make some puerto rican pork recipes ! i usually serve mine with arroz con gandules and some fried plantains.

Recipe Notes That'll Make Your Pernil Sing

Okay, so you're ready to tackle this pernil recipe . but before you dive headfirst into that glorious pork pernil , let's chat about a few things.

I've made this spanish pernil recipe more times than i can count. honestly, each time is a little different. so, here are my personal tips and tricks that’ll take your puerto rican roast to the next level.

Plating and Presentation: Show It Off!

First impressions matter, right? when this pernil pork shoulder comes out, you'll be tempted to dig right in. resist! take a moment.

Shred the pork pernil recipe and arrange it beautifully on a platter. think vibrant colours! a scattering of fresh cilantro or a few lime wedges will make it pop.

Serve it on a rustic wooden board. it elevates the whole experience.

What to Serve With Your Masterpiece

You know that the easy pernil recipe deserves the best accompaniments. arroz con gandules is a must-have. seriously, that's non-negotiable in my book.

Some tostones (fried plantains) are also pretty amazing. a simple green salad adds a refreshing counterpoint. don’t forget drinks. maybe a cold beer?

Storage: Save It for Later (If There's Any Left!)

Leftover puerto rican pork recipes ? lucky you! it never lasts long at my house. if you do manage to save some, refrigerate it in an airtight container.

It’ll keep for 3-4 days. for longer storage, freeze it. thaw it overnight in the fridge, and then reheat it gently.

If you are doing it pernil in oven preheated to 300° f ( 149° c) and warm it up for about 15 - 20 minutes.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Want to kick things up a notch? add a chopped habanero to the seasoning for pernil . i did this once for a family barbeque.

People were sweating. it was hilarious and tasty.

Nutrition: A Little Indulgence

Okay, let's be real. this isn't exactly health food. but, hey, life's too short to skip out on deliciousness, you know? each serving has around 600-800 calories.

Plenty of protein though, like 50-60g! the slow cooking method helps break down the collagen in the pork shoulder, making it more tender and digestible.

This is not an end. The Pernil recipe is a journey! Enjoy every step. Don't be afraid to experiment. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is pernil and why should I try this pernil recipe?

Pernil is a classic Puerto Rican dish featuring a slow-roasted pork shoulder. Think of it as the king of Sunday roasts, offering fall-apart tender meat and irresistibly crispy skin. This pernil recipe brings that authentic flavor right to your kitchen, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy winter gathering. It's so good, even Mary Berry would be impressed!

How do I get the skin on my pernil recipe really crispy? I'm talking proper "chicharrón" level!

Achieving that perfect "chicharrón" skin is all about drying it out and using high heat. Score the skin deeply, dry brine with salt overnight in the fridge uncovered, and make sure to pat the skin dry before roasting. Blast it with high heat (around 450°F / 232°C) at the end of the cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Think of it like sunbathing – you want a nice, even tan (or crisp) without getting burnt to a crisp!

Can I prepare the pernil recipe ahead of time? I'm planning a big party.

Absolutely! In fact, marinating the pernil for 24-48 hours is highly recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can roast the pernil a day ahead of time, let it cool completely, and refrigerate it. Reheat it in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) until warmed through, then crank up the heat at the end to re-crisp the skin. Doing this is a smart way to remove some stress from your party day.

I don't have all the ingredients for the marinade. Are there any substitutions I can make in this pernil recipe?

While the classic marinade is best, some substitutions are possible. Apple cider vinegar can stand in for white vinegar. Pineapple juice can be used instead of orange juice, but will impart a slightly sweeter flavor. Don't skip the garlic, oregano, and salt, as these are crucial to the authentic taste. Think of it like baking a Victoria Sponge – you can swap the jam, but you still need flour, sugar, and eggs!

How long will leftover pernil last, and what's the best way to store it?

Leftover pernil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It's best reheated in a low oven or skillet to retain its moisture. You can also shred the leftovers and use them in tacos, sandwiches, or even as a topping for pizza – talk about a taste sensation!

Is pernil healthy? What are the nutritional considerations for this pernil recipe?

Pernil is a flavorful dish, but it is also high in fat and calories, mainly due to the pork shoulder cut. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Serving it with healthy sides like a fresh salad and focusing on leaner portions can help. You can also trim off some of the excess fat after cooking. Remember, everything in moderation – even delicious pernil!

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