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Pernil

Pernil Perfection: How to Achieve Crispy, Juicy Roast Pork

Pernil, a beloved Puerto Rican roast pork, is the ultimate comfort food known for its crispy skin and juicy meat.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 8 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 10 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 piece Pork Shoulder Bone-in and skin-on
  • 10 cloves Garlic Roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt Divided use
  • 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice Substitute with lemon juice if necessary
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Oregano Fresh preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice Swap in more orange juice if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Dry Adobo Seasoning Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper For best flavor
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with other oils
For Roasting
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth Chicken or beef broth can be used
  • Fresh Herbs Optional garnish for presentation

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Roasting Pan
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pernil
  1. Prepare Marinade: Blend garlic, kosher salt, fresh orange juice, oregano, lime juice, adobo seasoning, black pepper, and olive oil until smooth.
  2. Marinate Pork: Pierce pork shoulder, rub marinade generously, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare roasting pan.
  4. Roast Uncovered: Roast marinated pork skin-side up for 6 to 8 hours until the skin crisps.
  5. Finish on High Heat: Increase temperature to 500°F (260°C) for an additional 30 minutes, checking closely.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let pernil rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 25gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 500mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Serve crispy skin separately alongside tender meat for a satisfying experience. Always monitor internal temperature to ensure optimal results.

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