DinnerPuerto RicanMedium

Puerto Rican Pernil with Garlic and Crispy Skin

Puerto Rican Pernil is a flavorful roasted pork shoulder, marinated with garlic and herbs, served crispy-skinned. Total time: 4 hours.

Pernil is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and tender texture. The garlic marinade enhances the pork's natural taste.

Why This Recipe Works

Marinade Depth: The garlic and vinegar marinade penetrates the meat, infusing it with robust flavors.
Slow Roasting: Cooking the pork low and slow ensures it becomes tender while allowing the skin to crisp up perfectly.
Resting Period: Letting the pork rest after roasting helps keep the juices intact, resulting in moist slices.

Chef's Pro Tip: For extra crispy skin, ensure the pork is dry before roasting and baste it with its own juices during cooking.

Pinar - MsPinaQ

2026-08-02

Tested in home kitchen

0(0 reviews)

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

240 min

Total Time

260 min

Servings

Directions

1
In a blender, combine garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice to create a marinade.
2
Make several deep cuts in the pork shoulder to allow the marinade to penetrate. Rub the marinade all over the pork.
3
Cover the marinated pork and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
4
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pork in a roasting pan with water in the bottom.
5
Roast the pork for 4 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) for tender meat.
6
Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 30 minutes to crisp the skin.
7
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.