What is pernil and where does this dish come from?

Pernil is a slow-roasted pork shoulder or leg seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic. It originates from Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisines and is a traditional holiday favorite. Variations of pernil also exist in Cuban cooking. The pork is cooked until tender and often features a flavorful crispy skin called cuero.

How long and at what temperature should I roast pernil for the best results?

For tender pernil, roast it low and slow. A common method is cooking at 300°F for about 6 hours. Alternatively, some prefer 10 hours at 200°F followed by 45 minutes at 350°F to develop a crispy crust. The maximum roasting temperature should not exceed 350°F to keep the pork moist.

What is cuero on pernil, and how can I get it crispy?

Cuero is the crispy skin that forms on the outer layer of pernil during roasting. To achieve crispy cuero, roast the pork uncovered toward the end of cooking and consider scoring the skin beforehand. Applying salt and keeping the skin dry before cooking also helps create that sought-after crunch.

What are traditional side dishes to serve with pernil?

Pernil is often served with Puerto Rican staples like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and mofongo (fried plantain mash). Other popular sides include roasted vegetables, beans, and fresh salads. These complement the rich, flavorful pork and balance the meal well.

How should I store and reheat leftover pernil to keep it flavorful?

Store leftover pernil in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for 4-6 months. To reheat, cover the meat with foil and warm in a low oven until heated through, which helps retain moisture without drying out the pork.

Pernil Recipe Puerto Rican Style Slow Roasted Pork 2024

Name: Pernil
Prep time: 12 h 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 18 h 15 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 1 (7-pound) bone-in or boneless pork shoulder for rich flavor and tenderness; ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil; 12 cloves garlic to add depth and aroma; ¼ cup fresh oregano to add depth and aroma; 1 tablespoon dried oregano to add depth and aroma; 2 tablespoons Adobo seasoning (powdered); 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning); ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for seasoning); Juice of 2 lemons and 1 orange for brightness and tenderizing

Ingredients

Scale

1 (7-pound) bone-in or boneless pork shoulder for rich flavor and tenderness

¼ cup vegetable or canola oil

12 cloves garlic to add depth and aroma

¼ cup fresh oregano to add depth and aroma

1 tablespoon dried oregano to add depth and aroma

2 tablespoons Adobo seasoning (powdered)

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for seasoning)

Juice of 2 lemons and 1 orange for brightness and tenderizing

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Instructions

1-Cover the pork with foil and refrigerate overnight to let those flavors soak in deeply.

2-Bring the pork to room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking to ensure even roasting.

3-Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the pork covered for 3 hours until it’s well on its way to tenderness.

4-Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 3 to 4 hours, checking that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety and perfect texture.

5-For a crispier exterior, crank the oven up to 375°F (190°C) and roast for another 20 to 30 minutes it’s like giving your pernil a golden tan!

6-Let it rest for at least 20 minutes, then pull it apart into chunks and sprinkle with the juice of 2 lemons and 1 orange, seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste.

7-Serve warm or hot, perhaps with sides that complement your dietary needs, like gluten-free grains.

Last Step:

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Notes

🔪 Scoring the fat allows the marinade to deeply flavor the pork.
🥄 Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
🔥 Increasing the oven temperature at the end creates a delicious crispy crust.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 12 hours
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting, marinating
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg