Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork)

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Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork)

This Pernil recipe delivers tender, juicy pork with a perfectly crispy skin. Marinated in a flavorful blend of sofrito, garlic, and spices, and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 lbs pork shoulder (pernil)
• 6 tablespoons sofrito
• 2 packets sazon
• 3 tablespoons Adobo (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• A drizzle of vinegar
• 3 tablespoons garlic powder
• 8 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cumin

Instructions

1. Clean and Prepare the Pork:

1. Rinse the pork thoroughly about 3 times with a mixture of water and vinegar.
2. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.

2. Season and Marinate:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the sofrito, sazon, Adobo, oregano, vinegar, garlic powder, crushed garlic, black pepper, and cumin.
2. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork, making sure to cover it completely.
3. Place the seasoned pork in a large dish, cover it tightly, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 3 days.

3. Cook the Pork:

1. Take the marinated pork out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Place the pork in a roasting pan, cover it with foil, and roast for about 6 hours.
4. After 6 hours, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C), uncover the pork, and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours.

4. Serve:

1. The pork should be tender, juicy, and the skin (cuerito) crispy.
2. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Cooking Tips

• Marination: Marinating the pork for 3 days allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Cooking Time: Slow cooking is essential to achieve the tender texture and crispy skin.
• No Stabbing: Avoid stabbing the pork to keep the internal juices from escaping, ensuring moist meat.

Enjoy your Pernil, a delicious Puerto Rican roast pork that’s sure to be a hit at any meal!