How To Make Puerto Rican Pernil | NYT Cooking

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: pork butt

Chicken thighs are lower in fat, while pork butt is often less expensive than shoulder.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers a healthier fat profile, while vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

adobo seasoning

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: basic spices

A homemade blend can reduce sodium and cost.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds flavor and is often more nutritious.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels.

Make slits in the pork to allow the marinade to penetrate.

Blend garlic, olive oil, adobo seasoning, oregano, cumin, black pepper, vinegar, and orange juice into a marinade.

Rub the marinade all over the pork, ensuring it gets into the slits.

Place bay leaves and onion in the roasting pan, then set the pork on top.

Cover the pan tightly with foil and roast for 3-4 hours until tender.

Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Roast for an additional 30-45 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.

Let the pork rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Serve with rice and beans or in sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary