Pernil (Puerto Rican Pork Shoulder)

Jun 07, 2023June 7, 20230 13

Delicious Pernil recipe, a traditional Puerto Rican dish perfect for any occasion

by The Chefin Main

Prep

15 min

Cook

240 min

Ready In

255 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	8 lbs picnic pork shoulder
	12 minced garlic cloves
	1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
	1/2 teaspoon black pepper
	3 tablespoons olive oil
	3 tablespoons white vinegar
	8 teaspoons salt ( or 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of meat if you are using a smaller cut of meat )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

346

Sugar

Fat

28g

Pernil is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is often served at holidays and special occasions. This flavorful and juicy pork dish is marinated in a tangy blend of garlic, oregano, and vinegar, giving it a distinctive taste that is sure to impress. The recipe itself is fairly simple, but it does require a few hours of slow cooking to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Whether serving a large crowd or just cooking for a few, pernil is a delicious and versatile dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2.	With a sharp knife, make small slits all over the pork shoulder.
3.	In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, olive oil, white vinegar, and salt.
4.	Rub the mixture all over the pork, making sure to get it into the slits.
5.	Place the pork shoulder in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan.
6.	Cover and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
7.	Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

Pernil is a flavorful and juicy dish that can be served as the main course for any occasion.

The combination of garlic, oregano, and vinegar adds a distinctive tanginess to the pork, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal.

It can also be made in advance and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

CONS

Pernil is a fairly fatty cut of meat, which means it is not the healthiest option for those watching their fat and calorie intake.

It is also a time-consuming recipe that requires a few hours of cooking, so it may not be the best option for those short on time.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While pernil may not be the healthiest option, it does offer some nutritional benefits.
Pork is a good source of protein, B vitamins, and zinc, all of which are important for overall health and wellbeing.
The garlic in this recipe has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to any meal.