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Best Pernil Recipe

A delicious and juicy slow-roasted pork dish with crispy skin, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4-5 pounds pork shoulder bone-in for maximum flavor
  • 8 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 orange juiced
  • 1 lime juiced

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, paprika, olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, and lime juice.
  2. Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork shoulder in a crosshatch pattern.
  3. Rub the marinade all over the pork, ensuring it gets into the scored areas.
  4. Cover the pork with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  5. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  6. Place the marinated pork shoulder in a roasting pan, skin side up.
  7. Roast for about 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C).
  8. For the last 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) to crisp the skin.
  9. Once cooked, let the pork rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

The longer the pork marinates, the better the flavor will be.