PERNIL (Roast Pork Puerto Rican Style) | Delish D'Lites | Puerto Rican Dishes

pork shoulder

🥗Healthier: turkey breast

💰Cheaper: pork loin

Turkey is leaner and pork loin is less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

orange juice

🥗Healthier: fresh grapefruit juice

💰Cheaper: canned orange juice

Grapefruit juice is lower in sugar, while canned juice is more affordable.

adobo seasoning

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: individual spices

Homemade blends can be healthier and using individual spices can save money.

Remove the fat cap from the picnic shoulder using a sharp knife and set it aside.

Place the picnic shoulder inside a roasting pan.

Smash the garlic using a molcajete (or similar tool).

Add adobo seasoning, oregano, and black pepper to the smashed garlic.

Optionally, add Sofrito for extra herby flavor and some color.

Rub the garlic and spice marinade all over the pork, making sure to cut slits in it and tuck some garlic pieces inside.

Place the fat cap back on top of the pork to keep it juicy while roasting.

Season the skin with salt and olive oil, rubbing it in until the salt dissolves.

Wrap the pork in aluminum foil and roast at 350°F (177°C) for 3.5 hours.

After 3.5 hours, roast uncovered at 350°F (177°C) for an additional hour to achieve crispy skin.

If the skin is not crispy after roasting, place the pork in an air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: